Personal Injury
People suffering from headaches and other pain after a car accident that wasn’t their fault have a way to be legally compensated for the harm they’ve undergone. Legally they can file a claim to be repaid, with the help of a personal injury attorney, for medical bills, and more.
The stress involved in the aftermath of an auto accident is enough in itself to bring on a headache. However, if accident-related headaches persist or worsen, you should seek medical treatment and the counsel of a personal injury attorney.
Post-accident headaches
Headaches that begin after an accident are referred to as post-traumatic headaches because they have occurred due to a traumatic event. Surprisingly, the severity of the accident may not correlate to the severity of your headache. Even a low-speed rear-end collision or a fender bender can bring on a post-traumatic headache.
What causes car accident-related headaches?
Post-traumatic headaches typically happen when a blow to or violent shaking of the head (as in the case of whiplash) are involved in a crash. They may start immediately after the accident or can manifest within hours or days. They can be intermittent (come and go) or may be constant.
Three common causes of headaches accident-related headaches include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the head’s rapid forward and backward movement that typically occurs in rear-end accidents. Whiplash-induced headaches often radiate from the base of the skull to the forehead.
Concussion
A concussion is a considerable brain injury. A blow to the head often causes it, but it also results from
violent shaking of the head and upper body. Headaches, difficulty concentrating, amnesia, slurred speech, and problems with balance and coordination are common.
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more severe than concussions. A violent blow to the head, or one penetrating skull and brain tissue, usually causes it.
A mild TBI has temporary effects, while serious ones can cause ongoing problems and even death.
What to do moving forward
If you experience common headache symptoms after a car accident, don’t dismiss them as a temporary nuisance and take a few aspirins — that could be a harmful idea. A recurring headache after an auto accident is a sign that something is wrong. Don’t tell yourself the headache will go away in time — always seek a medical professional’s advice.
Other symptoms related to accident-related headaches are also possible in the aftermath. These include nausea, pain (i.e., neck pain), dizziness, and more. The long-term effects of your injury may have a permanent impact on your enjoyment of life and standard of living.
When symptoms arise, see a doctor right away. Once you are getting professional care, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will fight to ensure you are compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Start today by requesting a free initial consultation and getting a case evaluation with a personal injury attorney. Contact the law office of Wade Suthard, P.C. today for a consultation with a trusted personal injury attorney.
