Headache After A Car Accident In Detroit: Do I Have A Case?

A headache after a crash is a serious condition for car crash victims in Detroit and throughout Michigan.

Not only can the pain be extreme and debilitating, but the headache, itself, may be a symptom of a serious injury that has not yet been diagnosed.

Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to finding out why you’re experiencing a headache after a crash and to getting the necessary treatment that will allow you to recover and start rebuilding your life.

Steps to Take if You’re Experiencing Headaches After A Crash

If you’re suffering from headaches after a crash, it’s important to take the right steps to protect both your health and your legal rights:

1. See a Doctor Immediately
   Time is critical. Getting examined right away ensures your headaches are properly diagnosed and documented. Early medical attention not only helps you get the care you need, but it also allows your doctor to rule out serious conditions like a traumatic brain injury.

2. Don’t Try to Tough It Out
   Ignoring the pain or hoping it goes away on its own can be dangerous. Headaches may be a sign of a more serious injury, so prompt and proper treatment is essential.

3. Consult an Experienced Attorney
   A Detroit auto accident lawyer familiar with post-crash injuries can help you understand the potential value of your case using a settlement calculator. They’ll also make sure you’re getting appropriate treatment and guide you through the process of notifying your insurance company to secure No-Fault benefits.

4. Notify Your Auto Insurance Company
   Make sure your headaches are included in your application for No-Fault benefits, also known as your “written notice of injury.” This must be submitted within one year of the crash, as required by Michigan law (MCL 500.3145(1) and (4)).

5. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
   Avoid signing any settlements, releases, or waivers until you’ve spoken with a qualified attorney. This includes documents from your own insurer, the at-fault driver’s insurer, or anyone else involved. Your lawyer will protect your best interests and ensure you aren’t giving up rights unknowingly.

Why You Should Never Ignore a Headache After a Crash

Headaches following a crash are often the result of trauma to the head or neck—and they should never be taken lightly. Whether the pain begins immediately or surfaces days later, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion after a car accident, brain bleed or other closed-head injury that may not yet be diagnosed.

If you’re experiencing headaches after a crash, seek medical attention right away—even if you think the pain might go away on its own. Timing is crucial not only for effective treatment and a faster recovery, but also for documenting your symptoms in a way that supports both your medical care and any potential legal claims. Early intervention can also reduce the risk of long-term complications or disability.

Medical documentation also plays a critical role in protecting your legal rights. Prompt treatment creates a clear link between your symptoms and the trauma from the crash. This can help ensure that your medical expenses are covered by insurance and that you’re eligible for full compensation if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. The sooner you receive care, the harder it is for an insurance company to argue that your headaches weren’t caused by the crash.

Medical professionals rely on specific symptoms to determine whether a headache may be related to a more serious injury, such as a brain or neurological issue. Some important questions they may ask include:

• Are you experiencing dull, aching head pain?

• Do you feel pressure or tightness across your forehead or on the sides/back of your head?

• Is there tenderness in your scalp, neck, or shoulders?

• Have you lost your appetite?

• Are you feeling nauseous or dizzy?

• Did you lose consciousness during or after the crash?

• Are you experiencing mood swings or personality changes?

As a personal injury lawyer, I always ask my clients whether they’re suffering from headaches—and I pay close attention to what their spouses or family members report as well. Unfortunately, many attorneys and even doctors focus only on visible injuries like fractures, overlooking more subtle but serious conditions that can significantly impact quality of life.

The truth is: headaches after a crash often go unaddressed unless you speak up. In today’s managed care environment, failing to report your symptoms early can lead to complications with insurance coverage and may delay access to necessary care. In a legal context, gaps in treatment or delayed documentation can reduce the potential value of a settlement for pain and suffering.

Most importantly, the earlier you document your headaches, the sooner you can be referred to specialists—such as neurologists—who are equipped to help. Unfortunately, wait times for specialist appointments through insurance can take six months or more. Prompt action helps you get the care you need faster and supports your recovery, both medically and legally.

How to Find the Best Lawyer For You Case

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case—especially if you’re dealing with headaches or other serious head injuries after a crash. The best thing you can do is hire a lawyer who not only specializes in automobile crash cases but also has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation quickly and efficiently.

To find the right attorney for your case, ask these five essential questions:

1. How much experience does the lawyer have?
   Look for someone with years of experience specifically handling car accident claims—not just general personal injury lawsuits.

2. Does the lawyer focus exclusively on auto accident cases?
   Specialization matters. A lawyer who dedicates their practice to car crash cases will be more familiar with the medical, legal, and insurance issues involved.

3. How many million-dollar verdicts or settlements has the lawyer secured?
   Past results are not a guarantee, but they are a strong indicator of the lawyer’s ability to deliver real results.

4. Is the lawyer known for going to trial if necessary?
   Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know the attorney isn’t afraid to go to court for a full and fair outcome.

5. What do former clients say?
   Check for 5-star reviews on Google or legal directories to get a sense of the lawyer’s reputation, responsiveness, and results.

Your choice of lawyer could be the difference between a dismissed claim and a life-changing settlement. Take your time, do your research, and choose an attorney who will fight for every dollar you deserve.

To learn more about headache after a crash in Detroit, please check out my page “Headache After Car Accident Won’t Go Away: Should I Be Concerned?”

Related Articles:

Suing Someone After A Car Accident: What You Need To Know