A concussion might not seem like the most severe injury after a car accident, but don’t be fooled—these are traumatic brain injuries that can have lasting consequences. Many victims deal with persistent headaches, memory issues, and even mood changes long after the crash.
Worse.
Insurance companies often try to downplay concussions, offering quick settlements that don’t come close to covering long-term medical needs or lost wages.
Many accident victims have no idea what their claim is worth or if they’re being lowballed by insurance. The truth is, settlement amounts can vary significantly based on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and how the concussion impacts daily life.
While every case is unique, knowing what others in similar situations have received can give you a realistic expectation—and the confidence to push for fair compensation.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to talk to an experienced car accident attorney. Getting the right legal guidance could mean the difference between a settlement that barely covers your medical bills and one that truly accounts for your suffering and financial losses.
Average Settlement Amounts for Concussions in Florida
If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident, one of your biggest questions is probably, “How much is my case worth?” The reality is, settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
Typical Settlement Ranges
For mild concussions where symptoms resolve in a few weeks, settlements generally range from $20,000 to $80,000. These cases typically involve medical evaluations, short-term treatment, and minimal lost wages.
For severe concussions or cases with complications—like post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or traumatic brain injury (TBI)—settlements can climb between $100,000 and $1,000,000+. These higher payouts reflect long-term medical care, rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and significant pain and suffering.
What Affects Your Settlement Amount?
Several key factors influence how much compensation you may receive:
- Severity of the Injury – The more serious your concussion, the higher your potential settlement. If you develop lasting symptoms like memory loss, cognitive impairment, or chronic migraines, your case becomes much stronger.
- Medical Expenses and Treatment – Your settlement should cover all medical costs, including hospital visits, MRIs, neurological exams, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments. Future medical care is also factored in for long-term symptoms.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity – If your concussion forces you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost income. If your symptoms prevent you from returning to the same job or career, you may also recover damages for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Beyond financial losses, concussions can cause emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. These non-economic damages play a major role in settlement amounts.
- Insurance Policy Limits – The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage impacts your final payout. If their policy has low limits, you may need to pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
While some insurance companies may try to downplay concussion claims, you deserve fair compensation—especially if your symptoms are ongoing. Never accept the first settlement offer without speaking to an attorney who understands the true value of your case.
How Car Accidents Cause Concussions
A concussion is more than just a bump on the head—it’s a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that disrupts normal brain function. These injuries occur when a sudden impact or violent jolt causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to chemical changes and possible damage to brain cells. While concussions are often labeled as “mild,” there’s nothing mild about the potential long-term consequences.
How Concussions Happen in Car Accidents
In car crashes, concussions can happen in multiple ways. A direct blow to the head—like hitting the steering wheel, window, or dashboard—is an obvious cause. But many people don’t realize that even without direct impact, the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a crash (known as whiplash) can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull. This rotational force can be just as damaging, leading to widespread symptoms.
Common Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Some concussion symptoms show up immediately, while others take hours or even days to develop. Common signs include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
For some, these symptoms fade in a few weeks. But for others, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) can linger for months or even years, making daily life difficult. Chronic headaches, cognitive issues, and emotional distress are all possible long-term effects that can impact work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
This is why taking a concussion seriously is so important—especially when it comes to seeking compensation. Many insurance companies try to minimize these injuries, assuming victims will recover quickly. But if you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms, your case could be worth far more than an initial settlement offer suggests.
Can You Sue for a Concussion After a Car Accident in Florida?
Many car accident victims assume that because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, they can’t sue for their injuries. That’s not always true—especially when it comes to concussions. While no-fault laws limit some claims, victims with serious injuries can pursue additional compensation. Understanding when you can step outside the no-fault system is key to maximizing your settlement.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. The idea behind no-fault insurance is to reduce lawsuits over minor injuries by ensuring quick compensation through your own insurance.
However, PIP coverage has serious limits:
- It only covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages.
- It does not compensate for pain and suffering.
- It often doesn’t come close to covering the true cost of a concussion—especially one with long-term symptoms.
Meeting Florida’s “Serious Injury” Threshold
To sue outside of PIP and pursue full compensation, your injury must meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold under state law. A concussion may qualify if:
- It causes a significant and permanent loss of a bodily function (such as cognitive impairment or memory loss).
- It results in permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability.
- It leads to significant scarring or disfigurement.
Many concussions are downplayed as “mild,” but if your symptoms persist—especially if you develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS)—you may have a strong case for stepping outside the no-fault system.
When Can You Step Outside the No-Fault System?
You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if:
- Your concussion meets the serious injury threshold.
- Your medical bills exceed PIP’s $10,000 limit.
- The at-fault driver was grossly negligent (such as drunk driving or reckless driving).
- The other driver has Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage, which can compensate you beyond PIP.
Even if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage, you may still have options through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy. This can be critical in Florida, where many drivers carry little or no insurance.
Why This Matters for Concussion Victims
Insurance companies love to argue that concussions are “minor” and don’t justify a lawsuit. But if your symptoms impact your ability to work, drive, or enjoy daily life, your case may be worth far more than an initial settlement offer suggests. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand whether you qualify to sue—and ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
Compensation Sources for Concussion Victims
Suffering a concussion in a car accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health issues. While many victims assume their only option is whatever their insurance offers, there are multiple potential sources of compensation—and knowing where to look can make a big difference in your final settlement.
