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The Truth About ‘Mild’ Brain Injuries PROTECTING RECOVERY AFTER A CRASH March 2026 720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • AttorneyShapiro.com
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and in my line of work, that’s more than a calendar note. After a crash, I hear the same thing from a lot of people: “I didn’t hit my head, so I must be fine,” or “I never blacked out, so it can’t be a brain injury.” On paper, the injuries look “mild.” In real life, they can turn someone’s day-to-day upside down. I wanted to use this month to talk a little about what actually happens in a wreck and what I watch for in my clients. Picture a collision at about 40 miles an hour. The car goes from 40 to 0 in an instant. Your body doesn’t. Your torso keeps moving forward until the seat belt stops it. Your head keeps going even longer. It snaps forward and then back hard. When that happens, your brain can slam into the inside of your skull. Many car accident victims end up with what doctors call a frontal lobe injury. You don’t have to hit the windshield or lose consciousness. The force alone can be enough. The symptoms of this type of injury aren’t always what you’d expect. The things people think about are common issues, like headaches, blurred vision, and trouble sleeping, but there are also smaller things that don’t feel small when you live with them. Clients tell me they’re often in the middle of a sentence and suddenly can’t remember what they were going to say. They get in the car to drive somewhere and forget where they were going. Food tastes different. Smells seem off. A person who was easygoing before the wreck
can become irritable or depressed or swing from one mood to another. Many times, the client doesn’t notice it at first. Often, it’s a spouse or family member who says, “He’s just not himself right now.” These aren’t throwaway details. They are among the first clues that the brain has taken a hit, even when nothing shows on the outside. The challenging part is that many of the usual tests don’t tell the full story. In the emergency room, many people get a CT scan. Most of the time, it comes back “normal.”That doesn’t mean there was no brain injury. A CT scan usually only shows an active bleed, and by the time many people are scanned, that bleed has already stopped. The brain has already begun repairing itself. Of course, you can imagine how an insurance company is going to handle a clean CT scan. They point to it and say, “See, there’s no problem here.”That’s where I come in. My job is to push back against that and show an injury for what it is. We look through the records, listen for those changes in mood or memory, and when it fits, send clients to neurologists who understand traumatic brain injury. Getting the proper tests and documentation is essential with these types of injuries because they won’t show up on an X-ray. That information is also what we use to educate adjusters and, if needed, juries. We have to show that a negative CT scan doesn’t tell the whole story and that labeling an
injury as “mild” doesn’t make it “no big deal.” They might be invisible, but brain injuries can bring about very real changes that severely impact a person’s work, relationships, and day-to-day life. If you’ve been in an accident and are dealing with headaches, memory issues, confusion, mood swings, or strange changes in taste or smell, don’t brush it off. Tell your doctor, and then tell your lawyer. At my office, we understand the seriousness of these issues and will fight to protect your health and make sure
your claim reflects what you’re going through. - MSahracp iLr o.
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STOP TRYING TO HUSTLE HARDER PLAN SMARTER INSTEAD
Stop saying yes. How often do you
Do you ever wish you could accomplish more in a day? Whether you’re trying to squeeze out as many tasks as possible at work or take care of all of your chores before Sunday, it can feel like you’re always trying to maximize your productivity. But many of us feel like we fall short each day. You may think you just need to regularly refresh your coffee or eliminate every distraction from your mind to improve your productivity, but this only gets you so far. Instead, focus on incorporating strong, simple strategies into your routine. Here are three ideas to help you be as productive as possible, no matter the situation. Put a plan in place. When do you start thinking about what you need to accomplish on any given day? Too often, people wait until they face their work computer or stare at a sink full of dishes to strategize their day. Instead, take some time before you wrap up work to establish your priorities for the following day. Before the weekend starts, figure out which chores you need to do and the best time to tackle them. Having a plan will increase your likelihood of sticking to it.
say “no” to others? Many of us are people pleasers who often agree to requests,
even if they exceed our capacity. Saying “yes” all
the time will lead to burnout, regardless of whether it’s your boss asking you to complete a project before noon or your friends wanting to go out for the fourth night in a row. Say no, and keep your main priorities at the forefront of your mind. Take regular breaks. You may want to push through all your tasks so you can finally unwind and relax, but this could lengthen the process. Sticking to your responsibilities like glue prevents your body and brain from taking necessary breaks to recalibrate and reset so you can operate at peak performance.
“10/10 recommend. Communication and customer service were up to par, and the staff were very helpful!”
