How Long Does It Take to Resume Driving Again After a Head Injury?

cartwrightlaw - June 28, 2023 -

People describe their brain injury experiences differently. Some don’t remember much about the incident at all; others do. Regardless of the cause or what you remember, this type of injury is a life-changing event. 

It takes patience and determination to heal and experience a full recovery. In some cases, the injury leaves permanent marks and requires ongoing care. If you suffered a brain injury in a crash, seek help from a car accident lawyer in Santa Rosa today. 

Driving After a Head Injury

Head injuries are particularly concerning when it comes to driving a car. Depending on the type of head injury, the length of time required to resume driving may vary greatly. In some cases, the recovery time can be as little as a few weeks, while in other cases, it may take months or even years to get back inside a vehicle.

Types of Head Injuries

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the different types of head injuries and how they may impact your ability to drive again.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury and is triggered by a strike to the head. This type of impact may also cause the brain to shift rapidly back and forth inside the skull. 

Symptoms of a concussion differ, but common signs include:

• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Problems with concentration
• Nausea

Most people who suffer a concussion can resume driving after a few weeks. However, they still need a doctor’s okay and can only do so after any lingering symptoms subside.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more serious than a concussion and is caused by a severe blow to the head.

It may also occur after an object penetrates the skull, leading, in some cases, to long-term or permanent brain damage. This debilitating injury may produce symptoms such as:

• Problems with focusing
• Memory loss
• Anxiety 
• Fatigue
• Depression

Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take months or even years to recover to the point where the patient can operate a car. In some cases, the person may never be able to drive.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture is a break or crack in the skull that is caused by a severe blow to the head. Symptoms of a skull fracture can include:

• Confusion
• Ongoing headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Problems with concentration

In most cases, it takes at least several weeks for the patient to return to driving. In some cases, the victim may take several months or years to reach a point of full recovery. During this time, they’ll need to seek assistance in getting to where they need to go.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in an artery in the cerebrum that ruptures and bleeds. Symptoms of a brain aneurysm range from mild to severe and may include:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Nausea

The recovery time for an aneurysm varies greatly – from weeks to months, depending on the severity. In some instances, the patient may not be able to resume driving activities.

Head Injury Prevention

The best way to avoid a head injury is to take safety precautions when driving. Always wear a seatbelt, avoid distractions like cell phones and texting, and stay aware of your surroundings. 

Additionally, it is important to get regular medical check-ups and take any prescribed medications as directed. While these measures cannot guarantee that a head injury will not occur, they can significantly reduce the risk.

TBI – Statistical Data

When you consider the stats for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), it’s important to take a proactive stance about your care or a loved one’s care with respect to treatment.

For example, data reveals that over one million inpatient hospital stays and treat-and-release emergency department (ED) visits occurred in 2017 related to TBI. Moreover, hospital stays for TBIs was two days longer and were almost 75% more expensive. In addition, in-hospital mortality rates for TBI were four times higher than other injuries.

Given the seriousness of a head injury, it is understandable that people may wonder if and when they can resume driving activities. Unfortunately, no single, definitive answer exists. Again, timelines for recovery vary, depending on the specific circumstances.

Factors Related to Recovery Times and Driving

With respect to driving, then, you have to look at the factors surrounding the injury. 

The Severity of the Injury

Generally speaking, a more severe head injury takes longer to heal than an injury diagnosed as less serious.

For instance, a mild concussion may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to heal. On the other hand, and as noted, a more serious TBI, may take months or years for a full recovery.

Type of Injury

The type of head injury also influences a recovery prognosis. For instance, concussions usually take a much shorter period of time to heal than TBIs, as they typically involve less damage to the brain. 

Certain types of head injuries, such as skull fractures, often require surgery and lengthy hospital stays. All these factors determine how much a personal injury victim receives in a head injury settlement and claim.

Age

The age of the person who sustained the head injury also affects the recovery timeline. Typically, younger people tend to have faster healing times than older people, as their brains regenerate and recuperate more quickly. 

