Am I Suffering Migraines Because of the Car Crash I Was Involved In?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on December 27, 2023 in Auto Accidents

Headaches are a common side effect of a car crash injury, but some victims may also experience migraines. These are intense headaches that cause debilitating pain and many other symptoms. Sometimes the pain is bad enough that it is impossible to work or engage in other activities you once enjoyed.

Below, we discuss how Minneapolis car crashes can cause migraines, the types of symptoms you may experience, and how our lawyers can include your migraines in a compensation claim.

If you experience migraines after a car crash, TSR Injury Law may be able to help you seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more. Our Minneapolis car accident lawyers have extensive experience and represent car crash victims at no upfront cost. The initial legal consultation is also free of charge.

Are you getting medical care after a car crash? Call TSR to discuss legal options: (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is a Migraine Headache?

It is nearly impossible to understand how debilitating a migraine can be unless you have experienced one. A migraine is much more than a headache. It is a neurological condition that presents certain symptoms, including:

Throbbing or pulsating pain in your head
Intense pain on one side of your head
Unusual sensitivity to sound or light; flashing lights or loud noises could trigger a migraine
Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting

Seeing double
Severe dizziness
Numb hands
Numbness on one side of your face
Difficulty concentrating

Three Types of Migraines

You can divide migraine headaches into three categories:

Migraines with no aura – These migraines occur with no warning symptoms. One minute you are fine and the next you experience migraine symptoms.
Migraines with an aura – Some people experience warning signs of a migraine, such as numbness or spots in their vision. The pre-migraine phase is known as the prodrome stage. There is also a postdrome phase, which can be thought of as a migraine hangover.
Silent/acephalgic migraines – These migraines may be harder to diagnose as victims do not suffer head pain. However, they still experience other symptoms of a migraine.

You can also classify migraine headaches by how often they occur. For example, chronic migraines happen a minimum of 15 times each month. If you deal with migraines less than 15 times per month, you are likely suffering from episodic migraines.

How Could a Car Crash Cause a Migraine?

It is common for a single traumatic event to cause an injury that triggers the onset of migraine headaches. For example, a crash could cause a traumatic brain injury that alters the victim’s blood flow in the brain. This change could cause you to experience migraine headaches.

Certain types of injuries involving pinched nerves, especially to the back or neck, could trigger a migraine. For example, whiplash can sprain or strain muscles, or even damage a spinal disc, which could create the conditions for a migraine. A skull fracture could also cause these same effects.

Sometimes people do not connect the onset of a migraine to their car crash, especially if the symptoms do not present for several weeks.

How Long Could Post-Car Crash Migraines Last?

Each situation is different. You might experience migraines during the early stages of your medical treatment, but they may reduce or stop happening altogether as you heal from your injuries and your condition improves. Unfortunately, some people suffer injuries that result in chronic migraines long after the crash. That is why it is vital to seek treatment immediately, as it may help to lower your risk of long-term problems.

How Do Doctors Treat Migraine Headaches?

There is currently no known cure for migraines, but there are many forms of treatment that may stop symptoms and help victims to have fewer migraines. Some forms of treatment that can be used are Botox injections or radiofrequency neurotomies, which are used to block a patient’s nerve pathway for transmitting pain.

Other medications are used to help counteract the effects of a migraine headache as they are happening. For example, you may have seen commercials for over-the-counter drugs like Excedrin or Motrin. Prescription nasal sprays also help to make migraines much less painful. Some patients may also get migraine relief from massage therapy and acupuncture.

Including Migraines in a Minneapolis Car Crash Claim

It can be challenging to prove a car crash claim for migraine headaches. The insurance company is very likely to push back and say your migraines are caused by something else, like genetic factors or mental health issues.

Another layer of complexity is that there is no agreed-upon method for diagnosing migraines. Doctors often use imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans to find brain damage, which may be an indicator of migraine headaches. However, they also rely on patients to report symptoms that are consistent with migraine headaches. Even then, the liable insurance company may claim you are making up your symptoms to inflate the value of your claim.

