If you’ve been involved in an Illinois motor vehicle accident, it may take a while before you’re feeling well again. The emotional trauma that such incidents cause is a severe injury on its own, not to mention the physical pain and discomfort, as well as financial distress that might be associated with your collision. It’s important to closely monitor your condition in the weeks that follow a car accident.
If another vehicle hit you, you may have been immediately aware of injury, such as lacerations caused by broken glass penetrating your skin or swelling forming on your face due to hitting up against a hard surface in the vehicle upon impact. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, however.
It could take days to diagnose a brain injury
In the days and weeks that follow a motor vehicle accident, your physical condition and emotions might undergo changes. Perhaps you’ll feel pain one minute but calm and restful after taking medication. You might feel upset when you recall the events that led to the collision. You might also develop new symptoms, which could be cause for concern, especially if they suggest a traumatic brain injury.
Always tell a doctor if you have these symptoms after a car crash
The following list includes seven symptoms that could develop at any time after you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision:
- Ringing in your ears
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Liquid leaking from your ears or nose
- Cognitive impairment, such as memory trouble or problems concentrating
- Pain in your head, neck or jaw
- Blurry vision
- Feelings of nausea or vomiting
Any of these symptoms can be a sign of brain injury. Whether you experience such symptoms an hour after a car crash or a week later, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention and to make sure that the physician you speak with knows that you were recently involved in a collision.
A brain injury often has long-term implications
Brain damage caused by a motor vehicle collision can be severe, even permanent. Some symptoms can turn into life-threatening situations in a short amount of time, which is why it’s important to seek medical support right away.
The financial distress that is often associated with post-accident medical care makes recovery even more stressful. Many recovering accident victims, especially those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, seek compensation for damages by filing a legal claim against the person whose negligence caused a collision.