In today’s driving environment, motor vehicle crashes are becoming more violent and more dangerous. Faster speeds, distracted driving, and reckless conduct behind the wheel have led to an alarming increase in head and brain trauma—including serious concussions.
As a personal injury attorney who has investigated thousands of crashes over the past 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how many people walk away from a crash unaware that they may have sustained a concussion. And unlike cuts or broken bones, concussion symptoms often don’t appear immediately. They may surface days or even weeks after the accident.
The New Reality: More Force, More Brain Trauma
Many of today’s collisions happen at full speed, with little or no braking from the at-fault driver. This is the new universe of roadway risk that we all face when we get behind the wheel. When that kind of sudden force impacts the body—especially when the neck is violently whipped forward and backward—it can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. This is how many concussions happen, even when there’s no direct blow to the head.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Concussion
Most people are familiar with the idea of headaches or dizziness after a head injury. But concussion symptoms go far beyond that—and many are unexpected. As part of our intake process, Horn Law uses a comprehensive Head Injury Symptom Checklist to help clients identify signs they may have overlooked.
Here are just a few examples of symptoms that could indicate a serious concussion:
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Trouble finding the right words
- Difficulty concentrating or multi-tasking
- Feeling “foggy” or disoriented
- Nausea, vision problems, or difficulty with balance
- Changes in sleep, mood, or personality
- Slurred speech or altered voice tone
- Loss of interest in daily activities
Even symptoms like irritability, memory trouble, or a change in smell may be part of a broader post-concussion condition.
Download the Head Injury Symptom Checklist.
The Importance of a Proper Medical Evaluation
Because concussion symptoms may not show up immediately—and are often subtle—many people don’t report them to a doctor right away. In fact, in several of our cases, clients told us about symptoms they hadn’t even mentioned to a healthcare provider yet.
That’s why early legal involvement can make a huge difference. We can help guide our clients to physicians who specialize in concussion care. These concussion specialists are trained to identify post-concussion syndrome and offer advanced rehabilitation therapies that simply weren’t available years ago, such as:
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Ocular therapy
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Balance training
- Prism glasses to reduce visual strain
- Exercise combined with oxygen therapy
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you’ve been involved in a crash and are experiencing symptoms—no matter how minor they may seem—don’t wait. Concussions are serious. With today’s advanced medical understanding and treatments, early detection and rehabilitation can make all the difference.
And when it comes to managing the legal aspects of your recovery, working with an attorney who understands concussion cases is essential. At Horn Law, we’re not just injury lawyers—we’re head, neck, and concussion injury specialists who know how to help you get the care and support you need.
About Attorney Doug Horn
Doug is founder and Lead Attorney of The Horn Law Firm, P.C. where he concentrates in cases involving head, neck, back, orthopedic, neurological, and other traumatic injuries that require extended medical care and rehabilitation.
Since 1992, Doug has maintained a track record of success in a wide variety of personal injury cases, including cases involving motor vehicle collisions, work accidents, and injuries caused by dangerous or hazardous conditions. Based in Independence Missouri, Doug represents injured persons in Missouri, Kansas, and across the Midwest.
Outside of his law practice, Doug frequently lectures in the area of personal injury law, giving legal education presentations for national attorney audiences. Most recently, his presentations have focused on new approaches to proving both economic and non-economic damages.
