Headaches are common after a North Carolina motor vehicle wreck. These headaches can be referred to as post-traumatic headaches, and most resolve after a few months. However, a surprising number of crash victims experience chronic post motor vehicle headaches for years after their wreck. The treatment and severity of this condition depend upon what type of injury you sustained in an accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can come in many forms. They range from mild to severe and are one of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions. Typical TBIs include:
- Concussions: A concussion is one of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and occurs when the brain experiences microscopic damage to its blood vessels and nerves. While some individuals recover quickly from a concussion, others may experience post-concussion syndrome, which can last for months or even years.
- Contusions: Just like any other part of your body, repeated impacts on the brain can cause bruising.
- Intracranial Hematomas: A potentially life-threatening type of bleeding in the brain. Ruptured vessels put pressure on the brain, which can cause permanent damage.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI): Axons are nerve fibers that communicate messages from the brain. As the brain strikes your skull, the forces can stretch and rip your axons.
Any of these conditions may cause headaches. In fact, 90% of people with mild TBIs, like concussions, experience post-traumatic headaches. Other symptoms of a TBI include vision issues, dizziness, memory loss, mood changes, and disorientation. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you must seek medical care immediately.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the neck jerks back or forward abruptly. This strain damages the cervical spine and leaves pain in the neck, shoulders, or back.
Other symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Decreased range of motion in the neck.
- Scalp tenderness.
- Blurred vision
Although whiplash does not typically injure the brain, cervicogenic headaches are often associated with it.
Cervicogenic Headache
A cervicogenic headache is often called secondary headaches. They are a referred pain (pain perceived as occurring in a part of the body other than its source) felt in the head but radiating from the neck. The exact injury occurs in the cervical spine and is a frequent result of whiplash.
Compensation for Chronic Post Motor Vehicle Collision Headaches
If you have been injured and suffered chronic post-motor vehicle collision, you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering. You can recover compensation for medical bills, medication, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies are continually looking for reasons to deny personal injury claims. When headaches don’t resolve quickly and aren’t easily explained, the insurance company may use this as an excuse to deny your compensation.
You will need substantial medical evidence that documents your chronic headaches and links them directly to the crash. Contact your doctor or specialist when you’re experiencing a severe headache. They may be able to help alleviate your symptoms, run tests, and track your headache’s progression.
However, you’ll also need help from a lawyer who understands the nuances of North Carolina crash-related headaches and has a track record of success with complicated claims.
Representation for Chronic Post Motor Vehicle Collision Headaches
Maginnis Howard handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict or settlement in your case.
Maginnis Howard offers a contingency fee arrangement to all personal injury clients. This means that you do not pay any attorneys’ fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you. We have three conveniently located offices in Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Raleigh, with veteran car accident lawyers ready to serve you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
