Major Study Finds 49% Higher Crash Risk After Concussion

Why Concussions Can Quietly Put Drivers at Risk Long After the Headache Fades

A concussion can feel like a short storm that passes in a few days. The headache eases. The dizziness settles. Life seems back to normal. But for drivers across Athens and East Texas, a growing body of evidence shows that the danger does not always fade with the symptoms.

For anyone searching for an Athens, Texas, car accident lawyer after a brain injury crash, one new study adds an important layer to that story. A massive 20-year population study out of Ontario found that adults with a history of concussion face a 49 percent higher risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle crash compared to those without a head injury.

At Weinstein Law, we see the real-world side of that statistic every year. A concussion changes how the brain processes information, how quickly the body reacts, and how well a driver can stay focused. When those changes quietly follow someone back behind the wheel, the consequences can be devastating.

What the New Concussion Study Revealed About Crash Risk

The study, published in BMJ Open and reported by Psychiatrist.com, tracked more than three million emergency room patients over a 20-year period. Of those patients, over 425,000 had been diagnosed with a concussion. What researchers found was troubling:

• Crash Risk After Concussion: Drivers with a prior concussion had a 49 percent higher adjusted risk of being injured in a future vehicle crash.
• Early Danger Period: In the first 30 days after a concussion, the risk of a serious crash jumped six times higher than normal.
• Long-Term Impact: Even years after a concussion, the elevated risk never fully returned to baseline.
• Multiple Concussions: Two concussions more than doubled the crash risk. Three concussions raised it by 124 percent.
• More Severe Collisions: Post-concussion drivers were more likely to be involved in single-vehicle crashes and crashes requiring ambulance transport.

Doctors involved in the study pointed to lingering symptoms that often go unnoticed, including slowed reaction time, fatigue, disrupted sleep, impaired judgment, and lapses in attention.

How Concussions Often Lead to Secondary Brain Injuries in Crashes

Another quiet danger is the risk of repeat head trauma. A driver who already has a compromised brain is far more vulnerable when a second collision occurs. The forces involved in even a moderate crash can cause:

• Worsening traumatic brain injury
• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Memory and attention deficits
• Emotional regulation problems
• Long-term disability affecting work and daily life

Why Concussion Victims Face Higher Stakes in Future Crashes

What makes this study so important for injury victims is not the idea that someone with a concussion might later cause a crash. It is the reality that a concussion makes a person more vulnerable to catastrophic harm if they are ever hit again.

After a brain injury, the brain often remains more sensitive to force. Even a collision that might have caused only minor injuries before can suddenly trigger:

• Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A second impact can magnify the damage to already weakened neural tissue.
• Long-Term Cognitive Decline: Processing speed, memory, and executive function can deteriorate faster after repeated trauma.
• Permanent Neurological Symptoms: Chronic headaches, light sensitivity, dizziness, and balance disorders often become lifelong conditions.
• Higher Risk of Disability: Many clients lose the ability to return to the same job or any physical work at all.

This is where the Ontario data quietly reinforces what doctors and injury lawyers have seen for years. Once the brain has been injured, the margin for safety narrows. It takes far less force to cause far greater harm.

The Insurance System Often Undervalues Concussion Injuries

Despite the growing medical evidence, insurance companies still treat concussions as minor, short-lived injuries. Claims adjusters frequently argue that symptoms should resolve in a few weeks and that any long-term problems must be unrelated.

That argument directly conflicts with what large-scale population studies now show. When crash risk remains elevated for years, it confirms that post-concussion effects do not simply vanish once the headache fades. It also explains why so many people seem “fine” after one crash, only to suffer catastrophic outcomes later.

For injured victims, this gap between medical reality and insurance tactics can mean:

• Pressure to settle before symptoms fully appear
• Denial of long-term neurological care
• Inadequate compensation for future medical needs
• Disputes over work limitations and disability

How Weinstein Law Protects Concussion Victims

At Weinstein Law, we see firsthand how underestimated concussion injuries can be. Our firm works to uncover the full scope of neurological damage, not just what appears on an initial ER chart. That includes:

• Reviewing brain imaging and specialist evaluations
• Working with neurologists and neuropsychologists
• Documenting cognitive and functional decline
• Demonstrating how repeated trauma increases lifelong risk
• Accounting for future medical care and work limitations

We don't allow insurance companies to minimize what science now clearly shows about concussion injuries and long-term vulnerability.

A concussion isn't just a temporary setback. For many victims, it becomes a permanent turning point in their health, safety, and future stability.

When a Concussion Changes the Course of Your Life

No one expects a single crash to reshape the rest of their life. But brain injuries quietly have a way of doing exactly that. Reaction times change. Fatigue becomes a daily battle. The margin for safety narrows. And when another crash happens, the stakes are suddenly far higher than before.

If you or someone you love suffered a concussion in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Athens or anywhere across East Texas, it's important to understand that your risk does not end when the symptoms fade. The law allows you to pursue compensation that reflects not just today’s injuries, but tomorrow’s dangers as well.

If a concussion has disrupted your life, Weinstein Law is ready to help you understand your rights and take action. You don't have to face the long-term consequences alone. Our team, which includes a dedicated brain trauma specialist, is here to fight for the full accountability and recovery you deserve. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.

"I tragically lost the love of my life in a devastating accident, and I remember that day clearly. Jeff Weinstein was there for me every step of the way, providing support throughout the entire process. Even after all these years, I can still reach out to Jeff with any questions, and he always responds with a direct answer. I truly believe he advocates for his clients with all his strength. He is also very active in his community. I've witnessed Jeff assist not only me but many others as well. If I ever need his services again, I would choose him without hesitation and wholeheartedly recommend him to others." - Kristi T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