Millions of Americans complain of headaches each year. Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress and hormone abnormalities. However, if you have been in a car accident and you begin to get persistent headaches either right away or soon after the incident, it is quite likely that you were hurt in the collision. What should you do as a result?

You should never ignore a headache after a car accident. Doing so could result in more severe health problems later on. Here are the different symptoms that can result from head injuries and why they should never be disregarded.

Post-Traumatic Headache

Post-traumatic headache is typically brought on by head and neck injuries sustained from a vehicle accident or other severe incident.

A headache caused by neck discomfort that radiates to the head might be present. The headache normally develops hours to days after the injury, however, it can occasionally take longer.

Post-traumatic headaches can be a sign of brain damage, so if you have them, your condition may be more serious than you realize.

If you don’t seek treatment for post-traumatic headache, you may suffer permanent brain damage, affecting your mood and emotions. This can have long-term effects on victims’ personal lives and relationships. 

Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury that changes how the brain functions. It is typically brought on by a blow to the head or a rapid, forceful jolt.

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain shields it from the inner skull walls upon impact. However, a severe head or neck impact might force the brain to strike the walls of the skull, which would result in bleeding.

Concussion-related migraine headaches frequently include symptoms including nausea (sometimes accompanied by vomiting), light and sound sensitivity, disorientation, dizziness, and ringing in the ears.

Sometimes they are accompanied by anxiety, slurred speech, sleep issues, and memory loss (during the moments right before and after the trauma). The post-concussion syndrome may also be used to describe this brain injury. This requires immediate treatment. The most severe repercussion after suffering a concussion is death. 

Other Head-Related Injuries

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain is brought on by a strain or injury to the neck, head, or upper back muscles. The rapid impact to the neck and head that occurs in an automobile collision may tear or harm the soft tissue, straining or spasming the muscles.

In addition to a headache, a muscle strain can cause the afflicted muscle to become sensitive, lose some of its range of motion, or become red and enlarged.

Whiplash

Whiplash is due to an abrupt force being applied to the head and neck. When the head and neck move suddenly and forcibly (both forward and backward), the muscles and ligaments in the neck become stressed, resulting in whiplash headaches.

The soft tissue may be strained by a violent jerking motion. The headaches, which are often around the base of the skull, may also be accompanied by neck discomfort or stiffness, visual abnormalities, exhaustion, dizziness, and trouble focusing and remembering. They may also make it difficult to fall asleep.

Fracture

Fracture headaches result from a skull or neck fracture. The pain is typically concentrated near the injury site or in the neck and back of the head. Although it is uncommon, brain damage might potentially contribute to a headache that won’t go away.

The symptoms might be severe and include nausea, disorientation, a stiff neck, slurred speech, and even seizures, depending on the nature and severity of the fracture. If you don’t seek treatment, you risk your overall health and can result in permanent disability.

Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves occur because of the root’s compression of the spinal nerves. Upper cervical (neck) nerve roots may be pinched or the greater occipital nerve may be irritated during a car collision due to the compression of the spine or disc herniation (nerve at the base of the skull).

Pain, discomfort, burning, numbness, and tingling from the base of the skull up the back of the head may be experienced when these nerves are squeezed. It is often sensitive to touch.

What to Do If You Have a Headache After a Car Accident

Even if your headache is not very bad or if it goes away with over-the-counter pain relievers, you should still seek medical attention. The only way to pinpoint precisely what is causing your symptoms is to visit your doctor for medical attention. A thorough assessment is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

After being properly assessed by your doctor, the appropriate drugs and a pain management strategy will be recommended. It’s crucial that you don’t self-medicate because the treatment for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision differs depending on the diagnosis. Therefore, get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal after your car accident.

Once diagnosed, compile the essential paperwork to submit to your insurance provider or attorney. Your attorney can then offer advice on how to ensure that you receive all the legal rights and compensation to which you are entitled.

Legal Representation for Your Car Accident Injury

After a vehicle accident, injuries may arise for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons, as you’ve learned, are more severe than others. That’s why you should never ignore a headache after a car accident. Ignoring an injury after a car accident could put your health and financial situation in jeopardy. Contact Heritage Accident Lawyers for a reliable, knowledgeable car accident lawyer to assist you with your case.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Medically consulted injuries in relation to traffic accidents totaled 4.8 million in 2020 alone. In addition, the total injury costs were $473.2 billion that year. Those costs include medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If you’ve been injured in a traffic accident that you were not at fault for, you deserve to be compensated by the liable party. Hiring a personal injury lawyer helps victims regain control of their lives, emotionally, physically, and financially.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will help assist you through the pain, financial struggles, countless doctor visits, and the frustration that comes with filing a personal injury claim. Here are the benefits of hiring a lawyer in more detail.