Insurance companies may also argue that they cannot confirm you are suffering migraines. As they attempt to devalue or deny your claim, they may even try to convince you that you are only experiencing run-of-the-mill headaches.

It is critical that you seek medical care right away and report all your symptoms to your doctor. You should also be diligent to follow through with your medical treatment. This consistency helps to demonstrate to the liable insurance company that you are taking the situation seriously, which could also help to bolster your claim.

We recommend that you contact an experienced lawyer, one who will be committed to securing full compensation for your damages. There are many details in the legal process, and managing a case on your own is a lot to ask, especially when you are dealing with an injury.

TSR Injury Law Helps Crash Victims Secure Compensation. Call Today

Are you dealing with severe symptoms from a car crash injury, such as migraine headaches?

You may be able to secure compensation for the cost of treating your migraines, and other symptoms from your car crash injuries.

TSR Injury Law helps crash victims in the Minneapolis area secure compensation for the damages they suffered. We have obtained more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients and are known for securing favorable outcomes through settlement negotiations and our litigation in the courtroom.

No upfront costs or legal obligations. Call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Can I Include Post-Traumatic Arthritis in a Minneapolis Car Crash Claim?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on December 19, 2023 in Auto Accidents
Updated on January 6, 2024

Car crash victims may not experience injury symptoms for weeks or even months after a collision. For example, if you suffered a joint injury, you might not experience any arthritis symptoms for several months.

If you sustained post-traumatic arthritis as the result of your crash, you may be able to include it in your claim for compensation. However, you should hire a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer to help you connect these damages to the collision that caused your injuries. You will need strong evidence to prove the onset of delayed symptoms, and the experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law know what evidence is needed and how to get it.

We know you may be concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer, given you may already have medical bills from your injury. However, our firm works on contingency, so there are no upfront costs.

TSR Injury Law. More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

Most people associate arthritis with overuse of a joint, such as from working in a physically demanding job.

However, arthritis often develops after an injury to one of the body’s joints. Joints that are typically more prone to arthritis include:

Wrists
Knees
Ankles

Elbows
Hips
Shoulders

These injuries affect not only the bones but also the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage). When cartilage suffers damage from an injury, it starts to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to arthritis, which can prevent the joint from functioning properly. However, it may take weeks, months or even longer for post-traumatic arthritis to develop.

How Can a Car Crash Cause Post-Traumatic Arthritis?

Many car crash joint injuries are the result of blunt force trauma. For example, if you hit your knee on the dashboard, you could suffer a serious knee injury. While broken bones can heal, this injury may be the onset to post-traumatic arthritis.

A side-impact collision could cause an injury to your elbow or shoulder, as car doors are not built to withstand the impact of a crash.

In addition, people often tense up when a crash occurs. For instance, they may tightly grip the steering wheel, which can increase the chances of causing a serious injury to one or both of their wrists.

During a collision, your legs could get stuck under the dashboard. The impact could force or twist them into a direction they are not supposed to go. This awkward movement could damage the soft tissue supporting one or more joints.

Joint injuries often cause people to make irregular body movements to accommodate pain and limited mobility. Over time, this type of physical compensation can cause further deterioration of the surrounding bone and cartilage, which could eventually cause arthritis.

How Does Post-Traumatic Arthritis Affect You?

If you suffered a joint injury, you should watch for these post-traumatic arthritis symptoms:

Swelling in your joints
Chronic pain when using your joints
Buildup of fluid in your joints
Tenderness in the joint, both when moving and when the joint is static

Less tolerance for physical activities
Limited range of motion
Instability in the joint
Grinding noises when you use the joint

Arthritis can make simple, everyday activities incredibly painful. It may also limit your physical activity, including the ability to play with your children or participate in sports or other leisure activities. Some jobs can be much more difficult to do because of the pain and discomfort from arthritis.

What Is a Post-Traumatic Arthritis Claim Worth?

