You may sustain a variety of injuries from a car accident. However, some injuries may have life-threatening complications. Concussions may not seem very serious because they are the mildest form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and typically heal with time and rest. However, a concussion can have a serious complication that could result in permanent impairments or life-threatening conditions — Second Impact Syndrome.

Second Impact Syndrome and Car Crashes

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) occurs when you receive a second head injury before the first brain injury heals completely.  For instance, your child suffers a concussion playing football and is then involved in a car accident within a few weeks that results in another TBI. The second head injury can result in SIS, which is characterized by hemorrhages and brain swelling.

Even though the condition is rare, it is often deadly. Accident victims who survive often have debilitating disabilities and impairments. The second concussion does not need to result from a severe impact. A minor blow to the head can result in SIS. Also, an accident that results in the head whipping back and forth, such as whiplash, can result in brain damage that triggers SIS if the person had previously suffered a concussion.

Signs of Secondary Impact Syndrome

You need to be very careful if you suffer a concussion to take steps to avoid a second head injury. If you suffer a second concussion, you may not lose consciousness or have any immediate symptoms. However, you may collapse within minutes after the second concussion. Your condition can worsen very quickly; therefore, immediate medical treatment is required. In many cases, a person suffering from SIS will lose consciousness after collapsing and enter respiratory failure.

If you suspect that you may have suffered a second concussion or head injury, you should seek immediate medical attention. It is often best to go to the nearest emergency room instead of an urgent care facility or doctor’s office. You need a CT scan and other diagnostic tests immediately to determine if you are suffering from SIS.

Prevention of SIS After a Car Accident

One of the best ways to prevent a second head injury after a car accident is to avoid any activity that could lead to a head injury.  For instance, avoid exercising, sports, and recreational activities. You need to avoid any activities that might have a risk of falling.

If your job places you at risk for falls or other injuries, you may want to discuss this with your physician and consider taking additional time off work until you have healed completely. You should take as few risks as possible until after your doctor releases you and tells you that it is safe to return to your normal daily activities and work.

Recovering Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause serious injuries and result in significant financial damages. If another driver caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. However, you must file an accident claim with the insurance company to recover compensation. In some cases, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.

Filing an insurance claim and settling the claim for a fair amount can be complicated, especially if the insurance company denies liability or attempts to undervalue your claim. A Chicago car accident attorney can help you with your claim in several ways.

Our legal team helps you with your claim by:

• Investigating the car accident to determine the cause of the crash and gather evidence proving fault
• Identify all sources of compensation, including liability insurance, underinsured motorist coverage, and other insurance coverage
• Obtain a copy of the police or accident report
• Interview and obtain statements from eyewitnesses
• File a notice of claim with the insurance provider
• Obtain copies of your medical records and proof of financial damages
• Retain experts, when necessary, including accident reconstructionists, engineers, automotive specialists, medical experts, economists, and financial experts
• Prepare a settlement package and negotiate with the insurance company
• File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary

Our goal is to help you obtain a fair and just settlement for your car accident claim in the most efficient and quickest means possible. However, we never hesitate to file a car accident lawsuit if litigation is necessary to protect your best interests.

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Injury Claim

If a negligent driver injured you, we want to help. Our legal team provides legal advice, support, and guidance through each phase of the claims process. We will take care of the accident claim so that you can focus on your recovery.

Call (708) 400-0000 to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney with the Costa Ivone Injury Lawyers. You may also contact us online to request more information about car accident claims.