Headaches are never fun. They can hinder carrying out everyday activities and make even the simplest tasks seem irritating. A headache that results from a car accident injury can be particularly scary. Sometimes, they can be the symptom of an underlying or more severe injury, like traumatic brain injury or concussion. The two crucial elements for successfully treating headaches after a car accident are immediate medical attention and early documentation. Here’s what you need to know if your head hurts after a car accident.
What Is a Post Traumatic Headache?
A headache after a car accident is a “post-traumatic headache” since the trauma of a crash causes them. They can be painful and even debilitating for victims. Some may suffer immediately, while others don’t have symptoms until hours or even days later.
What Should I Do if I Have a Constant Headache After a Car Accident?
If you have a headache after a car accident, please follow these steps to ensure you get the proper medical care and compensation you are entitled to.
1. Get Examined by a Medical Professional Immediately.
When it comes to diagnosing and treating a headache after a car accident, time is of the essence. You’ll also want early documentation to help build your case. The sooner you get checked out, the sooner you can start receiving the necessary medical care and be on your way to recovery and good health.
Another essential factor at play is for a doctor to be able to rule out other potentially serious injuries. For example, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have a traumatic brain injury or a concussion.
Headaches are often an early and essential symptom of brain injury so early documentation will help your case. For example, suppose the insurance company later refuses to pay for your medical care because your diagnosis was made months after the accident. In that case, you’ll have early documentation of your headaches right after the accident.
2. Don’t Try to “Tough It Out.”
Now is not the time to try to be rigid or inflexible. While you may not usually seek medical attention for a headache, you should check after a car accident. Since it can be a symptom of something more serious, you need to get prompt and proper treatment.
3. Speak to an Attorney Who Has Helped Victims With Similar Situations as Yours.
An experienced attorney will have successfully handled cases assisting people like you. Your attorney can help you determine the value of your case. They can also assist you in receiving the necessary treatment to make the best recovery possible.
In addition, your attorney can help you with the insurance claims process. With proper legal advice, you’ll be able to file an insurance claim correctly. Part of that includes ensuring that your injuries are included in your claim for no-fault insurance benefits.
4. Disclose Your Headaches to Your Insurance Company.
Include your headaches in your written notice of injury that you submit to your insurance company.
5. Refrain From Signing Any Settlements, Releases, or Waivers.
It’s best to avoid signing anything or making commitments until you have consulted with your Denver Car accident attorney. Your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to present you with settlements, releases, or waivers. Don’t take any action until you’ve discussed matters with your attorney, who has your best interests in mind.
How Long Do Headaches Last After a Car Accident?
Following the shock of a car accident, your body will release endorphins and adrenaline. The release of these chemicals can mask your injuries or delay the onset for up to a few days. As a result, you may mistakenly assume you are fine. However, it would help if you were on the watch for the following symptoms of post-traumatic headache after the accident:
- You are feeling pressure in your head.
- You experience a dull or aching sensation in the head.
- You feel pressure on the sides of the back of the head.
- Your scalp, neck, or shoulders are feeling tender.
Headache pain after a car collision can last from an hour to several weeks. Headaches can come and go or be constant. If your headache persists for more than two weeks or several months, your condition may be severe. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after the accident and have early documentation.
How Do You Know if You Have a Concussion or Brain Injury After a Car Accident?
It can be hard to tell if your headache points to a more critical injury like a concussion. Many times people suffering a concussion don’t lose consciousness.
In severe cases, the injured person may pass out for a while. However, imaging scans usually do not pick up on the results of a concussion. Nevertheless, concussions pose a real danger and can cause short and sometimes long-term damage.
While most concussion victims make a complete recovery within a week, sometimes they can be more serious. Here are some signs to watch out for to make sure your headache does not suggest a concussion:
- You feel as if your head is spinning. It might be a concussion if you experience dizziness, sensitivity to light, nausea, or vomiting after the collision.
- Your ears are ringing. You may not even remember it, but you may have suffered a blow to the head if your ears are ringing.
- You experience confusion. While stress and surprise are typical to a certain degree after the accident, being confused about the date, time, or other common facts could be signs of a concussion.
- You experience sleep disturbances. Sleep problems like insomnia or sleeping much more than usual may indicate a concussion.
- Your headache is consistent.
- You experience mood changes. Suppose you feel irritable, aggressive, nervous, or depressed, and you weren’t before the accident. In that case, these can be possible signs of concussion.
- You have difficulty concentrating. If you can’t seem to focus, you may be tired, but it could also indicate a concussion.
Should I Go to the ER for a Headache After a Car Accident?
The takeaway message is that your best course after a car accident is to see a doctor and lawyer up. Seek medical care as soon as you can after the accident. Take an ambulance ride to the hospital and get checked out as a precaution if you need to. Some seemingly minor injuries can turn out to be dangerous. Don’t make the mistake of waiting too long before getting medical attention.
See It Through With an Experienced Denver Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are suffering from headaches after a car accident, the last thing you probably want to do is deal with a legal battle. Working with a competent, seasoned lawyer can ultimately spell the difference between the success or failure of your case and ease some of your worries. Make sure you find the right attorney who can represent you fully and fairly. That way, you can focus on recovering and regaining good health.
Our skilled car accident attorneys will also work with medical experts to establish the accurate cost of your current and future medical expenses. You deserve to obtain the full and fair financial compensation owed to you if you received injuries from a car accident.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We will happily discuss your legal rights and fight to win you the total compensation you deserve.