If you develop arthritis from a car crash injury, you may be able to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment. For example, you may need prescription medication to help manage the pain and discomfort from your injury. You may also need physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain strength and mobility in the affected joint.

If post-traumatic arthritis affects your ability to work, the lawyers at TSR Injury Law may be able to get you compensated for wage loss.

Additionally, you may be able to seek certain non-economic forms of compensation, such as:

Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional issues)
Lost enjoyment of life

Permanent disability
Lost companionship

Connecting Post-Traumatic Arthritis to a Car Crash

One of the challenges of seeking compensation for arthritis caused by a crash is connecting arthritis to the injury. Arthritis often develops later so you will need strong evidence connecting post-traumatic arthritis to your collision.

It is critical that you seek treatment right away and continue going to the doctor as recommended. When you notice symptoms of arthritis, report them right away. Make sure to explain how arthritis affects your daily life and the level of pain you experience each day.

You should also ask your lawyer for advice on what you need to do to help document your damages. Your lawyer can bring in a medical expert to explain how arthritis developed and how it is likely to affect you in the future.

What if A Crash Aggravated Existing Arthritis?

Car crash injuries could aggravate existing injuries and symptoms, like arthritis. If your arthritis gets worse after the crash, explain to your doctor in detail how your symptoms have escalated. An experienced lawyer will know how to determine if you can include aggravation of arthritis in your claim for compensation.

Call TSR Injury Law Today To Discuss Your Crash

Post-traumatic arthritis can negatively impact your quality of life after a car crash and long-term pain can make it difficult to work and take part in the activities you took part in before.

At TSR Injury Law, we understand the many effects of motor vehicle crashes, as we have been helping injured victims for decades. We have secured millions for those injured in collisions caused by the negligence of others.

You can review our case results page to learn more about the results we have obtained. Check out some of the five-star reviews our clients have left us on our testimonials page.

Free legal consultation. No upfront fees. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.

Are Minnesota Drivers More Likely To Get into a Serious Car Crash at Night?

Posted on behalf of Steve Terry
on December 6, 2023 in Auto Accidents

You may not be surprised to learn that 50 percent of traffic fatalities occur at night, according to the National Safety Council. This statistic may sound counterintuitive, as there are fewer cars on the road after the sun goes down.

However, there are unique risks when driving at night. Below, TSR Injury Law’s experienced attorneys discuss the dangers of nighttime driving and how these dangers increase the risk of serious, potentially fatal car crashes.

If you were injured in a crash that happened at night, our firm is here to help you seek full compensation for your medical care and other damages you may have suffered. Our legal services come with no upfront costs, and an initial consultation is always free.

TSR Injury Law. More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Are the Dangers of Driving at Night?

These are some of the main reasons why nighttime driving can be more dangerous than daytime driving:

Decreased Visibility

Simply put, it is harder to see things in the dark, including vehicles and other potential hazards. This reduced visibility affects your reaction time and inhibits driver’s chances of avoiding a crash.

These are many reasons why drivers are advised to increase their following distance, slow down, and take their time when deciding if it is safe to make a turn in front of oncoming traffic.

It is also harder to see road signs and landmarks that can help drivers determine where they are going. This is why a lack of visibility at night may often result in sudden stops and unexpected turns.

Increased Presence of Drunk Drivers

According to Minnesota Crash Facts 2020, 46 percent of alcohol-related crashes happen between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. As you could have guessed, this is because there are more drunk drivers on the road at night.

Drunk drivers have impaired vision, reaction time and judgment. When you combine these added risk factors with reduced nighttime visibility, you have a recipe for a traffic disaster.

Impaired drivers are more at risk of driving the wrong way, such as entering a highway off-ramp or crossing the center line into oncoming traffic, putting responsible drivers in danger.

