Schramm Law Group, LLC

5 brain trauma symptoms after a car accident

2024-05-09T23:27:43Z

The force that hits you upon impact in a motor vehicle collision is enough to cause severe, perhaps even fatal injuries. People are often surprised to learn that it doesn’t take much force at all to cause damage, both to a vehicle and to a body. When a car accident occurs on an Illinois roadway, symptoms of severe injury, such as brain trauma, might not show right away.

You may have heard a doctor tell a loved one or even yourself, “We’re going to keep you overnight for observation.” This means that medical staff will closely monitor a patient’s condition to check for changes. In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s important to “check for changes” in the days and weeks that follow. If symptoms of brain trauma develop, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention.

These symptoms after a car accident suggest a brain injury

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident and experience any of the symptoms shown in the following list, it’s best to seek immediate medical care:

Confusion or memory loss
Agitation, mood swings, difficulty controlling emotions
Extreme fatigue or insomnia, difficulty rousing from sleep
Light or sound sensitivities
Vomiting

There are numerous other brain trauma symptoms that may occur after a car accident. When you go to the hospital, make sure you tell the staff that you were involved in a collision. This lets the doctor know what tests to run.

Recovery can be challenging

If you suffer a concussion in a motor vehicle collision, the doctor might recommend that you spend a few weeks in a quiet, darkened room and avoid any activity that requires mental focus (like watching TV or reading). A more severe injury, like a skull fracture, will require specialized treatment.

Brain trauma patients often experience mental health issues like depression or suicidal thoughts. It’s critical to seek support if you develop these conditions or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or any other symptoms. Sadly, the implications of a severe brain injury might last a lifetime.

Seeking financial recovery for your losses

When another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior causes a car accident that results in brain trauma, state law allows you to seek restitution in court. To do so, you must file a legal claim requesting compensation for damages. When the court rules in a plaintiff’s favor, the judge orders a monetary award one can then use to offset any financial strain associated with the incident.

The types of distracted driving and their impact on road safety

2024-02-21T19:21:38Z

When a driver is behind the wheel, his or her only priority is the safe operation of the vehicle. Each person is responsible for avoiding dangerous and reckless actions that could put them and others at risk, including different types of distraction. While the main reason for distracted driving is phone use, there are other things that take a driver’s attention and result in a serious motor vehicle accident.

In addition to there being different reasons for distracted driving, there are also different types of distraction as well. These can impact a driver in different ways, but they are all dangerous and preventable. By learning about the different types of distraction, you may be able to understand the impact of distraction and what you can do to stay as safe as possible while driving in Illinois.

The three categories of distraction and their impact

When you think about distracted driving, you may think about the act of picking up a phone while also operating a vehicle. While this is distracting and dangerous, different types of distraction affect drivers in different ways, including with information processing, vision and more. The different types of distraction include:

Cognitive distraction -- This type of distraction affects a driver’s mind. This happens when a driver loses focus for any reason, which can happen even with two hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Manual distraction -- This happens when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel, either to adjust the radio, type a text, take a sip of coffee or for any other reason.
Visual distraction -- This includes anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, such as looking at a billboard, scrolling a phone, looking for something that dropped on the floorboard and more.

One thing that makes phone use so dangerous is that it involves all three forms of distraction. Regardless of the reason for the distraction, a driver is accountable for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel. If you are suffering because of the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, you may have legal options available to you. This could include seeking compensation though the civil justice system.

Are you a biker? Defensive driving could save your life

2025-06-26T07:39:28Z

As someone who enjoys riding a motorcycle, you know how important it is to be aware of other drivers around you. The appeal of riding a motorcycle is enjoying the freedom of the open road, but unfortunately, others do not always know how to safely share the road. This can lead to accidents with larger and heavier vehicles. These types of collisions often result in serious injuries for those on motorcycles, even when wearing protective gear and taking other precautions. As a biker, defensive driving is critical. These are actions that can help you stay as safe as possible on the road, and they may even save your life. Other Illinois motorists don’t always drive safely around bikes, respect the rights of bikers or even see bikes when merging, and it is important to be constantly vigilant and aware of the actions of others. Each driver is responsible for making safe choices while behind the wheel.

Steps to driving defensively

As a biker, you are vulnerable to the actions of others, even if you are cautious, vigilant and aware of your surroundings. While you cannot predict and control what others on the road will do, there are steps you can take that will increase safety and make it more likely that you will be able to avoid accidents. Some of these steps include:

Always wear the appropriate protective gear, including helmet, thick clothing, boots, gloves and goggles. This can lessen the impact of a collision.
Look around constantly and monitor other vehicles in other lanes and those approaching from cross streets.
Be confident with your driving and know when you have the right-a-way, but do not drive aggressively.
Make sure you know your rights and the route you intend to take so that you are completely prepared.

Even with every precaution and the right protective gear, you could still end up as the victim of the reckless or negligent actions of another driver. If you are suffering from injuries after a motorcycle accident, you will benefit from an explanation of the legal options available to you. You may have grounds to pursue financial recovery through a civil claim, which could provide you with the resources you need to pick up the pieces and move forward after a traumatic event.