“After my car accident, I was fortunate to work with an amazing team that showed true dedication to their clients from start to finish. Their communication was outstanding — they kept me informed every step of the way. I especially want to recognize my case manager, Sofoni, who was absolutely amazing. Sofoni was attentive, compassionate. The PI department was professional and dedicated, and truly made a difference during a very stressful time. The entire team genuinely cared about my well-being, not just the case. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, caring, and trustworthy team after an accident.”
–Kyrus G.
“As I don’t live in Florida, I was looking for a good attorney to help me with an issue in Golden Gate. I talked to a lot of different ones in the area, and I could not have hoped for a better result. They handled my case quickly and efficiently. Thank you all, and in particular, Hafida was always available to answer my questions and concerns. Now, every time I need a lawyer in that area, I’ll call them.”
–M.G.
“The Law Offices of Marc Shapiro was great to work with. Randall Austin, my attorney, is smart, kind, fair, honest, and worked hard to come to a resolution with my case. Everyone in the office was great, and I especially enjoyed working with Amanda! I highly recommend this Law firm!”
–Dee and Losvany F.
–Melissa C.
2 • AttorneyShapiro.com
Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident STOP HELPING THE INSURANCE COMPANY
After a car accident, many people assume the insurance company will just “do the right thing.”The commercials make it sound like they are there to help you put your life back together. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I can tell you they are not concerned with your recovery. Their priority is paying as little as possible on your claim. And over the years, I have seen the same handful of mistakes that make that job a lot easier for them.
room. The insurance company sees that gap in treatment and calls it proof that you weren’t really hurt or that something else must have caused the problem. Getting checked out early protects your health and creates a clear record of what you are dealing with.
Word Search If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t give the insurance company a head start or try to handle things on your own. Get the initial medical attention you need, and then call an attorney. At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. , we understand how insurance companies work and can fight back to get you the rightful compensation you deserve. Then there is the first settlement offer. The opening number is almost always low. That is how the business works. People are tired, stressed, and worried about bills, so a quick check is tempting. The problem is that once you sign, the case is over. You can’t come back for more if you are still in treatment, or your doctor later recommends a surgery you didn’t see coming.
One of the big ones is talking too much, too early. An adjuster will often call soon after the accident, sound friendly, and ask for a recorded statement. I understand why people go along with it. It feels official, and most people don’t want to be rude or difficult. But you should never let anyone record you before you talk to a lawyer. Even one offhand comment from that first call can come back later to seriously hurt your case.
Another problem is trying to “tough it out” instead of getting medical care. People are busy, they hope
the pain will fade, and they don’t want to sit in a waiting
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Ingredients
• 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
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GUINNESS IRIS LEPRECHAUN POPCORN
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DAFFODIL DAYLIGHT
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside The Invisible Damage After a Wreck Page 1 The Productivity Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed Testimonials That Speak for Themselves Page 2 Protecting Your Case From Day One Spinach Artichoke Pizza Page 3 Beat Inflammation Without Expensive Supplements Page 4
Hidden Inflammation Is More Common Than You Think FIGHT IT WITH THESE TIPS
Inflammation is more common than you think. Did you know, according to a 2023 study published on PubMed, that about 35% of U.S. adults show signs of systemic inflammation, an underlying condition linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses? If that statistic makes you pause, here’s the good news: Reducing inflammation doesn’t necessarily require expensive supplements or drastic lifestyle overhauls. Small, consistent habits in diet, movement, and rest can make a significant difference over time. Eat more whole and colorful foods. Berries and colorful fruits/vegetables: Blueberries, cherries, leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are all great. Fatty fish and omega-3s: Salmon, sardines, and similar fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,
which are linked to lower levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans/legumes: These provide fiber, good fats, and stabilize blood sugar, all of which support a calmer, less inflamed immune response. Spices and herbs (such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic): Compounds like curcumin (found in turmeric) or gingerols have been studied for their anti-inflammatory potential. At the same time, try to limit foods that tend to create inflammation, such as processed meats, refined carbs (white bread and pastries), sugary drinks, and fried foods. Move, rest, and manage stress. Regular, moderate physical activity: Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga, moderate exercise triggers the release
of anti‑inflammatory compounds from muscles and reduces fat tissue that otherwise contributes to inflammation. Quality sleep: When your body gets enough restful sleep, it can repair tissues and regulate its immune function more effectively. Poor or inconsistent sleep disrupts this balance, often leading to an increase in inflammatory markers. Stress management: Chronic stress keeps your body in a persistent “on‑edge” mode, releasing cortisol and other substances that drive inflammation. Mindfulness, deep breathing, gentle movement, or even quiet hobbies can help you calm down and reset. Proper hydration: Staying hydrated helps! Water supports digestion, detoxification, and overall cellular health, all of which influence how your body responds to stress and inflammation.
4 • AttorneyShapiro.com
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