Feeling dizzy after a car crash can be more than a temporary discomfort — it’s often a warning sign of a more serious underlying injury. Dizziness can indicate conditions such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or inner ear damage, which can affect your ability to work, interact with others, and enjoy your life.

Vehicle crashes cause 20% of TBI hospitalizations, making it vital to get medical help as soon as possible if you feel dizzy after a collision. At Wagner Reese, our Indiana car crash lawyers can help you connect with medical specialists and file for compensation for your injuries.

Reasons You May Feel Dizzy After a Crash

Dizziness following a car crash can stem from various causes, ranging from minor issues to more serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or inner ear damage. If you feel dizzy or off balance after a car accident, it could indicate the following:

  • Concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI): These injuries occur when the brain is shaken inside the skull due to the crash’s impact. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, confusion, memory problems, and nausea.
  • Whiplash: This neck injury results from rapid head movement and can affect your vestibular system, which controls balance. Along with dizziness, you might also experience neck pain and headaches.
  • Inner ear damage: The inner ear plays a crucial role in balance. A car crash can cause damage to the inner ear, leading to vertigo or a feeling of spinning, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears.
  • Blood pressure changes: The stress and shock of a crash can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure, causing lightheadedness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
  • Psychological impact: The emotional stress of a crash, such as anxiety or panic attacks, can cause dizziness as a physical symptom. Other signs might include trouble concentrating or restlessness. The psychological impact of a severe crash can also cause PSTD in victims.

Why You Should Always Visit a Doctor After a Collision

Visit your doctor immediately after a car crash, even if you feel okay. Prompt medical attention ensures proper diagnosis and treatment of your injuries and helps support any insurance or legal claims for compensation.

Here’s why timely medical care post-accident is key:

Hidden Injuries

Injuries such as head trauma or internal bleeding often don’t show immediate symptoms. Some TBIs display no visible signs and then suddenly manifest in numbness, seizures, or headaches that last for days or weeks.

Your doctor can use MRIs, CT scans, or neurological assessments to uncover hidden injuries. These tests can identify brain abnormalities, internal bleeding, or nerve damage, ensuring you receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs for optimal recovery.

Pain and Healing

Not receiving an initial medical evaluation can lead to a longer recovery process, including worsening pain and injuries. For instance, dizziness due to inner ear damage can lead to severe hearing issues and prolonged discomfort.

Early intervention often means quicker and more effective treatment. This can include physical therapy, medication for pain management, and targeted rehabilitation exercises, which may reduce the long-term impact of your injury.

Insurance Claims

Insurers may question the cause of injuries if there’s a significant delay in-between receiving the injuries and seeking medical care. They could argue that the injuries occurred after the accident, especially if symptoms appear much later.

A timely doctor’s visit clearly links the accident and your injuries. Your attorney can use medical records like hospital bills, prescription receipts, treatment plans, and diagnosis test results to support your claim for damages.

Assessing Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

Doctors will evaluate your condition to determine your MMI, the point where no further improvement is expected. Your attorney can use this determination to accurately calculate present and future compensation needs and advise you on when to return to work after the crash.

Prioritize Your Health and Legal Rights After a Crash

Experiencing dizziness after a traumatic car collision may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can be a sign of a more serious issue. At Wagner Reese, we protect the rights and well-being of those injured on Indiana’s roads due to another driver’s carelessness.

If you suffer injuries in a crash, we can help you seek fair compensation. Our attorneys can consult medical experts to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms, determine a fair settlement, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free case review to discuss the next legal steps for your claim.