1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Because Florida is a no-fault state, all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This coverage pays for:
- Medical expenses (up to 80% of costs)
- Lost wages (up to 60%)
- Death benefits if the accident results in a fatality
The downside?
PIP is limited to $10,000—and if your concussion is serious, that amount disappears fast. Even worse, if your medical provider doesn’t classify your injury as an “emergency medical condition” (EMC), PIP may only cover $2,500. This is why many concussion victims must look beyond PIP for full compensation.
2. Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) Coverage from the At-Fault Driver
If another driver caused the accident and your concussion qualifies as a serious injury, you may be able to file a claim against their Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance.
BIL can cover:
- Medical bills beyond PIP
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
However, Florida does not require drivers to carry BIL coverage. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or has low policy limits, you may need to explore other options.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance (or has none at all), your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may step in.
This coverage helps pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, so having UM/UIM coverage is crucial. Many victims don’t even realize they have this coverage until an attorney reviews their policy.
4. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If insurance won’t fully cover your concussion-related expenses, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. This can help you recover:
- Full medical costs (including future treatment)
- Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to work
- Pain and suffering for long-term cognitive issues
- Punitive damages in cases of reckless or drunk driving
Lawsuits take longer than insurance claims, but they can result in significantly higher payouts—especially for victims dealing with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or other lasting effects.
Is My Concussion Settlement Offer Fair, or Am I Asking for Too Much?
If you’ve received a settlement offer from the insurance company, you might be wondering: Is this enough, or am I asking for too much? This is a common concern, especially for concussion victims who may not realize the full impact of their injury until weeks or months after the accident.
Insurance Companies Start Low—It’s Their Job
Insurance companies almost always offer less than what a claim is truly worth. Their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply, hoping you’ll accept before fully understanding your long-term medical needs. If your concussion symptoms persist, you could face ongoing medical treatment, lost income, and reduced quality of life—all of which should be factored into your settlement.
Wanting More Isn’t Greedy—It’s Smart
Many accident victims worry that negotiating for a higher payout makes them seem greedy. It doesn’t. A concussion isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—it’s a brain injury. If you’re experiencing headaches, dizziness, memory loss, or emotional changes, you have every right to seek full compensation for both current and future losses.
How to Tell If Your Offer Is Too Low
A fair settlement should cover:
✔️ All medical expenses, including future treatments
✔️ Lost wages and potential loss of earning capacity
✔️ Pain and suffering, especially if symptoms persist
✔️ Long-term effects, like post-concussion syndrome
If your settlement only covers immediate medical bills—or if you’re being pressured to sign quickly—it’s a red flag that the offer is too low.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
Before accepting anything, consult with a car accident attorney who understands concussion claims. A lawyer can review your case, calculate what your claim is actually worth, and negotiate for the settlement you deserve—not just the one the insurance company hopes you’ll take.
Steps to Maximize Your Concussion Settlement
If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t automatic—you have to take the right steps to build a strong claim. Insurance companies will look for any excuse to minimize your payout, so it’s crucial to be proactive.
Here’s what you can do to maximize your concussion settlement and ensure you aren’t left covering expenses out of pocket.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel “fine” after the crash, a concussion isn’t always obvious right away. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and memory issues can take hours or even days to show up. Insurance companies may question your injury if there’s a delay in treatment, so seeing a doctor as soon as possible strengthens your claim.
2. Document All Symptoms and Treatments
Keep track of every concussion-related symptom, no matter how small. Note any:
- Headaches, nausea, dizziness, or vision issues
- Trouble concentrating, memory problems, or mood changes
- Difficulty sleeping or sensitivity to light and noise
Having a detailed symptom journal can make a big difference when proving your injury’s impact on your daily life.
3. Keep Detailed Records of Expenses and Lost Wages
Your settlement should cover all accident-related costs, including:
✔️ Medical bills (doctor visits, MRIs, therapy, medications)
✔️ Lost wages if you missed work due to your injury
✔️ Out-of-pocket expenses, like transportation to medical appointments
Save every bill, receipt, and pay stub—these records help prove the full extent of your financial losses.
4. Avoid Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make lowball offers early on, hoping you’ll accept before realizing how much your concussion will actually cost you. Never accept the first offer without reviewing it carefully. If your symptoms last longer than expected, you could be stuck paying for additional treatment out of pocket.
5. Consider Hiring an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to reduce your payout—you should have an expert fighting for you, too.
An experienced car accident attorney can:
- Negotiate a higher settlement
- Gather medical evidence to prove the severity of your concussion
- Ensure you don’t miss out on compensation for future medical care
Let Applebaum Accident Group Connect You With the Right Attorney
Navigating a concussion settlement alone can be overwhelming, and insurance companies are counting on you to accept less than you deserve. At Applebaum Accident Group, we connect accident victims with top-rated personal injury attorneys who know how to fight for maximum compensation.
Don’t settle for less than what your case is worth. Call Applebaum Accident Group today and let us help you take the next step toward getting the settlement you deserve.
📞 Call now: 855-CALL-PAUL for a free consultation.
