A car crash can injure your brain even when you do not hit your head on anything. The force of a sudden stop or impact can move the brain inside the skull and damage nerve cells. These are called traumatic brain injuries, and they range from mild concussions to injuries that cause lasting changes in memory, thinking, mood and movement.

Why brain injuries are often missed

Many people feel shaken but otherwise fine right after a crash, and adrenaline can hide symptoms for hours or days. Some brain injuries do not appear on a standard CT scan. For that reason, it is important to see a doctor after any crash that involved a head impact, a jolt or a loss of consciousness, even if you feel you can wait.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms can start right away or appear days later. Watch for:

• Headaches that do not go away or keep getting worse
• Confusion, feeling dazed or foggy
• Memory problems, including trouble remembering the crash or recent events
• Dizziness, nausea or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Trouble concentrating, or sleeping much more or less than usual
• Changes in mood, irritability or anxiety

If you notice any of these, tell your doctor about all of them, and do not ignore them because they seem minor. A doctor can decide what testing and follow-up you need.

Treatment and recovery

Recovery from a brain injury can take weeks, months or longer. Treatment may include rest, follow-up with a neurologist, neuropsychological testing, physical or occupational therapy, and help managing symptoms. Keep every appointment, follow the treatment plan you are given, and keep a daily journal of symptoms and how they affect work and home life. Those notes can be important later.

How New Jersey claims handle brain injuries

In most New Jersey car accident cases, a claim for pain and suffering depends on meeting the state’s injury threshold. A permanent injury can meet that threshold, but a physician must certify it in writing, based on objective clinical evidence. This is one reason why medical records, imaging and specialist evaluations matter so much in brain injury cases.

Your New Jersey auto policy may also include personal injury protection (PIP), which pays medical bills up to $250,000 per person per accident, depending on the limit on your policy. Serious brain injuries can exceed that amount, so other sources, such as health insurance and a claim against the at-fault driver, may be needed.

Evidence to keep

• The police crash report, which you can request as described in our guide to getting your New Jersey crash report
• Every medical record, test result and prescription
• A symptom journal, with dates and how each symptom affected your day
• Records of missed work, lost income and out-of-pocket costs
• Photos of the scene and the names of any witnesses

Deadline to file

In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some claims against public entities have shorter notice deadlines. See our guide to New Jersey filing deadlines.

Brain injury FAQs

Can I still have a brain injury if my CT scan was normal?

Yes. Some brain injuries do not show on a standard CT scan. Symptoms, neurological testing and follow-up care all help a doctor understand what is happening.

How long after a crash can symptoms appear?

Symptoms can start right away or develop over days or weeks. If you have new symptoms after a crash, see a doctor promptly.

Should I talk to an insurance adjuster about my brain injury?

You are not required to give a recorded statement, and it is often wise to speak with a lawyer first. Adjusters may ask questions that affect your claim before your medical picture is clear.

Do I need a lawyer for a brain injury claim?

Brain injury claims often involve complex medical records, long-term care and disputes about fault. A lawyer can work with your medical providers and the insurers while you focus on recovery. Attorney Blaise Richards lives in Cherry Hill and offers a free consultation, with no fee unless we win.

This article is general information and is not legal or medical advice. Every case depends on its facts. Related: Cherry Hill catastrophic injury lawyer · Cherry Hill car accident lawyer

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