Expertise Filing Personal Injury Claims

Not all law firms handle personal injury cases. More importantly, not all of them specialize in traffic injuries. Hiring a personal injury lawyer that specializes in traffic accidents means you have an expert on your side who knows how to handle the process. They’ll evaluate the case, file the personal injury claim, gather evidence to support the claim, negotiate with the insurance companies, and more.

A law firm that handles these cases on a daily basis knows the process inside and out. For instance, the insurance company will bargain for lower compensation. A lawyer knows how to handle the insurance company, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for a better deal. If the case goes to trial, a personal injury lawyer will provide representation. An experienced traffic injury lawyer knows the court procedures well, and they’ll help you navigate the entire process.

Personal Injury Lawyers Fight for Your Compensation

If you’ve been in a vehicle accident and you’re now struggling to work, or you have lasting pain from an injury that affects your quality of life, you don’t have to suffer through it. Hiring a car accident injury lawyer may bring you compensation for your pain.

A personal injury plaintiff may receive compensation for damages and expenses such as:

• Loss of income
• Medical expenses
• Emotional distress
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• And more

Being injured in an auto accident can have lasting consequences. After healing from physical injuries, victims of vehicle accidents may have to deal with complications from an injury, which may affect their ability to perform daily tasks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 20 and 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries in a road traffic crash each year. Many of those individuals incur some type of disability as a result of the accident.

Additionally, the WHO states that road traffic accidents cause significant economic losses due to both the cost of treatment and the loss of productivity. Having a professional on your side who knows what to fight for and how to win cases can provide you peace of mind, as well as the money you need to recover.

Gather Sufficient Evidence to Support a Claim

An important part of the process is gathering evidence to back a claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will gather enough evidence to prove your case. You can help in this aspect by taking the right steps following an accident.

For instance, be sure to contact the police immediately after the accident, and file a police report. Take note of the officer’s name and badge number, and get a copy of the report. In addition, capture as many photos as you can of the accident, including your car and other vehicles involved in the collision. Get photos from different angles and from different distances to paint a clear picture of the scene.

You also must collect the name, phone number, and insurance information of everyone involved in the crash. Take note of vehicle information, such as the model, year, make, color, etc. The more details you obtain, the stronger it will make your case.

Having all of this information will help your case significantly. Your lawyer will investigate the accident and go over all of this information. They will also conduct their own investigation by visiting the scene and interacting with the police.

Handle Demand Letters and Legal Paperwork

A lawyer can write a demand letter for you. These letters demand that the recipient either take or cease an action. The goal of a demand letter is dispute resolution as opposed to litigation and to demand a certain amount of damages the client seeks. Lawyers also prepare and file documents or pleadings to help you win your case.

Begin Discovery

Discovery is the formal process in which there is an exchange of information between the parties involved. This information includes evidence to be presented, witnesses, etc.

A personal injury lawyer will begin the discovery process and take the necessary steps to fight on your behalf. They may call upon expert witnesses or private investigators. Finally, if the case does go to court, your lawyer will stand by your side to represent you and win your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

You don’t have to wait to call a lawyer after an accident. Valuable evidence can get destroyed in a matter of days or weeks, which is why you shouldn’t wait long to call for legal assistance. If you’ve been in a traffic accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon are you’re able.

What you say to your insurance company and others involved in the accident may affect your case. Depending on what you say to your insurance company, they may not be as willing or as able to offer assistance.

The truth is that insurance companies may not always look out for a client’s best interests. Having a lawyer on your side to do the negotiating can result in better compensation.

If you’ve been in a traffic accident, you don’t have to put up with the pain and frustration on your own. A personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case and represent you to get the compensation you need.

Schedule a free consultation today with Heritage Accident Lawyers to discuss your case.

Personal Injuries

Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in the United States. Many of these injuries are minor and can be treated at home, but some are more serious and require medical attention. This blog post will discuss the most common personal injuries sustained in auto accidents and why it is important to seek medical help, and even legal support, if you have been injured.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a personal injury that can occur during an auto accident. The sudden jerking motion of the head and neck can cause the ligaments and muscles in the neck to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.

