If you experience body pain, such as a headache after a car accident, you could have a serious injury and not know it. You should visit a doctor to rule out a concussion or head injury. In many cases, injuries to other parts of the body can cause a headache, and so can the stress of being in a crash.
If you were the victim of the accident, you could take legal action by filing an insurance claim or suing the at-fault motorist. You may be able to recover compensation for the cost of your examination, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as other damages.
A Headache Could Indicate a Much More Severe Injury
In some cases, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and closed head injuries may not be apparent right away. Instead, they worsen over time and begin showing symptoms only after significant damage has occurred.
A headache could be an early sign of a concussion or another head injury that requires medical evaluation and observation or treatment. If you develop a headache following a crash, it’s crucial to see a doctor by:
- Taking an ambulance to the nearest hospital
- Going to the emergency department
- Making a same-day appointment with your physician
- Visiting an urgent care clinic or other walk-in facility
In addition to a headache, you should see a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Blurred vision, double vision, or other vision changes
- Confusion
- Memory concerns
- Unusual lack of focus
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness or sluggishness
There may also be additional injuries that cause headaches, including neck, upper back, and shoulder injuries. Pain in the jaw or face could also cause a headache. One of the most common injuries with headaches as a symptom is whiplash.
What Treatment Will I Need for My Headache and Any Underlying Injury?
The necessary treatment for a headache will depend on the injury you suffered. Your doctor will examine and diagnose you and then recommend a treatment plan. They will likely use medical imaging tests and discuss your accident with you to better understand your injuries.
The most minor head injuries may require only ice, rest, and observation. Others, however, call for more intensive treatment. The most serious could call for:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Therapies, including physical, speech, occupational, and more
- Prescription medication and pain management
Some people may spend weeks recovering in the hospital following a severe traumatic brain injury. They will likely go on to inpatient rehabilitation. In some cases, these catastrophic injuries prevent them from returning to work and their previous activities.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
The Cost of Treating a Head Injury Can Add Up Quickly
Collision victims often rack up thousands of dollars in damages, even if they do not suffer a serious injury. If you can show the other driver caused your accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your related expenses, including:
- Your medical evaluation
- Any necessary treatment, current or future
- Related expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning ability for long-term injuries
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other intangible losses
You will need to document and value your recoverable damages as a part of developing your case. If you choose to work with a personal injury attorney from our team, we will handle this process for you.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Head Injury Case
You may opt to let our law firm manage your car accident case while you recover from your injuries and get back to your usual activities. Doing so will allow you to focus on healing and recuperating, including any necessary rehabilitation or therapies. It will also greatly reduce the time investment and stress you face, even if your injuries were minor.
Your attorney will take steps on your behalf that include:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying the liable party or parties
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Valuing the case
- Demanding a fair payout from the insurer
- Negotiating for the compensation you deserve based on the evidence
- Protecting your rights
- Fighting for your best interests
- Suing, if that is the best option for your case
There are deadlines for filing traffic accident lawsuits. While many factors can reduce or extend how long you have, the general time limits are as follows:
- Louisiana gives one year (La. Civ. Code Art. 3492)
- Alabama gives two years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38)
- Arkansas (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105) and Mississippi (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49) give three years
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Our Car Accident Team Will Review Your Case with You for Free
Our team at the Morris Bart law office near you can speak with you today. We have 15 offices in the Gulf South and serve all of Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi. Our contingency fee firm provides complimentary case reviews.
Call (800) 537-8185 today to learn more about your rights and how we can help you seek compensation based on the facts of your case.
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