Some older victims may experience more complications during the treatment process.

Overall Health

The overall health of the person is also a major concern in determining recovery. Naturally, people who are in good physical shape and have strong immune systems tend to get back to their daily routines faster. 

Victims with weakened immune systems, who smoke, or who have unhealthy habits might lack the nutrients required to recover at a faster rate.

Steps You Can Take So You Can Ensure Safer Driving After Recovery

Getting back into a car and driving again after a head injury is both a psychological and physical challenge. This is especially true if the victim was in an auto wreck. 

The following steps will help you resume safe driving on the roadway with less concern and more confidence:

Seek medical advice: Before you consider getting behind the wheel, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess your condition and determine whether or not it is safe for you to drive.

Monitor your symptoms: After sustaining a head injury, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. Pay attention to any changes in your behavior, mood, or cognitive abilities, as these signs affect how you drive.

Take your time: Even if you feel like you are ready to drive, it is important to take your time and allow your body to fully recover. Rushing back into driving too soon can lead to serious medical complications. Make sure your reflexes are sharp before you get behind the wheel and navigate on the road.

Practice defensive driving: Finally, it is important to practice defensive driving after a head injury. This means staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and adjusting your speed and driving style to the conditions of the highway. Practice your driving in a safe, controlled environment to ensure that your reflexes are up to par.

Don’t assume that the other driver sees you or will yield the right of way. Be on the lookout, stay a safe distance behind other drivers, and diligently follow traffic laws on the roadway.

Conclusion

You won’t find a one-size-fits-all response for figuring out how long it will take to drive a car after suffering a TBI or similar injury. 

The timeline varies from person to person and is influenced by a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of head injury, age, and overall health.

Speak to a Head Injury Lawyer About Your Case Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury, you need to speak to a head injury lawyer about your rights. If another party’s negligence has led to your injury, contact the Cartwright Law Firm about your case without delay. Make sure you receive the money you deserve for your ongoing care or recovery.

People describe their brain injury experiences differently. Some don’t remember much about the incident at all; others do. Regardless of the cause or what you remember, this type of injury is a life-changing event. 

It takes patience and determination to heal and experience a full recovery. In some cases, the injury leaves permanent marks and requires ongoing care. If you suffered a brain injury in a crash, seek help from a car accident lawyer in Santa Rosa today. 

Driving After a Head Injury

Head injuries are particularly concerning when it comes to driving a car. Depending on the type of head injury, the length of time required to resume driving may vary greatly. In some cases, the recovery time can be as little as a few weeks, while in other cases, it may take months or even years to get back inside a vehicle.

Types of Head Injuries

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the different types of head injuries and how they may impact your ability to drive again.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury and is triggered by a strike to the head. This type of impact may also cause the brain to shift rapidly back and forth inside the skull. 

Symptoms of a concussion differ, but common signs include:

• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Problems with concentration
• Nausea

Most people who suffer a concussion can resume driving after a few weeks. However, they still need a doctor’s okay and can only do so after any lingering symptoms subside.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more serious than a concussion and is caused by a severe blow to the head.

It may also occur after an object penetrates the skull, leading, in some cases, to long-term or permanent brain damage. This debilitating injury may produce symptoms such as:

• Problems with focusing
• Memory loss
• Anxiety 
• Fatigue
• Depression

Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take months or even years to recover to the point where the patient can operate a car. In some cases, the person may never be able to drive.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture is a break or crack in the skull that is caused by a severe blow to the head. Symptoms of a skull fracture can include:

• Confusion
• Ongoing headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Problems with concentration

In most cases, it takes at least several weeks for the patient to return to driving. In some cases, the victim may take several months or years to reach a point of full recovery. During this time, they’ll need to seek assistance in getting to where they need to go.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in an artery in the cerebrum that ruptures and bleeds. Symptoms of a brain aneurysm range from mild to severe and may include:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Nausea

The recovery time for an aneurysm varies greatly – from weeks to months, depending on the severity. In some instances, the patient may not be able to resume driving activities.