Fatigue is a contributing factor in many truck accidents

2023-08-17T15:01:07Z

When you get behind the wheel, your primary responsibility is the safe operation of the car or truck you are driving. You must be able to recognize if you can drive safely, or whether factors such as intoxication, inexperience, distraction or extreme fatigue may keep you from doing so. Each driver is accountable for the choices that he or she makes while behind the wheel, particularly those that could negatively affect another person.

Just like other drivers, truck drivers are responsible for knowing when they should not get behind the wheel. One of the most common reasons why truck drivers may give additional thought to their ability to drive is fatigue. Fatigue is one of the leading reasons for truck accidents, yet many truck drivers are unaware of the true impact this can have on them and their ability to safely drive large, heavy vehicles.

Recognizing and preventing fatigued driving

For more than 70 years, fatigue has been one of the leading causes of accidents in the trucking industry. After conducting a study on the issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that as many as 65% of truck drivers admit to experiencing fatigue while driving. Startlingly, almost half of the number polled said that they had actually fallen asleep behind the wheel. Fatigue can lead to slower reaction times, missed hazards, speeding, swerving between lanes and lower capacity for reacting to unexpected situations.

While there are restrictions to the number of hours that a trucker can be behind the wheel, there may be times when truckers drive too long or don’t have enough time to rest between shifts. There have been various efforts to decrease fatigue by increasing truck driver fitness, changing the compensation system for truckers and reducing exemptions to hours of service regulations. Despite these measures, truck driver fatigue remains a concern.

Who is accountable?

Regardless of the regulations set to prevent fatigued driving, truckers are responsible for knowing when they are too tired to drive safely. Illinois trucking companies also bear a burden of responsibility in establishing fair requirements of their drivers and adherence to safety laws. If you believe that the truck accident that left you injured could be the result of reckless or negligent driving, there are legal options available to you. An assessment of your accident could reveal the specific legal options available to you.

How will your whiplash injury affect your life?

2023-05-10T14:16:00Z

When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop, such as in the event of an accident, the person inside the vehicle may experience different effects that he or she is unable to control. For example, an impact could force the head of the occupant of the vehicle to move forward and back rapidly in a whipping motion. This is a common result of many car accidents, and it often leads to something called a whiplash injury.

Whiplash may be a common car accident injury, but it can have an uncommon effect on your life. This may initially seem like a minor injury, but victims often find that it can have lingering, significant impacts that affect how they move forward after this type of traumatic event. If you suffered this type of injury in a car accident, it is important to take your injury seriously and seek the recovery you deserve.

Side effects and long-term consequences

Whiplash is damage to the ligaments, muscles and nerves in the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. Initially, this type of injury could simply seem like a sore neck, but side effects can worsen or develop over time. In most cases, people with this type of injury experience soreness, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, temporary loss of range of motion, fatigue and more. Typically, these things resolve over time, but that is not always the case. In more severe whiplash cases, a victim could experience the following:

Blurred vision
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Depression
Trouble sleeping
Inability to work or complete tasks
Irritability

If you notice any of these after suffering from a whiplash injury, it could be an indication that your injuries are severe and you require care. You will benefit from seeking a medical assessment from a professional and learning about what you will need to get better and move forward. The impacts of a severe whiplash injury may last for weeks, months or even longer.

Who is to blame?

You could be suffering due to the reckless or negligent actions of another Illinois driver. If you suffered a whiplash injury after an accident that was not your fault, you may have grounds for legal action. Through the civil justice system, you can seek recovery and compensation that will allow you to address your losses, seek the medical care you require and pursue the recovery you deserve.

Is it more dangerous to drive in rain than in snow?

2023-02-11T00:58:21Z

Most Illinois motorists know they must be more careful on the roads when precipitation occurs. Winter is generally when more crashes occur, yet what type of precipitation causes more fatal crashes - rain or snow?

Rain causes more fatal accidents

Although all types of wet weather pose more risks for drivers, a winter-related crash study released in 2022 shows that more fatal motor vehicle accidents occur in rainy conditions, not when roads are snowy and icy. The study analyzed data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration from 2005 through 2019 regarding weather-related accidents during December, January and February. It found that fatal winter crashes in the rain were higher in southern states, yet that doesn't exonerate Illinois drivers, as the state can receive heavy amounts of rain in cold conditions.

Why is rain more dangerous?

The attitude of some drivers may come into play when driving in the rain because they perceive rainy conditions to be less dangerous. The attitude of "it's just rain" causes some motorists to drive too fast, thereby underestimating the risks of hydroplaning and how long it will take to stop on wet pavement. To minimize the risks in heavy rain, do the following:

Reduce your speed and lengthen your following distance
Take your foot off the gas if you begin hydroplaning
Don't drive through deep water
Drive in the middle lane, if possible

Negligence is the root cause of weather-related accidents

When serious motor vehicle accidents occur in bad weather, resulting in catastophic injuries, the offending driver generally drove too fast for conditions or engaged in some other risky behavior. Gathering evidence that points to negligence is crucial. If you have sustained severe injuries in an accident you can file a lawsuit seeking damages from the responsible driver. Financial compensation from a successful lawsuit can include medical bills, lost wages, and other amounts.

