After a car crash, it is natural to feel shaken, confused or even grateful to walk away without visible injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are not always obvious. They do not always involve a loss of consciousness or visible head trauma.
You may just feel a little “off” or complain of headaches, memory trouble or mood swings. These symptoms are often dismissed or misunderstood. Sadly, this delay in recognition can make healing harder, leaving you without the support you need.
When TBIs don’t show up right away
If you were recently in a crash and do not feel like yourself, do not ignore those feelings. Some people notice changes the next day. Others do not feel different until a week or more has passed.
You may be having headaches that will not go away, feeling unusually forgetful or struggling to sleep. Maybe you have been more emotional than normal or feel like you just cannot focus. Traumatic brain injuries can take many forms. Here is what you need to know:
- Symptoms can be delayed: Common signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, memory problems or sleep issues. Emotional changes like anxiety or depression may also appear.
- You do not need to hit your head: A sudden jolt can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to injury without a direct blow.
- Florida’s no-fault insurance is not always enough: Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may not fully handle the long-term costs of a TBI.
- Medical care is essential: Even if symptoms are mild, early diagnosis can prevent long-term damage.
- Legal time limits matter: Florida law gives you two years from the accident date to seek compensation. If you act early enough, you can protect your rights.
Every TBI experience is different. So, paying attention to your body and mind is very important. What looks like a small issue today could develop into something much harder to manage.
You deserve to feel heard, supported and informed after an accident, especially when the injury is not easy to see. Knowing the signs, getting medical help and understanding your legal rights can make a world of difference. You are not expected to handle everything on your own. There are legal professionals who can guide you through it every step of the way.