Up to 90% of car accident victims report experiencing headaches during the first few months after their accident.
If you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident, you’re not alone. Many accident victims develop headaches in the days or weeks following a collision, even if they didn’t hit their head during the crash.
At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand how these persistent headaches can impact your daily life and want to help you understand your legal rights.
Why Do Headaches Occur After Car Accidents?
Post-accident headaches can stem from various causes:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Mild traumatic brain injury (even without direct head impact)
- Tension from muscle strain
- Stress and anxiety following the accident
- Concussion symptoms
- Potential blood vessel or nerve damage
It’s crucial to understand that headaches appearing after an accident, even days later, could indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Care
Many accident victims make the mistake of dismissing their headaches as “just stress” or assuming they’ll go away on their own. However, waiting to seek medical care can:
- Put your health at risk by delaying necessary treatment
- Make it more difficult to link your headaches to the accident
- Potentially reduce your ability to recover compensation for your injuries
Know Your Legal Rights
When you’re suffering from accident-related headaches, you have several important legal rights:
- Right to Medical Treatment – You have the right to seek appropriate medical care for your headaches and related symptoms. This may include:
- Emergency room visits
- Primary care physician consultations
- Neurological evaluations
- Physical therapy
- Pain management treatment
- Right to Compensation – If your headaches resulted from an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of ongoing treatment and therapy
- Impact on your quality of life
- Right to Legal Representation – You have the right to seek experienced legal representation to protect your interests and help you navigate the complex process of securing fair compensation.
Why Documentation Matters
When dealing with post-accident headaches, proper documentation is crucial:
- Keep a detailed diary of your headaches (frequency, intensity, duration)
- Maintain records of all medical visits and treatments
- Save receipts for medications and therapy sessions
- Document how the headaches affect your daily activities and work
- Keep copies of any communication with insurance companies
How Schierer & Ritchie, LLC Can Help
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Ensure you receive proper medical evaluation and care
- Document and prove the connection between your accident and headaches
- Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
- Fight for fair compensation for all your injuries, including headaches
Don’t Wait to Seek Help
Illinois has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it’s important not to delay in seeking legal assistance. Additionally, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better chance we have of preserving crucial evidence and building a strong case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident in Peoria, contact Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.