If you are experiencing a headache after a car accident, an experienced auto lawyer who specializes exclusively in this area of law will help you recover maximum compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.
Headaches are common after a crash, and they should not be ignored. If you were involved in a crash and you’re experiencing a headache, there are several things you should do, including: (1) don’t ignore it; (2) get medical attention; (3) notify your No-Fault insurance provider; (4) document everything; and (5) hire an experienced lawyer.
There are many possible causes of a post-crash headache, but the most common are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, whiplash, and optical neuralgia. It’s important to note that a headache can be delayed for days or even weeks because of the adrenaline rush in the aftermath of the crash and/or strong pain killers. Even if you don’t feel anything right away, getting examined after your crash is a must.
An experienced attorney who specializes exclusively in automobile cases should be your first call after a crash, especially if you are having headaches. A skilled attorney will protect your legal rights, negotiate on your behalf, and get you a maximum settlement as quickly as possible. And best of all, your consultation is always free, and you won’t pay a dime unless you win your case!
What to do if you have a headache after a crash?
Headaches are a common post-crash symptom. If you’re experiencing a headache after a car crash, there are several things you should do, including:
· Don’t ignore it – All headaches should be taken seriously, especially headaches resulting from an automobile crash. As much as you might want to “tough it out,” don’t. Headaches can be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue, such as a traumatic brain injury.
· Get medical attention – Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a headache after a crash. Keep in mind that onset of a headache after a crash can be delayed for days or even weeks because of the body’s initial shock response which can mask pain and symptoms. But don’t wait to be seen because you don’t want a serious issue to go undiagnosed.
· Notify your no-fault provider – Let your auto insurance company know about your headaches (be sure to include them in your application for No-Fault benefits, also known as your “written notice of injury,” which must be submitted “within 1 year after the accident.” (MCL 500.3145(1) and (4))
· Document everything – Keep track of the frequency, intensity, and duration of your headaches, as well as time off work and lost wages.
· Consult with an experienced attorney – An attorney who specializes in auto law and has a track record of success can make all the difference in your case, and your recovery. Also, be sure to consult with an experienced lawyer before signing any legal documents.
What causes a constant headache after a crash?
There are many potential causes of a post-crash headache, including:
· Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – TBIs can occur when a crash victim strikes his or her head on the steering wheel, dashboard, window or any other solid, immovable object. They can also be caused by the force of the crash causing a person’s head to “whip” both forward and backward.
· Concussion – Like TBIs, concussions can happen without a direct blow to the head. As with TBIs, the damage occurs when the brain moves back and forth and impacts the inside of the skull.
· Whiplash – A crash victim suffers whiplash when the head and neck are thrown back and forth with great force upon impact.
· Occipital Neuralgia – This occurs when the spine is compressed or a disc is herniated, causing a pinching of the upper cervical nerve roots or irritation of the greater occipital nerve at the base of the skull.
What is a no-fault crash?
Simply put, a no-fault accident is an automobile crash in a No-Fault state, such as Michigan. In a No-Fault crash, a driver’s own auto insurance provider will help pay for medical bills, lost wages, travel costs for doctor visits, attendant care, and household replacement services. It’s called “No-Fault” insurance because it doesn’t matter who’s at-fault for purposes of paying out insurance benefits.
Do I need a lawyer for a headache after a crash?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer after a crash, but it’s certainly a good idea. Hiring an experienced attorney who specializes in automobile crashes immediately takes the pressure off of you, allowing you to focus on getting well.
Your attorney will take over all communications with the insurance company, adjuster, and defense lawyer. He or she will also gather key evidence, document and help you get treatment for your injuries, determine fault, examine all insurance coverage, and negotiate a full and fair settlement on your behalf.
Don’t try to handle a complicated case like this yourself, and don’t hire an inexperienced lawyer who lacks a track record of success in motor vehicle crash cases and isn’t known by the insurance companies. The insurance industry’s own data reveals that crash victims who are represented by experienced lawyers get up to four times more compensation than those who are not. If you hire the wrong attorney, you could leave hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars on the table.