Head Injury Prevention

The best way to avoid a head injury is to take safety precautions when driving. Always wear a seatbelt, avoid distractions like cell phones and texting, and stay aware of your surroundings. 

Additionally, it is important to get regular medical check-ups and take any prescribed medications as directed. While these measures cannot guarantee that a head injury will not occur, they can significantly reduce the risk.

TBI – Statistical Data

When you consider the stats for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), it’s important to take a proactive stance about your care or a loved one’s care with respect to treatment.

For example, data reveals that over one million inpatient hospital stays and treat-and-release emergency department (ED) visits occurred in 2017 related to TBI. Moreover, hospital stays for TBIs was two days longer and were almost 75% more expensive. In addition, in-hospital mortality rates for TBI were four times higher than other injuries.

Given the seriousness of a head injury, it is understandable that people may wonder if and when they can resume driving activities. Unfortunately, no single, definitive answer exists. Again, timelines for recovery vary, depending on the specific circumstances.

Factors Related to Recovery Times and Driving

With respect to driving, then, you have to look at the factors surrounding the injury. 

The Severity of the Injury

Generally speaking, a more severe head injury takes longer to heal than an injury diagnosed as less serious.

For instance, a mild concussion may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to heal. On the other hand, and as noted, a more serious TBI, may take months or years for a full recovery.

Type of Injury

The type of head injury also influences a recovery prognosis. For instance, concussions usually take a much shorter period of time to heal than TBIs, as they typically involve less damage to the brain. 

Certain types of head injuries, such as skull fractures, often require surgery and lengthy hospital stays. All these factors determine how much a personal injury victim receives in a head injury settlement and claim.

Age

The age of the person who sustained the head injury also affects the recovery timeline. Typically, younger people tend to have faster healing times than older people, as their brains regenerate and recuperate more quickly. 

Some older victims may experience more complications during the treatment process.

Overall Health

The overall health of the person is also a major concern in determining recovery. Naturally, people who are in good physical shape and have strong immune systems tend to get back to their daily routines faster. 

Victims with weakened immune systems, who smoke, or who have unhealthy habits might lack the nutrients required to recover at a faster rate.

Steps You Can Take So You Can Ensure Safer Driving After Recovery

Getting back into a car and driving again after a head injury is both a psychological and physical challenge. This is especially true if the victim was in an auto wreck. 

The following steps will help you resume safe driving on the roadway with less concern and more confidence:

Seek medical advice: Before you consider getting behind the wheel, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess your condition and determine whether or not it is safe for you to drive.

Monitor your symptoms: After sustaining a head injury, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely. Pay attention to any changes in your behavior, mood, or cognitive abilities, as these signs affect how you drive.

Take your time: Even if you feel like you are ready to drive, it is important to take your time and allow your body to fully recover. Rushing back into driving too soon can lead to serious medical complications. Make sure your reflexes are sharp before you get behind the wheel and navigate on the road.

Practice defensive driving: Finally, it is important to practice defensive driving after a head injury. This means staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and adjusting your speed and driving style to the conditions of the highway. Practice your driving in a safe, controlled environment to ensure that your reflexes are up to par.

Don’t assume that the other driver sees you or will yield the right of way. Be on the lookout, stay a safe distance behind other drivers, and diligently follow traffic laws on the roadway.

Conclusion

You won’t find a one-size-fits-all response for figuring out how long it will take to drive a car after suffering a TBI or similar injury. 

The timeline varies from person to person and is influenced by a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of head injury, age, and overall health.

Speak to a Head Injury Lawyer About Your Case Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury, you need to speak to a head injury lawyer about your rights. If another party’s negligence has led to your injury, contact the Cartwright Law Firm about your case without delay. Make sure you receive the money you deserve for your ongoing care or recovery.

Our successful case results are a reflection of the values and virtues we believe in and uphold at Cartwright Law Firm. Nothing stops us from pursuing justice on behalf of those who need it.

Robert E. Cartwright Jr.
Founder and Managing Partner