The first signs of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not always obvious. A foggy memory here. A strange sensitivity to light. Words that used to come easily now just sit in the back of your throat. If someone has been in a car accident and experienced some of these signs, they could be the result of a concussion.
Following a significant decline in 2020, likely due to pandemic restrictions, Ontario emergency department visits for neurotrauma have been steadily increasing for the last three years. While not all of these visits stem from motor vehicle accidents, many do.
Brain damage caused by a car accident is not only common, it is complex, disruptive, and sometimes misunderstood.
If you or someone you love is navigating a potential brain injury after a crash, the information below is for you. We’ll walk through what happens during a brain injury, how a car accident lawyer can help, and what to expect if you’re considering a claim.
How Can a Car Accident Damage the Brain?
Brain tissue is well protected, but it’s also vulnerable to sudden force. During a collision, the brain can shift violently inside the skull. This movement—often referred to as a “brain bounce”—can stretch or tear delicate axons, disrupt blood flow, or cause swelling. Injuries like diffuse axonal injury or closed head injuries often don’t leave visible signs but can still cause lasting harm.
More severe trauma, such as open head injuries or skull fractures, may involve penetration or bleeding, sometimes leading to long-term neurological damage. Whether from blunt impact, whiplash, or a combination of forces, even low-speed accidents can cause meaningful disruption to brain cells and normal brain function.
What Are the Signs of Brain Injury?
TBI symptoms vary widely. Some show up immediately. Others appear gradually over days or weeks. In the case of a mild TBI, symptoms might include difficulty concentrating, headaches, emotional symptoms such as irritability, or sleep disruption. Moderate or severe TBI symptoms can include slurred speech, persistent confusion, motor coordination issues, or emotional changes that interfere with daily life.
It’s not unusual for these symptoms to be dismissed, by others or by the injured person themselves, as stress or fatigue, until worsening symptoms become impossible to ignore. That’s one of the reasons brain injuries are so often overlooked. But early recognition and diagnosis can make a difference in both recovery and legal outcomes. A neurological exam is often the first step toward understanding the full scope of the injury.
Can a Car Accident Cause Permanent Brain Damage?
Yes. And while not every brain injury leads to permanent deficits, the possibility is real, especially with a severe traumatic brain injury.
In some cases, individuals are unable to return to work, care for themselves, or maintain their previous quality of life.
How Much Compensation Is Available?
There’s no one-size-fits-all figure for a brain injury settlement. The value of a claim depends on many factors: the severity of the injury, the extent of medical care required, the projected recovery timeline, and the ways in which the injury affects your ability to earn income and live independently.
If another party was at fault, a personal injury claim can help secure compensation beyond what’s available through an accident benefits claim. At Kalsi & Associates, our car accident lawyers work to ensure that both current and future needs are accounted for in your claim(s).
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Brain Injury?
Don’t ignore symptoms. Even if they seem minor. Even if others downplay them.
Seek immediate medical attention and keep a written record of changes in mood, memory, or function, and don’t hesitate to request a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
From a legal perspective, documenting your symptoms and diagnosis early creates a much stronger foundation for any future claim.
How Kalsi & Associates Can Help
Brain injury claims are not simple. They’re medically complex, often contested by insurers, and emotionally difficult for the injured person and their family. These aren’t just personal injury files—they’re stories of interrupted careers, changed relationships, and altered futures.
At Kalsi & Associates, we approach brain injury claims with the seriousness they deserve. Our team brings together legal experience and a client-first approach.
If you’re unsure where to start—or just need someone to explain your options—we’re here for that too. Our car accident lawyers serve Mississauga and surrounding regions across Ontario. Book a free consultation today.
