Yes. The CDC says a concussion can come from a hit to the body that makes the head and brain move quickly back and forth, the same motion behind whiplash (CDC). You do not have to hit your head. If a crash left you with headaches, fogginess or memory trouble, see a doctor, because a missed brain injury can change a claim.
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How can whiplash cause a concussion?
Mayo Clinic explains that a concussion happens when the brain moves back and forth inside the skull, and that this can follow sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, such as in a car crash, not only a direct blow (Mayo Clinic). A rear-end crash that snaps the neck can do both: strain the neck and shake the brain.
That is why the two injuries often overlap. Mayo Clinic’s whiplash page lists symptoms such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, trouble concentrating and memory problems in some people with whiplash (Mayo Clinic whiplash), which are also common concussion symptoms.
What are the signs of a concussion after a crash?
Mayo Clinic lists these concussion symptoms:
- Headache, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, blurry vision.
- Confusion or fogginess, not remembering the crash, dizziness.
Some symptoms can show up days later: trouble concentrating or remembering, irritability, sensitivity to light and noise, sleep problems, mood changes, and changes in taste or smell. Loss of consciousness can happen but is not typical, so not blacking out does not rule out a concussion.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Mayo Clinic advises seeing a health care professional within one to two days after any head injury, and getting emergency care for signs such as repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness longer than 30 seconds, a headache that gets worse, fluid or blood from the nose or ears, unequal pupils, weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech, seizures, confusion, or dizziness that keeps coming back. MedlinePlus also has a plain-language overview of concussion (MedlinePlus).
How long do concussion symptoms last?
Mayo Clinic says symptoms can last days, weeks or even longer, headaches after the injury may last several days to weeks, and symptoms lasting longer than three months are called persistent postconcussive symptoms. Recovery varies, and your doctor should guide your return to work and activity.
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How do doctors tell whiplash and concussion apart?
The two injuries share symptoms, so the exam matters. A doctor will usually ask how the crash happened, check memory, balance, vision and reflexes, and examine the neck. MedlinePlus describes a concussion as a type of brain injury that involves a short loss of normal brain function, while Mayo Clinic describes whiplash as a neck injury. MedlinePlus says a CT scan or MRI may be used in some cases to check for bleeding, swelling or a skull fracture.
Some people are treated for neck pain for weeks before anyone asks about fogginess or sleep. If that happened to you, it is not too late to raise it. Tell your doctor exactly when each symptom started and how it affects work, driving and sleep, and ask whether a referral to a neurologist or concussion clinic makes sense.
What does a whiplash concussion mean for my injury claim?
A brain injury can be missed if the first visit focuses only on the neck. Tell every provider about headaches, fogginess, memory trouble or sleep problems, even if they seem minor. For the claim:
- California: damages can include past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering (CACI 3903A, 3905A), so a later diagnosis matters if you have not settled.
- Texas: medical expenses are limited to amounts actually paid or incurred (CPRC 41.0105).
- Fault: shared fault reduces recovery in California without barring it (B.B. v. County of Los Angeles), bars it in Texas above 50 percent (CPRC 33.001), and reduces it in Washington without barring it (RCW 4.22.005).
In California, the insurer generally must accept or deny within 40 calendar days of proof of claim (10 CCR 2695.7), but you do not have to accept an offer before your doctors know the full picture. For more, see concussion or brain injury after a crash.
What to do now
- See a doctor within a day or two and mention every symptom.
- Go to the emergency room for any warning sign above.
- Ask someone to keep notes on changes they notice in you.
- Keep a daily symptom log: headaches, sleep, memory, mood.
- Follow up if symptoms last more than a few weeks.
- Do not sign a release before your doctors finish evaluating you.
- Talk to a lawyer about the deadline in your state.
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If a crash left you with whiplash and concussion symptoms, call Beverly Law at (310) 552-6959 for a free case review in English or Spanish. You owe no fees or costs unless we win.
Common questions
Can you have a concussion without hitting your head?
Yes. The CDC says a hit to the body that moves the head and brain quickly back and forth can cause one.
Can whiplash cause headaches?
Yes. Mayo Clinic lists headaches, often starting at the base of the skull, as a common whiplash symptom.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally two years in California (California Courts) and Texas (CPRC 16.003), and three years in Washington (RCW 4.16.080). A late diagnosis does not reliably extend that time.
What if my scan was normal?
Imaging is used to check for problems such as bleeding, swelling or a skull fracture, according to MedlinePlus. Your doctor decides based on your symptoms and exam.
Do you handle Texas cases?
Yes. Texas cases are handled by the firm’s Texas-licensed attorneys, Joyce Ondich and John Efstathiou.
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Related pages
Personal Injury Questions · Concussion or brain injury after a crash · How long does whiplash last? · Making a whiplash claim after a car accident · Personal injury questions · Law Blog
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Sources
- CDC, About traumatic brain injury
- Mayo Clinic, Concussion: symptoms and causes
- Mayo Clinic, Whiplash: symptoms and causes
- MedlinePlus, Concussion
- MedlinePlus en español, Conmoción cerebral
- Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI), 2026 edition: 3903A, 3905A
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 41.0105
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 33.001
- RCW 4.22.005
- B.B. v. County of Los Angeles (Cal. 2020)
- California Courts Self-Help, Statute of limitations
- California Courts Self-Help, Statute of limitations (Spanish)
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.003
- RCW 4.16.080
- Cal. Code of Regulations, title 10, section 2695.7
Important: This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Beverly Law. Laws change and every case is different; talk to a lawyer about your own situation. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. You owe no fees or costs unless we win. Texas cases are handled by the firm’s Texas-licensed attorneys, Joyce Ondich and John Efstathiou. Last reviewed: 2026-11-13.