Signs You May Have a Concussion After Your Illinois Car Accident

 Posted on April 26, 2019 in Blog Post

Car accidents can be deadly events. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 37,000 Americans killed in traffic crashes in 2017. Even in traffic crashes that did not involve a fatality, there were more than 2.7 million people injured in traffic crashes in 2017. Depending on the factors surrounding the accident, injuries range from bruises and superficial cuts to internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries. One of the most common traumatic brain injuries resulting from car accidents are concussions.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is jostled and the fragile tissue of the brain hits the walls of the skull. This commonly occurs when a person sustains a blow to the head, but violent shaking of the head and/or upper body can also result in a concussion. Symptoms can appear right away or they can take time to develop. Symptoms typically dissipate, but it can take days, weeks or even longer for that to happen.

Signs of a Concussion

There are quite a few symptoms that can manifest if you are suffering from a concussion. Some can be obvious and others are not so obvious. Here are a few warning signs you may be experiencing a concussion:

1. You lost consciousness during or right after your accident.
2. You have difficulty staying awake.
3. You have dizziness and difficulty standing and/or walking.
4. You have difficulty remembering the accident or events surrounding the accident.
5. You have persistent headaches that have gotten worse and will not go away.
6. One of your pupils is larger than the other.
7. You experience unusual changes in your mood and/or behavior.
8. You experience a change in your speech, such as slurring.
9. You have unexplained blurry vision or other vision problems.
10. You have repeated bouts of nausea and/or vomiting.

A Park Ridge, IL Car Accident Injury Attorney Can Help

Physical injuries are not the only injuries that can come from car accidents -- many people also experience emotional distress after severe car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries, lost wages and/or pain and suffering. At the Quinn Law Group, LLC, we understand that a car accident can affect you for the rest of your life. Our knowledgeable Des Plaines, IL car accident injury lawyers will take care of you throughout the process. Call our office today at 847-232-7180 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/warning-signs-of-a-concussion-2018071714289

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812603

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812696