What Should You Do If You Have a Headache After a Car Accident in Michigan?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Even though you thought you were fine after the accident, that pounding in your head just won’t quit. If you are a few days or weeks after a car crash and having these types of symptoms, then you might be wondering if this headache after a car accident is normal or if it’s a sign of something more serious.

Our legal team often helps clients who initially thought their post-crash headache was just stress. But when the pain is persistent, then it could be signaling a deeper injury that needs medical attention and legal protection.

Can a Car Accident Cause Headaches?

There are many different ways that car accidents can trigger headaches, even if you didn’t hit your head on anything when the collision occurred. The sudden jolt of the impact sends shockwaves through your entire body and also causes your head and neck to move with force.

To explain it in a simple way: your brain essentially bounces inside your skull when the impact happens. This movement can damage the delicate tissues and blood vessels within your brain and lead to a variety of complications.

Common Causes of Headache After a Car Accident

Whiplash & Concussions

Whiplash can affect your neck, shoulders, head, and more. When your head snaps forward and backward quickly, it strains muscles that connect the neck and skull. After the accident, these tight, injured muscles often trigger what are known as “cervicogenic headaches.”

A car accident head injury, like a concussion, can also cause persistent head pain. You don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Many of our clients never blacked out but still suffered brain injuries that caused weeks of headaches.

Stress and Tension Headaches

After an accident, the emotional trauma can also cause physical symptoms because of the ongoing stress that you are experiencing. For example, your body releases stress hormones that tighten muscles around your head and neck in an attempt to protect you. Accident victims are often dealing with other stressful circumstances, such as issues with the insurance payouts and vehicle repairs that need to be handled.

When Is a Headache After a Wreck Serious?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice that other symptoms accompany your headache. According to the CDC’s research on post-traumatic headaches, headaches paired with nausea, confusion, or vision problems are red flags.

If you have persistent head pain that doesn’t improve after a few days, then talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Another sign that you might be suffering from a brain injury is when memory problems occur with your headaches.

How to Treat a Headache from a Car Accident

The first step is to visit your primary care doctor or an urgent care center. You need a clear diagnosis and professional medical interventions to minimize complications and help you find relief. Often, headaches can go away if you are proactive with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you have headaches caused by neck injuries, then the doctors might recommend physical therapy. Patients with persistent or severe headaches might need to see a neurologist. For more information, check out the Mayo Clinic’s guidance on head injuries to see if you might need specialized care for ongoing symptoms.

Michigan Laws and Injury Claims

In the state of Michigan, we have a no-fault insurance system that covers medical expenses related to all injuries resulting from the accident. If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, then the insurance should pay for doctor visits, medications, and therapy.

But if the crash happened because of another driver’s negligence, then you might be entitled to additional compensation. Our Michigan personal injury lawyers help clients pursue these types of claims regularly.

What to Do if You Have a Headache That Won’t Go Away with Medicine

If you were in a car accident and have chronic headaches now, then you might need specialized treatment, such as prescription medications, nerve blocks, or even surgery in severe cases.

You might even need to seek a second medical opinion if your current doctor can’t help you find relief. Our legal team is here to assist, and we’ve helped many clients whose doctors initially dismissed their headaches. Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right, and make sure that you are accessing the medical services that you deserve.

Get the Help You Need for Your Recovery

A headache after a car accident isn’t something to ignore. Whether it’s something small like a minor tension headache or the headache is accompanied by other symptoms and signs of serious brain injury, you deserve proper medical care and legal protection.

We understand how overwhelming it can feel when you are dealing with injuries and recovery, while also juggling insurance companies and vehicle repairs at the same time. Our team has helped hundreds of Michigan families navigate these challenges successfully.

If you’re experiencing persistent headaches after a car crash, don’t wait. Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation.

We work on a contingency basis, so our team only gets paid if we win your case. Call us today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.