4 Injury Symptoms to Watch for After an Illinois Car Accident

 Posted on December 30,2019 in Car Accident

It is all too easy to miss signs of injury in the aftermath of a car accident, as the incident instantly triggers a cloud of confusion, adrenaline, and shock. Whether the collision is a minor fender-bender or a serious head-on crash at an intersection, the experience can have major consequences on a victim’s health and well-being. The human body is a fragile system, and it does not take much for a mild injury to cause significant damage. If you are the victim of a car crash, you may lose your ability to function normally, and in some cases, this can result in life-altering changes to your health.

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

It is important to take any auto accident injury seriously, since it can have devastating consequences if left untreated. That is why you should see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:   

• Dizziness - Dizziness is a common side effect caused by the impact of a vehicle collision, regardless of the direction from which you are hit. You may feel dizzy for hours or even days after the crash, but this symptom is especially important to monitor when it is accompanied by blurry vision, headaches, sensitivity to noise and light, or ringing in the ears. You may experience all or some of these symptoms, but any variety of these may indicate a concussion.

• Stiffness - Feeling stiffness in the neck and back within 24 hours after a car crash are often signs of whiplash, a common but uncomfortable condition triggered by the fast, sharp, back-and-forth movements that affect the neck at the moment of impact. Some cases of whiplash can be more severe, causing a noticeable limitation in your neck’s range of motion or headaches that begin at the base of the skull. If you recognize these symptoms, do not ignore them, especially if the pain in your neck worsens.

• Disorientation or forgetfulness - While temporary disorientation can be normal immediately after a crash, confusion that lingers and is paired with bouts of forgetfulness are signs of injury that should be very carefully monitored. Short-term memory loss, including difficulty retaining new information, or remembering past events may point to possible amnesia. Not every case of amnesia is necessarily permanent or long-term, but the symptoms can be very troublesome and alarming, no matter how severe they may be.

• Numbness - A loss of feeling in a limb, or intermittent sensations of tingling, may indicate some form of nerve damage. When it comes to car accidents, it is the peripheral nerves that are usually damaged during impact, which is the network of nerves that link your brain and spinal cord with the rest of the nerves in your body. If you experience these symptoms, you may also notice a general weakness in the area of the body being affected. 

Contact a Palatine Personal Injury Lawyer

Experiencing any of the above symptoms can be scary, and in some cases, they may have lasting and debilitating consequences. Whatever the cause of your car collision, it is imperative to seek medical attention right away when you notice any symptoms of an injury. Certain conditions surface over time, and certain injuries may worsen with delayed treatment. Consult with a competent Arlington Heights car accident attorney to ensure your best interests are protected as you embark on the road to recovery. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation if another party’s negligence caused the crash. Call Newland & Newland, LLP today at 847-797-8000 and ask for your free phone consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-concussion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353352

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amnesia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353360

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-nerve-injuries/symptoms-causes/syc-20355631