Headaches are common after a car accident. In fact, studies show that over 30% of people report head pain following a motor vehicle crash or other traumatic events.
Sometimes head pain is immediate. Other times, a headache can come on slowly over a few days or weeks. Regardless, you should know what to do if you experience a headache after a car accident in Illinois.
There are many reasons your head may hurt following a car accident in Illinois. Unfortunately, head pain can stem from significant or life-threatening conditions.
Common head-related injuries after a crash include:
Doctors often refer to head pain after an accident as a post-traumatic headache. Symptoms of post-traumatic headaches include dizziness, nausea, memory issues, trouble sleeping, sensitivity to light and sound, changes in mood, feelings of tension or pressure in the head, and more.
If you’re experiencing headaches after an Illinois car accident, there are a few crucial steps to take to prevent complications with your recovery.
A headache after a car accident can indicate something serious that requires prompt medical intervention. Unfortunately, many symptoms after a crash can take days or weeks to show up. You might assume you’re unharmed and go about your day.
The first step after any motor vehicle accident is to seek help for your injuries and symptoms, even if you feel fine. However, if you did not see a doctor after your crash and begin experiencing signs of a headache that do not improve, worsen over time, interfere with your life, or cause severe pain, seek emergency care as soon as possible.
Keep a record of your headache symptoms as they occur. Be sure to include details and assess your pain levels throughout each day. That way, doctors can better understand your symptoms and provide a more accurate diagnosis with an appropriate treatment plan.
Additionally, having documentation of your headaches can help you prove the extent of your injuries if you file a personal injury claim. Your lawyer can review your symptom records to calculate non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Documents regarding your headache symptoms and doctors’ visits can be supportive evidence for your claim.
After a car accident, you might wonder whether or not you need an attorney. One survey showed that, on average, people who hire a personal injury lawyer earn higher compensation than those who forgo representation.
Recovery should be your biggest priority. Let a lawyer handle the elements of your claim while you care for your injuries. An experienced car accident attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help calculate your case’s value, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurers, and get maximum compensation for your post-traumatic headache and other damages.
You could be facing more expenses after your initial doctor’s visits if you’re experiencing chronic pain after a car crash, especially post-traumatic headaches, seeing a specialist might be in your best interest. You might need x-rays or other tests to determine the cause or area of injuries.
Treatments to mitigate pain could quickly rack up expenses. Taking too many over-the-counter medications for a prolonged period is not wise. Too much OTC can cause other health problems. It’s better to get your injuries diagnosed and treated than to try and tough out your injury.
You may need preventative medications, physical therapy, biofeedback treatments, nerve stimulators, or cognitive behavioral therapy to combat headaches. These costs can add up quickly. Your attorney can help you keep track of your expenses, which you can include in your insurance claim. The person responsible for your injuries should be held accountable for these added expenses.
In Illinois, you can seek economic and non-economic losses in a personal injury case. Non-economic losses are conceptual in nature. You can seek payment for the pain and suffering you experienced because of your injuries. Non-economic losses can be hard to calculate.
Economic losses are a little more straightforward. These are the out-of-pocket expenses you pay after a crash. That includes medical bills, treatments, and prescriptions. These are all things a car accident lawyer can help you calculate and recover.
A headache after a car accident in Illinois can be severe. Head injury victims should seek the help of a medical professional and experienced lawyer to assist with their recovery. Suppose you have a post-traumatic headache from a motor vehicle crash. In that case, the traumatic brain injury lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help tackle the next steps to bring you compensation and relief.
Call Staver today at (312) 236-2900 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago lawyers.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