It’s important to keep in mind that while driving at night, you are more likely to encounter drunk drivers on weekends as 56 percent of alcohol-related crashes in Minnesota happen on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Increased Presence of Drowsy Drivers

Many drivers you share the road with at night are tired. They may feel exhausted because of a long day at work or because they did not enough sleep the night before.

Many people who drive at night may suffer from chronic fatigue due to sleep deprivation, especially those with sleep apnea, insomnia, or other medical conditions.

If you get behind the wheel after midnight but before dawn, you may be sharing the road with people who work night shifts. No matter how hard these workers try, their bodies may be unable to adjust to this schedule and may be struggling to get enough sleep.

Drowsy drivers may be more at risk for:

Rear-end collisions
Sideswipes
Wrong-way accidents
Head-on crashes
Intersection crashes

Speeding Drivers

Speeding is often a result of distraction, impairment by drugs or alcohol, drowsiness, or simply reckless behavior. Speeding gives all drivers in the area less time to react to hazardous situations, especially at night when visibility is impaired by the darkness. If a reckless driver makes a dangerous maneuver at high speed, other drivers may have less time to react to avoid a collision.

What if I Get Injured in a Nighttime Car Crash?

If you get injured in a nighttime car crash that you think was caused by another driver’s negligence, you might be right. Drivers have a legal duty to take proper precautions to lower the risk of a crash, especially at night. When they fail to uphold this duty and a crash results, they could be held liable for damages.

However, crash victims who decide to seek compensation for their damages will need to be able to prove the other driver’s negligence. Even seemingly straightforward cases can be challenging to prove. That said, crash victims can be proactive and take steps to improve their chances of securing full compensation for damages by contacting the trusted attorneys at TSR Injury Law.

Call 9-1-1

You should always report car crashes to the police, even if you are not sure you sustained injuries. When the police come to the scene, they can complete a report that helps to prove you were involved in a collision.

If you suspect the other driver is drunk or fatigued, tell the officer when he or she asks you to explain what happened. If the officer suspects drunk driving, he or she may conduct a sobriety test. If the police arrest the other driver for drunk driving, it may be easier to prove liability for your damages.

Get to the Hospital

You need to document your injuries as soon as possible. Seeking medical care right away helps you in two ways. First, it prioritizes and protects your health, and secondly, since your visit will be documented, it helps to connect your injuries to the crash. Waiting to seek treatment could delay the recovery process or even put your health at added risk.

Contact a Lawyer Right Away

If you were injured in a collision and you need medical care, you should not count on the insurance company to provide full compensation. This is especially true for crash victims with severe injuries. Insurance companies are not your friend and will actively work to minimize what they owe you.

The experienced lawyers at TSR Injury Law can help you seek full compensation for your damages. We have decades of experience helping motor vehicle accident victims achieve favorable results, including in the courtroom.

It may not be easy to determine the chain of events leading up to a nighttime car crash. In addition to the challenges of reduced visibility, it is also possible that the at-fault driver may lie or leave out important details to try to avoid liability.

Our experienced lawyers know how to gather detailed evidence no matter when the crash occurred. We can also bring in experts when needed.

Reducing Your Risk of a Crash After the Sun Goes Down

There are several steps you can take to help lower your risk of a nighttime crash:

Slow down to give yourself more time to react to danger
Leave more space in front of your car to lower the risk of a rear-end crash
Exercise more caution when making turns in front of approaching traffic
Avoid distractions, such as your smartphone, the radio or conversations with passengers
Dim the lights on your dashboard as it can help improve night vision
If you are too tired to drive, get off the road
Avoid driving during times when you would normally be asleep

Call Us Today To Discuss Your Post-Crash Legal Options

Do you know the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer after a car crash?

Victims who hire lawyers often obtain more compensation than those who deal with the insurance company themselves. This is not just because a lawyer can file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not offer enough compensation. A lawyer can also manage each step of the process, making sure not to miss important details, like filing deadlines or critical pieces of evidence.

TSR Injury Law. Zero Upfront Costs. More than $1 billion recovered. Call (612) TSR-TIME.

Month: December 2023