Possible Effects of a Concussion from a Car Accident

 Posted on October 09, 2023 in Brain Injuries

About 280,000 concussions can be attributed to car accidents each year. This figure only accounts for a fraction of people who experience a concussion, with an estimated 1.7 million people suffering a concussion annually.

If you have suffered from a concussion in a car accident, our skilled Lake County car accident lawyers would like to hear from you. Below, we discuss how a concussion following a car accident can impact your life.

What is a Concussion, and What are Common Symptoms?

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can come in many forms. It is caused by either a bump, blow, or strike to the head. A concussion can affect your brain’s normal function.

Symptoms may range widely in a person who has sustained a concussion, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Double or blurry vision
• Memory loss
• Ringing ears
• Sensitivity to light
• Trouble falling asleep
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty with muscle coordination
• Nausea or vomiting

When Should I Receive Medical Care?

In a car accident, you can easily hit your head on the dashboard or any objects within the vehicle upon impact. While most people who suffer from a concussion will recover quickly, you should seek medical attention if your symptoms last for several weeks or suddenly worsen.

If you do begin to experience neurological symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Neurological symptoms may include a loss of consciousness, inability to wake up, seizures, slurred speech, decreased coordination, or muscle weakness. 

How Do Concussions Affect Children?

Any TBI can affect a child’s brain development. Since developing brains are still forming connections between brain cells, known as neurons, a brain injury in a child can affect their cognitive development. 

A concussion may limit a child’s ability to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities, including sports. This health issue can impact a child’s overall behavior and emotional health as well.

Post-Concussive Syndrome

The majority of concussion patients will start to feel better within 2 to 3 weeks following their brain injury, with most concussion symptoms resolving within six weeks. 

Given the complexity of our brains, even a mild concussion can have lingering symptoms that may result in post-concussive syndrome. While post-concussive syndrome can happen unpredictably, excessive physical activity and having a history of concussions can trigger symptoms.

Post-concussion syndrome will usually have the same symptoms as a concussion, with these symptoms lingering for weeks or months. Studies estimate that about 15% of people who experience a concussion will also have post-concussive syndrome.

Missed Work and Lost Wages

Since common symptoms of a concussion can include forgetfulness, confusion, and memory loss, a concussion can make it difficult for you to work. If you have missed time from work, you may be able to recover lost wages.

No matter the circumstances, it is important that you discuss your ability to receive compensation for your injuries with a Lake County brain injury attorney today. 

A Waukegan, IL, Brain Injury Attorney Fighting for You

If you have been hurt in a car accident, the focus should be on your physical and emotional recovery, not paying off debts. No matter who was at fault for your crash, you need representation that fits your needs from a Lake County, IL, injury lawyer. If you have sustained a concussion from a car accident, Salvi & Maher, LLP wants to hear from you. Contact us today online or at 847-662-3303 to schedule your free initial consultation and case review.