While whiplash is not a life-threatening injury, it can be very painful and debilitating. Symptoms of whiplash include:

• neck pain
• headache
• dizziness
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability

Many personal injuries, such as whiplash, can have delayed onset symptoms, so it’s crucial to monitor how you’re feeling after the accident.

Concussions

One of the most common personal injuries people can suffer in auto accidents are concussions. While concussions may not always be immediately apparent, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible after an accident.

There are a few reasons why seeking medical attention for a concussion is so important. First, concussions can often lead to more serious health problems if they’re not treated properly.

Second, concussions can cause problems with balance and coordination, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Finally, concussions can also cause headaches and dizziness, which can be extremely debilitating.

If you have suffered a concussion, it’s important to rest as much as possible. In addition, you should avoid activities that could aggravate your symptoms, such as watching television or working on the computer, and you should also drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods to help your body recover.

Brain Damage

Another serious injury that can occur in an auto accident is brain damage. When the head is violently jarred or thrown around during a collision, the brain can be damaged. This can lead to a variety of problems, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, and even coma or death.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is another usual personal injury in auto accidents. It can occur when a blood vessel is ruptured by the force of the impact.

This type of injury is often not immediately apparent, so it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible after an accident. Left untreated, internal bleeding can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage and death.

If you think you may have internal bleeding, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Symptoms of internal bleeding include:

• abdominal pain
• back pain
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• confusion or altered mental state
• weakness or numbness in an extremity

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most severe personal injuries in auto accidents is a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can be very serious as it can lead to paralysis, and can sometimes even be life-threatening.  Spinal cord injuries often occur when the spine is damaged by impact from another object, such as another vehicle in an auto accident.

The force of the impact can cause the vertebrae in the spine to break or compress, which can damage the spinal cord. In some cases, the spinal cord may be completely severed.

Emotional Trauma

Psychological trauma can be a long-lasting effect of auto accidents. While the physical injuries may heal over time, the psychological damage can last much longer. Emotional trauma can manifest itself in many ways, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more serious ailments.

Why Seek Medical Help for Personal Injuries

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical help right away, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Many people don’t realize they’ve been injured until days or weeks after the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, can be difficult to diagnose.

If you’re feeling any pain or discomfort after an accident, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Often, injuries can be more serious than they initially seem. And getting prompt treatment can help ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Additionally, seeking medical attention right away can also help document your injuries and their severity. This documentation can be important if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need to seek legal advice from an injury lawyer. If the accident was minor and there was no damage to your car or injuries, then you probably don’t need a personal injury lawyer.

However, if the accident was more serious, or if you were injured, then it’s a good idea to at least consult with an injury lawyer. Here are some common reasons why people seek legal advice after an auto accident

People want to ensure that their rights are protected. You have certain rights after an accident, and an experienced lawyer can help make sure that those rights are respected by the insurance companies and other parties involved.

Individuals may want to get help with the insurance claim process. Insurance companies are not always on your side and having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field.

People want to get compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injuries lawyer can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you’re entitled to.

Victims in an accident might want to hold the other driver responsible. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may want to pursue legal action against them. This is especially true if they were driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An injury lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the other driver.

Cerritos Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been in an auto accident, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Many common personal injuries, such as whiplash and concussions, may not cause any immediate symptoms and can go undiagnosed for weeks or even months.

By seeking medical help immediately after the accident, you are ensuring that any potential injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.

You should also speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible! The sooner you consult with an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer, such as the ones at Heritage Accident Lawyers, the better your chances of getting the compensation and justice that you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Traffic Accident

Every year in California, traffic accidents cause around 4,000 fatalities and 300,000 injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol traffic accident report. Motor vehicle-related deaths are a major problem all across the country. California is among the top ten states for the highest traffic accident rates.

The California highway system traverses over 16,000 miles of roadway networks. Many of the deadliest stretches of highway are located in Southern California. This means it is very likely you have or will be involved in a local traffic accident. To prevent this, it is important to understand the different types of traffic accidents that can occur.

When an accident does happen, the type of accident will determine how it gets investigated and what kind of compensation you can claim. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of traffic accidents. This guide will teach you how to avoid a traffic accident as well as what to do after an accident happens.

Single-Car Accident

Although a single-car accident only involves one vehicle, the accident is not always the fault of the driver. Over 2,000 single-car accidents occur in California each year. This type of traffic accident can occur because a driver runs off the road to avoid hitting something. It could be an animal, an errant driver coming in the other direction, or debris on the road.

