Headaches After A Car Accident

A headache following a car accident, also known as a "post-traumatic headache," is a result of the trauma experienced during the crash, such as whiplash or the head striking the window, steering wheel, or dashboard. These headaches can be extremely painful and debilitating, and they may occur immediately or after a delay of hours or days following the accident.

One of the most common causes of post-accident headaches is whiplash. This occurs when the head and neck are jolted forward and then snapped back, causing the neck muscles to stretch and strain. Whiplash can result from rear-end collisions, but it can also occur in other types of accidents, such as T-bone or head-on collisions. You don’t necessarily have to hit your head to experience a headache.

Another cause of post-accident headaches is a concussion. This occurs when the brain is forcefully moved around inside the skull, causing a temporary disruption in normal brain function. Concussions can result from any type of car accident.

Car accidents can also cause pinched nerves that lead to headaches. The forceful impact of a crash can cause nerve roots in the cervical spine to become compressed or pinched. This may also lead to disc herniation or irritation of the greater occipital nerve, which is located at the base of the skull.

Steps to Take if You Have a Constant Headache after a Car Accident

If you are suffering from persistent headaches after a car accident and want to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, follow these actions:

1. Seek an immediate medical examination: It is crucial to have your condition assessed by a medical professional without delay. Prompt diagnosis and documentation of the headache will enable you to receive the necessary medical care and ensure your well-being. Additionally, it helps to rule out any potential serious injuries like a traumatic brain injury.
2. Document your injuries: Since a headache can be a significant symptom of a brain injury, early documentation becomes essential. This documentation can be vital if an insurance company later denies coverage for medical care due to a delayed diagnosis.
3. Don't ignore the symptoms: Regardless of your hope for improvement, persistent headaches should not be ignored. They might indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires timely and proper treatment.
4. Consult an experienced attorney: Seek legal advice from an attorney experienced in handling car accident cases involving headaches. They can assess the worth of your case using a car accident settlement calculator, ensure you receive appropriate treatment, and guide you in notifying your insurance company to include your injury in your claim for auto No-Fault insurance benefits.
5. Inform your insurance company: Make sure to report your headaches and include them in your application for No-Fault benefits, commonly referred to as "written notice of injury." This notice should be provided to your No-Fault auto insurance company within one year of the accident.
6. Avoid signing settlements or releases: Until you have consulted with an experienced attorney who prioritizes your interests, refrain from signing any settlements, releases, or waivers presented by insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident.

A constant headache after a car accident can occur even if there was no direct impact to the head. Trauma to the head or neck, such as a blow or violent jolt during the collision, is often the underlying cause. Depending on the severity of the accident and the type of injury sustained, post-accident headaches can range from mild to severe. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Dull, aching pain in the head or neck
• Pressure across the forehead
• Pressure on the sides or back of the head
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tenderness in the neck or head
• Insomnia

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment to help you manage your pain and discomfort. Even if your symptoms seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor to fully evaluate your injuries and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment for headaches

Even without experiencing any symptoms, what you think is a harmless headache could be something more serious. Get your post-accident headache checked out by a medical professional. They will conduct an evaluation and may do imaging tests to get a better picture of what's causing your headache.

Your doctor may first suggest anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Other medications they may suggest are pain medications like acetaminophen or other medications like triptans, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants. These medications may relieve pain for mild headaches, but if your headaches continue, you may have to explore other treatment options.

Physical therapy is another treatment option that helps improve the range of motion in your neck. This helps relieve pressure or tension. It also reduces the strain that may be causing your headaches.

The duration of a headache after a car accident will differ depending on the severity of the accident and the individual suffering from the headache. Age and overall health are factors that can affect the longevity of a headache. In some cases, headaches may go away on their own within a few days. In other cases, headaches can linger for months, sometimes more than a year.

Settlements for car accident headaches

After suffering a headache as a result of a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation you may be able to receive will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life, and the financial costs associated with your medical treatment and recovery.

Headache cases are often seen as difficult because the injury can be categorized as “invisible”, making it harder to prove. Unlike visible physical injuries, headaches are internal and can't be seen by the naked eye. This means that there's often a lack of medical evidence to support the claim of the victim, which can make it harder to prove the extent of their suffering to insurers or other parties involved in the case.

Reaching a fair settlement for a post-accident headache case can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced attorney. Car accident attorneys are knowledgeable and have dealt with difficult cases like headaches after a car accident. Having an experienced attorney on your side can increase the chances you are awarded the compensation you need for a complete recovery.

Every case is unique, but a constant headache after a car accident can be a long-lasting, painful, and disabling injury that warrants significant legal compensation. However, many attorneys may be hesitant to handle these "invisible" injury cases in court. Thus, it is essential to find an experienced injury attorney who has successfully dealt with such cases and understands their complexities.

Proper treatment for a headache after a car accident often begins with medication, but alternative therapies, procedures, and counseling can also be considered. The duration of these headaches can vary, with chronic headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.

To protect your legal rights and receive appropriate medical care, seeking immediate attention for a headache after a car accident is crucial. It allows for timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and proper documentation to support your claim for compensation.

If you've been in a car accident and are experiencing headaches as a result, it's important to know that you don't have to face this alone. A car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. They can assist you in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and overall advocating for your best interests.

Schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options and begin the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.