Legal Review: How to Identify the Signs of a Concussion Following a Pedestrian Accident

Walking from point A to point B has health, economic, and environmental benefits. However, when walking involves being close to vehicles, there is a chance you could get into an accident. 

As a pedestrian, you do not enjoy the same safety features as car users, so even a seemingly low-impact accident is highly likely to result in injuries. 

One of the most common injuries suffered by pedestrians on Illinois roads is concussions. This guide sheds light on a concussion, from its definition to everything you need to know about it.

What Is A Concussion?

Concussions fall in the category of traumatic brain injuries but are on the lowest end of the severity spectrum. 

They are caused by blunt force trauma to the head or a back-and-forth rocking of the head, smashing its contents (the brain) against the walls of the cranial cavity, causing minor bruises and chemical changes. 

Concussions are not life-threatening in most cases, but they can be if not addressed quickly and depending on the magnitude of the injury.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussion symptoms fall into three categories: physical, cognitive, and emotional. Physical signs include passing out for a moment after the accident, headaches, fatigue and drowsiness, dizziness, balance problems, sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.

Since concussions are injuries to the brain, you can expect they will have an impact on how the brain works, often manifesting in some changes in a victim’s cognitive abilities. Common cognitive changes accompanying a concussion include difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion and disorientation, slurred speech, and slow reaction times. 

The chemical changes that come with a concussion may manifest as irritability and mood swings, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Delayed Concussions Symptoms

Concussion symptoms do not always show immediately after an accident. Sometimes, they can take as long as 72 hours, even longer, to show, even when the injuries may be severe. So, get medical attention after an accident, even when you feel okay. 

“In most cases, a CT scan can help diagnose a concussion. Even when you do not get a CT scan, visiting a doctor after your accident helps create a link between the accident and concussion symptoms that manifest days after an accident,” says attorney Ronald F. Wittmeyer, Jr. of the Law Offices of Rf Wittmeyer. 

Compensation for Concussions

Like other types of injuries, you may have a right to compensation if you suffer a concussion in an accident resulting from another party’s negligence. 

To improve your chances of success, start by documenting everything from the accident scene, injuries suffered, witness accounts, etc. Also, enlist the services of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer based in Illinois. 

If you successfully claim, you will recover all monetary expenses from your accident and non-monetary damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional pain. 

Pedestrian Safety

As a pedestrian, your safety begins with you considering you will be most at risk in an accident with a vehicle. Practical safety precautions for pedestrians include keeping to the sidewalk where there is a very low chance of getting hit by a vehicle unless it loses control. 

If you have to cross the road, use designated pedestrian crossing zones. Avoid crossing the road in poorly lit areas when walking in the dark. Also, consider wearing brightly colored clothes to increase your visibility. However, doing your best may not guarantee absolute safety. When the worst happens, work with an Illinois pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for your rights.