If you hit your head or were jostled during a car accident, you may experience a headache. How long a headache should last after a car accident varies based on the type of injury sustained and many other factors.. It could last half an hour to a week or even months. The time a headache lasts after a car accident varies. A headache can last anywhere from days to months, based on the injuries you have sustained. These headaches may start right after the collision or appear several days later. This is because, after a crash, adrenaline rises in your body. The adrenaline can temporarily reduce your ability to feel pain and cause you to not notice the headache until later. Many headaches that arise after an accident are known as post-traumatic headaches. A delayed onset of headaches can signal underlying complications. Thus, you should get medical care right away.Â
Regardless,, if you have a headache after a car accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney like our experienced Georgia attorneys at MG Law. The person who caused the accident may be responsible for covering your medical costs and other bills related to harm you suffered from the collision. Don’t suffer in silence. Visit a medical professional and contact our office today.
How to Address a Constant Headache After an Accident
If you are experiencing headaches after a collision, it is important to take action. A medical professional will be able to assess you thoroughly. Based on this diagnosis, they can give you an idea of how long a headache should last after a car accident.
You will also need evidence of your injuries to file a claim for compensation to cover any medical bills or other losses you experience due to your prolonged headache. Otherwise, it may be difficult to seek compensation after a crash. The steps below are here to help you get started addressing your medical needs and building your claim. You should always speak with an attorney for advice tailored to your situation.
Do Not Ignore Your Headache Following a Collision
While it may seem inconvenient, you must not ignore a delayed headache after a car accident. Headaches can signal a fracture in the skull, a herniated disc, or other hidden injuries. You might even have a blood clot causing the headache, which can be life-threatening.
Get Medical Treatment
You should seek a medical evaluation if you have not done so yet. A qualified physician can evaluate you and provide you with a diagnosis. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan is essential, particularly if you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or severe injury. Also, you should keep copies of all medical bills and treatment plans after consulting a doctor.
Contact an Attorney to Help You File a Claim
You do not automatically get compensation for your injuries and other damages. Instead, you must file a claim with an insurance company or a lawsuit. By contacting an attorney, you will have a better chance of recovering the compensation you deserve in a more expedited manner.
Insurance companies will often try to lowball injury victims and offer an amount that does not cover all their damages. An attorney, like those at MG Law, will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your potential settlement. Plus, if you need to file a lawsuit for compensation, an experienced personal injury lawyer can ensure you file your claim before the deadline. Moreover, a litigation attorney will not be afraid to go to trial when necessary.
Common Types of Headaches
If you suffer from a headache after an auto accident, you should know about the several possible kinds. When filing a claim, it is crucial to understand the difference between each and what type of headache you have. Below, we describe some of the most frequently occurring headaches after a collision for which you may be able to seek compensation. You should speak with us if you have any of these or another type of headache after your car accident.
Disc Herniation Headache
The impact of a collision can cause herniation or compression of the discs in your cervical spine. This can cause numbness or tingling that you should not ignore. You might also have pain running down one of your arms. Burning pain is a key symptom.
Whiplash
If you were in a rear-end collision, this can often cause whiplash, leading to painful headaches. These can crop up anywhere between hours or days after the car accident. Whiplash headaches can make it difficult to move your neck or look up.
Muscle Spasm Headache
Muscle spasm headaches are common following a collision. This kind of headache results from strain on your upper back and neck muscles. You might have a limited range of motion with a muscle spasm headache. You could also have muscle swelling or tenderness.
Pinched Nerve Headache
A pinched nerve headache is also possible after a car collision. These usually involve compression of your nerve roots. Symptoms you might notice include numbness, pain, or tingling close to the base of your skull.
Fracture Headache
Another possible explanation for your headaches may be a fracture in your skull or neck. You can typically recognize a fracture headache by pain in the back of the neck or head. A skull fracture is immensely painful, and bleeding from your nose or ears is possible.
Stress Headaches
Sometimes, headaches are the result of trauma and stress after an accident. You can recover compensation for this type of headache as well. You might have a stress headache if you notice pressure along the sides of your head or forehead. A stress headache can cause sleep problems and memory issues.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Generally, there are two main categories of damages you may be able to receive if you are experiencing a headache or other injuries after a car accident: economic and non-economic damages. A seasoned attorney can help you determine what compensation you might recover and calculate your potential recovery amount.
Economic Damages
You may be able to recover economic damages after a severe accident. These are easier to calculate than non-economic damages because they are objective costs. For instance, economic damages might include lost wages due to being unable to work or car repair expenses. You can also recover medical costs associated with the wreck.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are trickier to calculate than economic damages. They are subjective and relate to the pain, suffering, and quality of life issues you might experience following a crash.
Some examples of non-economic damages after a car accident in Georgia include damages for:
- Physical and emotional pain,
- Mental anguish, and
- Loss of consortium.
Non-economic damages are not as tangible as car repair bills, for example. You should get assistance from an attorney to help you assess and calculate your non-economic damages.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You
Call MG Law today if you have sustained a prolonged headache from a car crash in Georgia. We serve the Conyers, Covington, and Atlanta metro areas and are dedicated to helping local community members like you. Our attorneys are here to help you recover a fair amount of compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us at 770-988-5252 today for a free consultation.
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.