What should you do after a car accident in Illinois?

2022-11-10T17:21:42Z

It's very easy to get confused and overwhelmed after a motor vehicle accident. But it's important to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure everyone's safety and preserve your legal rights.

Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary

If you're able, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Note that some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent, so if you're in pain it's always best to seek medical attention. It's also often unwise to move an injured person unless it's necessary to avoid further harm.

Move your vehicle to a safe location

If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help prevent further accidents and allow emergency vehicles easy access to the scene. If you can't move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Exchange information with the other driver

Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance company and policy number. If they refuse to provide this information, call the police. You should also write down their license plate number. It's also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, if possible. If you have a dash cam, be sure to save the footage.

Ensure there's a police report

In many jurisdictions, a police report is required in order to file an insurance claim. Even if it's not required, it's generally a good idea to have one as it can help document what happened and who was involved.

Call your insurance company

Even if you don't think the motor vehicle accident was your fault, it's a good idea to call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will be able to advise you on what to do next and may even send an adjuster to the scene of the accident. One thing to note is that you should be careful about what you say to your insurance company. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. In the end, it's important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety and protect your legal rights. motor vehicle accidents can be confusing and overwhelming, but following these steps can help you through the process.

Understanding common types of distracted driving

2022-08-11T01:17:38Z

When you're driving, the last thing you want to do is be distracted. But unfortunately, some of the most common things that Illinois drivers do can are often the most distracting. Here are four of the most common types of distracted driving.

Visual distractions

These are anything that takes your eyes off the road, even for a second. That includes things like looking at your phone, changing the radio station or even rubbernecking. Take rubbernecking, for instance. When you're driving and you see a motor vehicle accident on the side of the road, it's natural to want to look. But even if you just glance over for a second, that's enough time to miss something important, such as a stop sign or the brake lights of the car in front of you.

Manual distractions

These are anything that takes your hands off the steering wheel. That includes things like fiddling with the radio, eating or even drinking. Even if you're just holding a cup of coffee, that's one less hand you have to grip the steering wheel with in case of an emergency. And, of course, a particularly dangerous manual distraction is texting while driving.

Cognitive distractions

These are anything that takes your mind off of driving. That includes things like daydreaming, having a conversation with a passenger or even being lost in thought. If you're not focused on the task at hand, which is driving, then you're more likely to make a mistake. The best solution is to simply avoid anything that takes your attention away from the road. If something requires your immediate attention, make sure you take care of it before you start driving or after you've pulled over. And, of course, never text and drive. It's simply not worth the risk.

Steps in settling a truck accident claim in Illinois

2022-05-06T05:22:13Z

Truck accidents can be the most complicated and frustrating cases that injured victims in Illinois can face when it comes to settling with the other parties. Trucking companies are notorious when it comes to resolving accident claims, and they are especially difficult when the accident involves multiple vehicles. This usually results in cases taking a significant amount of time to settle when they are forced through the court system. However, many injury claims are still settled out of court before any court hearing is scheduled when fault is obvious.

Pretrial negotiations

The official accident report issued by the police will have a major impact on what the insurance company decides in any motor vehicle accidents involving trucks. When the truck driver is obviously at fault based on the report, insurance claims adjusters might make a settlement offer in short order. When fault is questionable, a lawsuit could follow.

Discovery hearing

The jury will evaluate the actions of all parties involved and will then assign a comparative negligence fault percentage to each. It is not always the truck driver who is at fault, as many truck accidents are caused by defective parts or improper cargo loading. Illinois follows the modified comparative negligence principle when it comes to motor vehicle accidents, and those assigned a fault percentage of 50% or greater are denied any financial recovery for their injuries. Many drivers who are involved in a two-vehicle truck accident with equally shared fault are denied financial compensation for their injuries.

Hazards of texting behind the wheel

2022-02-11T22:10:55Z

It’s every driver’s responsibility to be cautious on public roads because even the smallest errors can have the largest consequences. Rates of motor vehicle accidents in Illinois and around the country are rising each year, and technology plays a role

The guise of modern tech

Driving and texting is just one of the many distractions that technology brings into modern vehicles. Reading texts while you're behind the wheel requires you to take your attention away from driving. Trying to then write a message will take your hands off of the steering wheel.

The liability

The consequences of driving while texting can be as severe as driving while under the influence. The liability of a motor vehicle accidents goes to the person proven to have caused it. A driver who texts and drives can often be discovered through their service provider’s phone records. The time of an accident, for example, can be found to match up with the time of texting.

The impacts

Driving while texting can lead to death in severe cases. The impacts can be devastating for the texter; even if they are not injured, having their license revoked is possible if they are proven to have caused the accident. Convicted reckless drivers might be required to take classes and redo their driver’s test in addition to facing a personal injury lawsuit filed by the crash victims.

Motor vehicle accidents in Illinois

Not all motor vehicle accidents can be foreseen. When driving, however, there are simple ways to avoid unnecessary damage. Reading and writing texts at the steering wheel is against the law in order to prevent accidents.