In other cases, brake failure or exhaustion is the culprit. When this happens, vehicles often end up in the ditch, rolled over, or wrapped around a guardrail or telephone pole.

How to Avoid a Single-Car Accident

The best thing you can do to prevent a single-car accident is to drive slowly. This is especially important when driving around a curve. You should also take caution when approaching a blind corner or unmarked intersection.

Multiple Vehicle Collision

Another common and highly destructive type of traffic accident is a multiple vehicle collision. A multiple vehicle collision can quickly develop into a chain reaction accident.

Most often, these types of accidents occur after one vehicle hits another from behind, sending that vehicle crashing into the vehicle ahead of them. This chain reaction can involve three or more vehicles.

Sometimes it leads to major pileups involving several vehicles. They often result in significant injuries and fatalities. There can also be a lot of confusion over who is at fault. In some cases, the negligence of a singular driver may be the cause of the accident. In other instances, the fault for the accident rests with several careless drivers.

How to Avoid a Multiple Vehicle Collision

To avoid a multiple vehicle collision, maintain situational awareness and distance from other drivers on the road. Avoid tailgating and always slow down when in a low-visibility situation.

Getting out of your vehicle during a pileup can sometimes result in more serious injuries. If you can, try to maneuver your vehicle to the side of the road. If this is not possible, stay in your vehicle and call 911 for help.

Rear-End Collision

Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of car accidents. In fact, nearly 30 percent of all car crashes in the United States are rear-end collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The most common causes of rear-end collisions are inattentive driving, weather conditions, sudden stops, and tailgating.

How to Avoid a Rear-End Collision

To avoid a rear-end collision, maintain an appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Focus on driving and don’t allow yourself to get distracted by phones or other passengers.

When you need to brake, do it slowly. Always make sure your brake lights are working. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the weather conditions. If the road is wet, you are more likely to skid when braking. Maintaining the traction on your tires will be a significant help as well.

Side Impact Collision

Side impact collisions occur when one vehicle gets hit on the side by the front end of another vehicle. This is different from a sideswipe, which is when two cars moving in a parallel direction come into contact with one another.

Side impact collisions frequently occur at intersections. That means there is a good chance of a bystander witnessing the accident. Of course, this isn’t always the case.

How to Avoid a Side Impact Collision

The best way to avoid a side impact collision is to slow down whenever you approach an intersection. It’s important to do this whether or not you have the right of way. You can’t be certain other drivers are alert and following the rules of traffic.

Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions are some of the deadliest types of traffic accidents. This is because they happen when two vehicles collide while moving in opposite directions. Often these collisions occur when vehicles are traveling at high speeds. It could happen on a two-lane highway if one vehicle swerves out of its lane. In extreme cases, a vehicle may even jump a median and barrel into oncoming traffic.

How to Avoid a Head-On Collision

To avoid head-on collisions, always stay in your lane. Keep aware of traffic signs and street conditions. If another driver moves into your lane coming from the opposite direction, steer your vehicle to the right to avoid an accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If something unfortunate happens and you are involved in a car accident, the first thing to do is to assess yourself for injuries and call 911. The police will file a report and investigate the scene. Make sure to exchange information with any other drivers involved in the accident.

If you are injured, wait for medical help to arrive. It is important that you get a medical examination as soon as possible to get treatment and document your injuries.

Once you’ve taken care of these things, contact a traffic accident lawyer to handle your case. An experienced lawyer will help you file a personal injury claim, collect evidence, and negotiate an appropriate settlement.

Consult a Traffic Accident Lawyer

Traffic accidents today are growing more common and more deadly as the number of drivers on the road continues to increase in California. Getting into a traffic accident is very likely, especially if you live in the southern part of the state.

Whether you were in a single-car accident, multiple vehicle collision, or any of the other types we discussed, Heritage Accident Lawyers can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Truck Accidents

In 2020, almost 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal traffic accidents, and over 100,000 were involved in crashes that resulted in injuries. The number of fatal traffic accidents involving a large truck has increased by 33% since 2011.

Truck accidents tend to be more catastrophic than traffic accidents that only involve smaller vehicles. This is normally down to the sheer size of the truck or the type of cargo it is carrying. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common causes of truck accidents and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Following Too Closely

A large number of traffic accidents involving large trucks occur due to other vehicles following too closely. The sheer size of some trucks means it can be impossible for the driver to see other vehicles if they are following too closely.

