Most times, we don’t seek medical attention for headaches. When they occur after a car accident, however, it can be a different story. This type of head pain, which can develop anywhere from a couple of hours to a few weeks after a crash, may be an indicator of a more serious injury.
At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we have seen many clients complain of post-accident headaches that turned out to be symptoms of a life-threatening injury. If this happens to you, we can help you secure the medical treatment you need and pursue compensation from the negligent party who caused your injuries.
Car accidents can lead to various injuries, many of which can cause headaches. Understanding the types of headaches that can result from a collision is important for identifying the underlying issues and seeking appropriate treatment.
Fractures in the neck or skull can lead to severe and debilitating headaches. A fractured bone in the neck can cause intense pain that radiates to the head, while a skull fracture directly impacts the brain, potentially leading to loss of consciousness, serious headaches, and other symptoms.
A concussion occurs from a sudden or forceful blow to the head, which causes the brain to shake violently inside the skull. This rapid movement can lead to a variety of symptoms, with headaches being one of the most common. These headaches can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. This motion can damage the soft tissues in the neck, leading to headaches that might not appear until days after the accident. These delayed headaches often cause accident victims to initially believe they are uninjured.
The force of an auto accident can compress or herniate the vertebral discs in the neck. When these discs herniate, they can cause headaches along with symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and numbness. Reduced range of motion in the neck or arms is also common with herniated discs.
Even minor collisions can result in soft tissue injuries to the neck, head, or upper back. Sprains in these areas can impair movement and cause significant pain, including headaches. These headaches are typically a result of muscle strain and tension in the injured area.
A sudden jolt from a car accident can damage the nerves at the base of the skull, compress the nerves in the neck, or cause a herniated disc in the spine. These pinched nerves can produce pain, numbness, and tingling that radiate from the accident injury site and lead to crippling headaches.
You should never ignore any kind of headache after a motor vehicle accident, as they might indicate underlying issues such as a severe concussion, whiplash, or even a more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI). These conditions may not always be immediately apparent but can have significant long-term effects if not properly addressed.
Here are some signs that your headache might indicate a more severe issue.
If your headache doesn’t go away or keeps getting worse, it’s a red flag. Persistent headaches could indicate a concussion or a more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI). It’s essential to seek medical care if the pain is unrelenting or intensifies over time.
Headaches that come with other symptoms should not be ignored. These symptoms can include:
A headache that comes on suddenly and severely, often described as “the worst headache of your life,” can be a sign of a serious issue like a brain hemorrhage while post-accident headaches located at the base of the skull, especially if accompanied by neck pain, can indicate whiplash or other neck injuries.
Regardless of how you feel immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if the crash seemed minor, and you don’t feel seriously hurt, head injuries like concussions, whiplash, and other conditions that cause headaches may not show symptoms right away. A physician can perform necessary diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your headache and assess whether further care is needed.
After your initial examination, follow your doctor’s advice meticulously. This may include:
Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical visits, treatments, and any expenses related to your care. This documentation is vital for both your recovery and any potential legal action. Make sure to:
Do not delay or stop your treatment prematurely. Consistently following your treatment plan is critical for your recovery and maintaining the integrity of your personal injury claim. Any gaps or inconsistencies in your treatment can be used against you by insurance companies to minimize your compensation.
If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver and are suffering severe headaches as a result, contacting a Texas car accident attorney is the first step in securing fair compensation. They will review the accident report, medical records, and any other relevant information to determine the strength of your claim and identify the best course of action. This initial evaluation helps to establish the foundation of your case and clarify the next steps, which include:
When dealing with severe headaches after a car accident, the type of settlement you could expect depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, their impact on your daily life, and the costs associated with your treatment and recovery.
Accident-related medical expenses may include the cost of initial emergency care, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and any ongoing treatments such as physical therapy or pain management. If your headaches are linked to more severe injuries like a concussion or whiplash, these costs can quickly add up.
If your headaches have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you’ve already lost but also any future earnings if your ability to work has been compromised. For instance, if you have to reduce your working hours or cannot return to your previous job due to the severity of your headaches, these losses can be factored into your settlement.
Headaches can impact your quality of life by causing ongoing pain and discomfort. Settlements often include compensation for pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This can be more challenging to quantify, but it is a crucial part of your claim.
If your headaches prevent you from performing routine tasks, participating in hobbies, or maintaining relationships, this can increase the amount of compensation you receive. Detailed documentation of how your headaches interfere with your life can support this aspect of your claim.
Chronic headaches may require long-term treatment and management. If your condition is expected to persist, your settlement should reflect these future medical needs. This includes anticipated medical expenses, ongoing therapy, and any necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that you receive financial compensation that covers both immediate and future needs resulting from your accident injury.
Headaches after a car accident can be serious, persisting for months or even years and significantly impacting your quality of life. They can make it difficult to connect with loved ones and even force you to quit your job. All of this underscores the importance of having a personal injury attorney to help handle your insurance claim and secure the settlement you deserve.
Working alongside a skilled attorney can be the difference between a settlement that falls short of covering your medical costs and one that fully compensates you for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any additional costs you may encounter in the future due to the accident. The right legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
At Villareal & Begum, LAW GUNS, we want to help you move past your accident and get back to your life. Our team is ready to assist you 24/7, and it costs you nothing upfront to work with us. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, call (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
