How Do I Know If I Have a Concussion After a Car Accident?

One of the most common injuries from car accidents is a concussion—a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects brain function, even if there are no visible signs of trauma. If you’re wondering: “How do I know if I have a concussion after a car accident?”, know that many symptoms are delayed, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, or nausea, making it critical to seek medical help promptly after any collision. 

In Chicago, understanding how to spot the signs of a concussion after a car crash can help you protect your health and strengthen your legal case.

What Is a Concussion and How Does a Car Accident Cause a Brain Injury?

A concussion is a mild brain injury that occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. 

This movement can temporarily disrupt brain function and, in some cases, cause long-term damage. In a car accident, this may happen during a rear-end crash, a rollover, or any collision where your head hits the steering wheel or your body is thrown forward abruptly.

While many people may have had a previous concussion from playing contact sports, whiplash can also cause a concussion. These types of traumatic injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents throughout Chicago and can happen regardless of whether the accident is minor or severe.

Common Concussion Symptoms After a Car Crash

Knowing the common symptoms of a concussion can help you recognize when something is wrong. Concussion symptoms include:

Dizziness, Nausea, and Vomiting

Some of the first physical symptoms after a collision include dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. These may be accompanied by a feeling of disorientation or mental fog.

Severe Headaches or Pressure in the Head

Extreme headaches or pressure in the head are also common symptoms. These may appear hours after the accident and should never be ignored. If the headache worsens, it could point to a more serious brain injury.

Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Loss

Difficulty concentrating or memory problems may also arise after a car accident. If you notice you’re forgetting conversations, struggling to recall recent events, or having trouble staying focused, you may have suffered a concussion.

Blurred Vision, Ringing in the Ears, or Sensitivity to Light and Noise

Other symptoms, such as blurry vision, ringing in the ears, and sensitivity to light or noise, are often reported by accident victims who have sustained head injuries.

Impaired Speech or Delayed Responses

Speech issues are another red flag. Slurred speech or delayed responses can indicate that cognitive function has been affected.

Loss of Consciousness

If you lose consciousness at any point, seek medical attention. Losing consciousness, even a temporary loss, can indicate a more severe traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding in the brain.

Head Injuries That Can Accompany a Concussion

Several other head injuries may develop alongside or as a result of a concussion.

Skull Fractures 

Skull fractures are among the most dangerous complications. When the skull is cracked, it may increase the risk of infection or lead to permanent brain damage.

Hematomas 

Hematomas, or brain bleeds, are medical emergencies. If blood pools inside the skull, pressure builds up on the brain and can require emergency surgery.

Contusions

Contusions, or bruises on the brain, are another concern. These can disrupt cognitive function and lead to long-term problems, including memory issues and personality changes.

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS)

SIS is a rare condition that happens when someone suffers repeated concussions before the first has healed. This condition causes severe swelling in the brain and, in rare cases, can be fatal.

When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Concussion

If you suspect a concussion after a car accident, seek medical treatment immediately if the following symptoms occur:

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly
• Worsening conditions or symptoms persist
• Seizures, memory problems, or unusual behavior
• Confusion, slurred speech, or trouble walking
• Repeated vomiting or severe headaches

Medical professionals can perform imaging tests, such as a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to check for internal bleeding or other brain injuries. 

Long-term Complications of Concussion Injuries

A concussion might be considered a mild brain injury, but the long-term effects can be serious. 

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is when concussion symptoms continue after the typical recovery period, such as headaches, dizziness, and changes in sleeping patterns.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is linked to sports and repeated head injuries from car crashes. It can lead to permanent brain damage over time.

Cognitive impairments such as difficulty making decisions, focusing, or retaining new information, and emotional changes like anxiety, depression, mood swings, or irritability may also emerge after a brain injury.

It’s critical to rest after a blow to the head and avoid watching TV, playing video games, or playing sports. Seeking medical care is crucial for a full recovery. Limiting physical activity is essential to treating other injuries and preventing concussions from turning into serious injuries or life-threatening conditions. 

How Illinois Law Affects Your Car Accident Concussion Claim

Under Illinois law, accident victims generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, if concussion symptoms are delayed, you may have additional time to file.

Illinois also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially to be at fault. If you’re less than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will affect the amount.

What Compensation Can You Receive for a Concussion After a Car Accident?

After suffering a concussion, your financial losses can extend far beyond the initial trip to the emergency room. You may be eligible to recover expenses related to the following:

• Medical expenses, including future costs for ongoing care
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Full recovery from severe head trauma may also require physical therapy or neurological rehabilitation. These costs add up quickly, and a proper legal claim should reflect all current and future medical bills.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Concussion Injury Claim

Recovering from a concussion after a car accident is hard enough without battling insurance adjusters. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Legal support can include:

• Investigating the crash and identifying the at-fault driver
• Documenting medical evidence and concussion symptoms
• Consulting healthcare professionals on brain function
• Negotiating with the insurance company
• Filing a lawsuit if negotiations fail

An attorney with experience handling car accident injury cases can make a big difference in your outcome, especially if you’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury or complex symptoms.

Speak With a Chicago Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered a concussion in a recent car crash, don’t wait to seek immediate medical attention and legal guidance. Early treatment and strong documentation are key to your health and your car accident claim.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our form to discuss your options today.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.