If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident involving a truck, a truck accident lawyer will need to establish if you were at a safe distance from the truck before the accident took place. With the help of an accident reconstruction expert, investigators can determine if tailgating contributed to the truck crash.

Driving too closely to a truck can cause the drivers of other vehicles to panic and overreact to the truck’s movement. Drivers should always make a conscious effort to give trucks extra space when driving close to them.

2. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

It is often the truck driver’s responsibility to ensure the maintenance of their vehicle, but not always. Larger organizations will routinely maintain their trucking fleet. All truck drivers should keep a record of maintenance with them in the case of an accident.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents that result from poor vehicle maintenance include blowouts from badly worn tires and failing brakes.

3. Driver Fatigue/Time Constraints

Truck drivers often work long hours. While there are laws in place that permit commercial truck drivers to drive for longer than 11 hours at a time, sometimes company deadlines are chosen over safety.

The longer a truck driver works without taking adequate rest the greater the chance of an accident. Some drivers may choose the regulations regarding driving hours, and sometimes the organizations might be responsible for pushing drivers to get the job done.

In the case of a truck driver accident, truck accident attorneys will always establish how long the driver had been on the road. If the driver had been on the road for too long they will also have to ascertain whether it was the driver’s or the organization’s fault.

4. Adverse Weather Conditions

Not every truck driver accident has a clear negligent driver involved. Adverse weather conditions are responsible for around 21% of all vehicle crashes each year.

Adverse conditions impact everyone on the road, but the impact is even greater for truck drivers. Snow, ice, and heavy rain will not only affect how well a large truck handles, but they can also impact how secure the cargo is during transit.

Truck drivers should always be properly trained in managing adverse weather conditions. This is one of the first things a truck accident lawyer will look into if a truck accident occurred during bad weather.

5. Inadequate Driver Training

Most truck accidents come down to driver error, so it’s no surprise that this can often be linked to inadequate driver training. Driving a large truck for long hours in various weather conditions requires a lot of skill and concentration.

Driver training should ensure that all truck drivers are better equipped to handle their vehicles in all weather conditions. It should also ensure that they fully understood the risks of driver errors and how to avoid them.

Unfortunately, inadequate driver training is not often the fault of the driver. The trainer is responsible for providing adequate driver training, not the driver. Quite often, a badly trained truck driver might not even be aware of their lack of driving skills.

6. Distracted Driving

Driving for long hours is an invitation for distractions, and truck drivers are just as prone to being distracted as anyone else. Taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can result in a life-changing accident.

CB radios are not used as much by truck drivers as they used to, but they are still featured in most larger trucks. These, along with mobile phones, food and drink, and even music can be responsible for distracted driving accidents.

7. Driving Under the Influence 

Drunk driving claims the lives of about 32 people every day in the United States. For truck drivers, alcohol isn’t always the most common substance that might be found in their system. Truck drivers are more likely to use stimulants such as amphetamines to help keep them alert during their long hours. Marijuana is also often frequently used.

It doesn’t matter what vehicle you are driving, driving under the influence can have catastrophic consequences.

Safety Tips for Driving Near Commercial Trucks

Sharing the road with a truck is very different from sharing it with a regular-sized automobile. Unfortunately, not all drivers are aware of the increased risk when driving near a truck, and that they should take extra precautions.

Stay Visible

Large trucks have bigger blind spots than other vehicles. It is important to stay out of a truck driver’s blind spots where possible. The best way to do this is to work on the basis that if you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirrors then they can’t see you either.

Don’t Tailgate

If you are close to a truck’s rear bumper then there is little chance the driver can see you. In the event of an accident, you also run the risk of sliding under the truck. When you are stationary it is also important to keep your distance as a truck can roll backward when it starts to accelerate.

Pass With Care

If you are trying to pass a truck then you must wait until you can see the truck in your rear-view mirror before getting back into the lane. Trucks also tend to pick up speed on downgrades so it’s important not to try and pass them here. If a truck is trying to pass you it is important to give them room. Stay to the right and slow down.

Anticipate Wide Turns

The bigger the vehicle, the more room they need to maneuver. It’s important to never try to squeeze between the truck and the curb on a turn as the gap is likely to get smaller as the truck turns the corner. It is also important to never block the box at intersections for the same reason.

What to Do if You’re Involved in Truck Accidents

If you’re injured in a truck accident then the first thing you should always do is make sure you get the medical attention you need. As with any accident, truck accidents require a truck accident lawyer to ascertain who was at fault.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident today or recently then our lawyers can help you to understand the situation, protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.