Headaches After a Car Accident

The causes of post-accident headaches vary. Even low-speed collisions can jolt the head and neck, causing the brain to shift inside the skull. Here are a few types of car accidents that commonly lead to headaches:

• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end crashes often cause whiplash. This is a common injury that leads to headaches due to the sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck.
• Side-impact collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions can result in head and neck injuries. These include concussions or head trauma that may cause persistent headaches.
• Rollover accidents: In more severe crashes where the vehicle flips or rolls over, occupants can experience head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, which can manifest as chronic headaches.
• High-speed collisions: Collisions that occur at high speeds often have more severe impacts, increasing the likelihood of head injuries or trauma, which can trigger headaches.

A headache after a car accident can manifest immediately or emerge hours, days, or even weeks later. While some headaches may be temporary, others are constant and can persist for weeks or even months. This can make it difficult for you to work, care for your family, or enjoy your hobbies.

A headache after a car accident may be a sign of:

• A closed head injury such as a traumatic brain injury.
• Whiplash, which can strain the neck muscles, ligaments, and nerves, leading to tension headaches or migraines.
• Concussion, which can cause headaches accompanied by dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise, and difficulty concentrating.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which is typically felt near the temples and jaw joints. TMJ is often accompanied by jaw pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
• Head and facial injuries such as skull fractures and facial bone fractures.
• Cervical herniated disc, which can press against nerves in the neck, resulting in radiating pain to the head.

Common symptoms of crash-related headaches

A headache after a car accident can occur even if there is no direct impact to the head. Depending on the severity of the crash and the type of injury sustained, post-accident headaches can range from mild to severe. The symptoms may include:

• 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.

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

• Seek an immediate medical evaluation: It’s crucial to have your condition assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible. Prompt medical attention will enable you to receive the necessary care and help prove the legitimacy of your injury.
• Document your injuries: Document your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. This can be vital for linking your headache to your car accident when building your claim.
• 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. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and avoid activities that might worsen your headache.
• Inform your insurance company: Report your car accident to your insurance company, but only stick to the basic facts. Giving too much information can jeopardize your chances of receiving full compensation.
• Consult an experienced attorney: Seek help from an experienced car accident attorney. They can assess the worth of your case, ensure you receive appropriate treatment, and advocate for you.
• Avoid signing settlements or releases: Don’t sign any settlements, releases, or waivers until you have consulted with an experienced attorney who prioritizes your interests.

Treatment for headaches

While there are different treatment options available depending on the severity and cause of your headaches, here are a few commonly recommended approaches:

• Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers can provide temporary relief from headache pain. However, consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it's safe for you. 
• Physical therapy: In some cases, post-accident headaches may be related to muscle tension or neck injuries. A physical therapist can help assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. This could include exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): If stress, anxiety, or trauma from the car accident is contributing to your headaches, CBT can be beneficial. This form of therapy helps you identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. 
• Alternative therapies: Some individuals find relief from headaches through alternative treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy.

The amount of compensation you may receive after a car accident will depend on several factors. That includes the severity of your injury, the impact on your quality of life, and the financial costs associated with your recovery.

Reaching a fair settlement for a post-accident headache case can be challenging without the help of an experienced attorney. Your attorney will calculate all damages accrued from your crash before advocating for a fair settlement. Some types of damages include:

• Medical expenses: This includes costs for hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, medications, and rehabilitation. Plus, it covers future medical treatment related to the accident.
• Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the crash, an attorney may seek compensation to repair or replace it.
• Lost wages: If you missed work while recovering from your injuries, an attorney may help you recover lost wages. If your injury will affect your future earning capacity, an attorney can seek compensation for those future losses, too.
• Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional distress caused by your crash and any resulting injuries. An attorney may seek compensation for the pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
• Loss of consortium: If your collision has impacted your ability to have a normal relationship with your spouse or partner, an attorney may seek compensation for the loss of companionship.
• Punitive damages: Your attorney may pursue punitive damages if your crash was caused by someone’s malicious or intentional actions. Punitive damages also help deter the same type of behavior in the future.

If you sustained a headache after a car accident, it's important to know that you don't have to face the aftermath alone. A Law.com Premier car accident attorney can help protect your legal rights and work to secure compensation on your behalf. They can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests.

Schedule a free consultation with a verified attorney to discuss your legal options and begin building your case. Car accident lawyers work on contingency, which means you don’t pay up front; your attorney only gets paid if and when they win your case. Contact an attorney in your area today to get started.