|
|
Last Modified on Mar 19, 2026
If you walked out of an accident, you might be wondering if the headache you have might be one of the signs of a traumatic brain injury after a car crash in Michigan. It’s true that what might feel minor in the moment can develop into a serious and life-changing condition in the hours or days that follow. However, the team at Wigod & Falzon is here to support you in the wake of your car accident, from day one.
About Us
At Wigod & Falzon, our mission is simple: deliver strong results with integrity. For more than 25 years, we’ve represented clients across 50 Michigan cities, achieving over $7.5 million in recoveries in 2023 alone.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries After a Crash
Over 10 million Americans sustained a brain injury in 2023. That’s about 3% of all Americans. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts the way the brain normally works. In a car accident, this can occur if your head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or even if the force of the collision causes your brain to move sharply inside your skull.
In Michigan, drivers and passengers injured in a crash could qualify for no-fault benefits, regardless of who was at fault. However, when a brain injury is serious, these benefits might not cover all the costs, making it necessary to pursue additional compensation through a TBI claim. An experienced Michigan traumatic brain injury attorney can help explain your rights and guide you through the process.
Early Physical Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
In the hours immediately following a crash, your body could still be flooded with adrenaline, which can mask symptoms that would otherwise signal a serious problem. However, these warning signs can quickly become critical. That’s why prompt medical attention is so important, not only for treatment, but also to link your injury to your accident. Some common symptoms could include:
- Persistent headaches or worsening migraines
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or unusual drowsiness
Even a so-called mild concussion can evolve into something more serious. Brain injuries are unpredictable, and without proper treatment, a TBI can interfere with your ability to work, drive, or handle everyday responsibilities. Taking these warning signs seriously gives you the strongest chance to protect your long-term health and maintain control over your recovery.
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
A traumatic brain injury doesn’t only affect you physically; it can also alter the way you think, process information, and interact with the world around you. These cognitive and emotional challenges are often central to a TBI claim because they can significantly impact the way you interact with the world around you. An experienced Michigan traumatic brain injury attorney can help these less visible effects be fully recognized. Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss, especially regarding the accident
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slowed thinking
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Personality changes
Under Michigan car accident laws, your no-fault insurance might cover medical treatment and wage loss benefits. However, long-term cognitive or emotional impairments can justify a more substantial TBI claim if another driver was negligent. A Michigan traumatic brain injury attorney can help evaluate the full extent of your damages.
Delayed Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore After a Michigan Car Accident
In many cases, the most serious complications develop days or weeks after a crash, catching victims and their families off guard. These delayed warning signs can play a critical role in a TBI claim, especially when insurers question the severity of the injury. Understanding how Michigan car accident laws apply to evolving medical conditions is essential. Some of the most common delayed symptoms can include:
- Increasing confusion
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Persistent vomiting
- Significant personality changes
A Michigan traumatic brain injury attorney can work with medical professionals to demonstrate how delayed symptoms fit within the broader scope of your injuries to strengthen your TBI claim.
The Long-Term Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can permanently affect your independence and your overall quality of life. These lasting consequences are often at the heart of a TBI claim because they extend far beyond initial hospital bills. Under Michigan car accident laws, those suffering from serious impairment could be entitled to damages beyond PIP, and a Michigan traumatic brain injury attorney can help evaluate the full scope of your losses. Long-term effects could include:
- Ongoing memory problems
- Reduced earning capacity
- Chronic headaches
- Increased risk of neurological disorders
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
When calculating the full value of a TBI claim, it’s critical to consider future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, which is why having an experienced Michigan traumatic brain injury attorney on your side can help your claim reflect the true cost of your injury.
FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Michigan?
The amount of time you have to file a traumatic brain injury claim in Michigan is governed by the personal injury statute of limitations. After your PIP is exhausted, and if you reach the serious injury threshold, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file. However, some circumstances might mean you have a shorter deadline, so it’s important to hire an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Car Accident?
Yes, you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the car accident. Fault isn’t determined when you apply for PIP benefits. However, if you pursue a third-party claim to recover your losses, you can be assigned a percentage of responsibility for your fault. Later, your compensation is reduced by that percentage, but you can’t be more than 50 percent at fault in order to recover compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident to Protect My Brain Health?
The most important thing you need to do immediately after a car accident to protect your brain health is to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, you have no idea what’s really going on with your brain until you’ve had a full evaluation. Because many TBIs push injuries over the serious injury threshold, documentation linking your injury to the accident is essential.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case?
The types of damages you can recover in a traumatic brain injury case can go beyond medical bills. Though PIP covers initial medical expenses and some lost income, a third-party claim could include compensation for reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, and costs for future or ongoing care. The severity and impact of your injury often determine what the full scope of recoverable damages might be.
Hire a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer and Start Your Path to Recovery
When it’s time to hire a traumatic brain injury lawyer, acting quickly can make all the difference. At Wigod & Falzon, we understand how overwhelming a traumatic brain injury can be after an accident. That’s why we’re committed to guiding you through every step, from getting the medical care you need to pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
