Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Headache After a Car Accident

Having a headache after a car accident is quite common. Often dismissed as a temporary discomfort, headaches can sometimes indicate severe trouble. Overlooking symptoms can pose significant risks to your health, so you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

After that, call Silva Injury Law to discuss your case. We can investigate your accident and see if you are owed compensation for your injuries.

Call us today at (209) 600-4389 to schedule your free consultation and find out if you qualify for compensation.

How Accidents Cause Headaches

Car accidents can cause many hidden injuries, and headaches are often side effects of these conditions. Understanding what might be causing your headaches is essential for recognizing potential injuries and holding the liable party accountable.

Impact and Trauma

If you have a headache after a car accident but didn’t hit your head, trauma might be the cause. The sudden impact of a collision can jerk the body, twisting and turning the head and neck. This abrupt movement can strain muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues, leading to tension headaches. Additionally, the impact can cause damage to the structures of the head and neck, resulting in inflammation and pain.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. It happens when your head is forcefully thrown backward and then forward in a whip-like motion. This rapid movement can stretch and strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck beyond their normal range of motion. Since this movement is unnatural, it can cause neck pain and headaches. Whiplash headaches often feel like a dull ache at the base of the skull or a radiating pain that travels up the back of the head and into the temples.

Concussion

In more severe car accidents, objects inside the vehicle may strike your head and face. Likewise, rapid acceleration and deceleration forces can cause your brain to slam into your skull. These incidents can lead to a type of traumatic brain injury called a concussion. Concussions often lead to headaches, along with symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light and noise.

Common Types of Headaches After a Car Accident

There are many other causes of headaches related to car crashes. Read over the injuries on this list to see if any resemble your pain:

Muscle spasms. Injuries sustained during a crash can trigger muscle contractions or spasms in the neck and shoulders. Your headaches may cause tightness or pressure around the head and neck, which can be aggravated by stress or poor posture.
Recurring facial pain. Facial injuries from a car accident can cause chronic pain, which may appear as a headache around the forehead, temples, or jaw. Conditions such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or trigeminal neuralgia can contribute to this type of headache.
Nerve disorders. Trauma to the head or neck can result in nerve dysfunction, leading to headaches that feel like shooting or stabbing pain. Likewise, nerve conditions such as occipital neuralgia can cause severe headaches at the back of the head and neck.
Migraines. In some cases, car accidents can trigger intense migraines. These headaches involve changes in blood flow to the brain and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise.
Somatic dysfunction. An accident can cause misalignments, muscle imbalances, or nerve irritation. As a result, dysfunction in the neck and upper back can lead to headaches.
Tension headaches. Common after car accidents, these headaches feel like a steady ache or pressure sensation around the head. They often happen due to muscle tension, stress, or poor posture.
Cluster headaches. Although less common, some individuals may experience cluster headaches after an accident. These headaches are excruciatingly painful and often occur in cycles, with multiple attacks for weeks to months.
Bone fractures. Fractures to the skull or facial bones during a car accident can cause localized pain and headaches. These headaches may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and bruising around the site of the fracture.

Silva Injury Law can help no matter how your headache feels. We will work hard to get you compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your accident.

The Risks of Ignoring a Headache

Failing to see a doctor for severe headaches after a car accident can jeopardize your health and legal rights.

Health Risks

Dismissing a headache may delay the detection and treatment of underlying injuries that can worsen over time. These untreated injuries can progress into chronic conditions, affecting quality of life. Moreover, a headache can mask severe injuries like brain damage. Without the right care, these injuries can lead to stress, depression, cognitive impairment, and even death.

Legal Risks

As for the legal side, failing to address a headache can weaken potential compensation claims. Insurance companies will argue that the accident didn’t cause your headache. And if you don’t see a doctor, there is no evidence linking the crash with your suffering. This gives the insurance company the power to deny your claim or offer a lower settlement than you deserve. For this reason, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and keep track of all medical records.

What to Do If Your Head Hurts After a Car Accident

If you’re experiencing a headache after a car accident, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your health and legal interests. Here’s a step-by-step guide to maximize your compensation:

Seek medical attention. Don’t ignore a headache after an accident, even if it seems minor. Seek medical evaluation promptly to assess any potential injuries, including head trauma or concussion.
Document your symptoms. Keep track of your headache symptoms, including the intensity, duration, and dizziness. This documentation can be valuable for medical evaluation and potential legal claims.
Follow medical advice. Follow your treatment plan and attend all follow-up visits. Adhering to medical advice can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Keep medical records. Maintain a record of all medical evaluations, treatments, and prescriptions related to your injuries. This documentation is essential for supporting your insurance claim and legal case, demonstrating the extent of your injuries and medical expenses.
Contact an attorney. It’s crucial to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney. They can offer legal guidance, manage the claims process, and help you seek fair compensation.

Remember, your health and well-being are the top priorities after a car accident. Once you get medical care, contact Silva Injury Law to begin the legal process.

Speak with a California Car Accident Attorney

Don’t ignore your headache after a car accident. Work with Silva Injury Law and let us help you get the justice you deserve. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of success, you can trust us to put you in the best position possible. Our team of award-winning attorneys is here to advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.