Headache After Car Accident? TexasLawyers Explain When to Worry

Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident? Why You Should Never Ignore It

As a senior litigation attorney at Attorney911 with over 25 years of experience handling catastrophic injury cases across Texas, I’ve spoken with thousands of car accident victims. One of the most common questions we hear in our Houston office is: “Is a headache normal after a car accident?” The short answer, as Ralph Manginello explains in our video, is yes—suffering a headache after a car accident is normal. However, the fact that it’s common doesn’t mean there’s no reason to be concerned. In our experience at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, headaches after a car accident can be the first warning sign of a much more serious underlying condition that could affect your health, your recovery, and the value of your personal injury claim.

What most victims don’t realize is that insurance companies are already building a case against you from the moment the accident occurs. They’re counting on you to minimize your symptoms, delay treatment, or accept a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. At Attorney911, we’ve seen too many cases where what started as “just a headache” developed into a life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI) or chronic pain condition. That’s why we take every headache complaint seriously—because your health and your legal rights deserve nothing less. If you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident anywhere in Texas—Houston, Austin, Beaumont, or beyond—call our legal emergency line immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Headaches: More Than Just “Pain”

When you experience a headache after a motor vehicle crash, neurologists typically refer to this as a post-traumatic headache. This isn’t just medical jargon—it’s a specific diagnostic category that carries significant implications for your treatment and your legal case. In Texas personal injury law, establishing the causal connection between the accident and your symptoms is critical, and medical documentation using precise terminology like “post-traumatic headache” strengthens your claim substantially.

At Attorney911, we work closely with neurologists, pain specialists, and rehabilitation experts across Texas to ensure our clients receive proper diagnoses. We’ve found that most car accident victims experience one of three common types of post-traumatic headaches:

1. Post-Concussive Headaches

These headaches result from a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion. Even if you didn’t lose consciousness or hit your head directly, the violent whipping motion of a collision can cause your brain to strike the inside of your skull. This can damage delicate neural pathways and trigger inflammation that manifests as headaches. Symptoms often include:

• Dull, achy head pain that feels like pressure
• Concentration difficulties or “brain fog”
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Memory problems
• Irritability or mood changes

What insurance companies don’t want you to know: They often downplay concussions because they don’t show up on standard imaging like CT scans or MRIs. However, Ralph Manginello’s experience in federal court and complex litigation, including the BP explosion cases, has taught us how to build compelling medical evidence for these “invisible” injuries through neuropsychological testing and expert testimony.

2. Musculoskeletal Headaches

These headaches originate from injuries to the neck, shoulders, and upper back—most commonly whiplash. The sudden acceleration-deceleration forces in a car accident can tear muscles, strain ligaments, and damage cervical vertebrae. When these structures become inflamed or go into spasm, they can refer pain to the head. Symptoms typically include:

• Pain radiating from the neck to the base of the skull
• Tightness or pressure across the forehead or sides of the head
• Shoulder tenderness accompanying head pain
• Limited neck range of motion

In Texas, whiplash injuries are particularly common in rear-end collisions on our busy Houston freeways like I-45, I-10, and the 610 Loop. Insurance adjusters frequently label these as “soft tissue injuries” and offer minimal settlements, claiming they’ll resolve quickly. Our firm’s experience with multi-million dollar settlements for clients with ongoing neck and headache issues proves otherwise. We know how to document the long-term impact of these injuries.

3. Vascular Headaches

These headaches occur when blood vessels in the head or neck are damaged during the collision. This can happen from direct impact (hitting your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window) or from the sheer force of the crash. Vascular headaches may indicate more serious conditions like:

• Carotid or vertebral artery dissection
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Increased intracranial pressure

Symptoms often include throbbing, pulsating pain that may be accompanied by visual disturbances or nausea. These require immediate medical attention. At Attorney911, we’ve handled cases involving vascular injuries from car accidents, and we understand the complex medical documentation needed to prove these claims. Our experience in the Southern District of Texas federal court has prepared us for the sophisticated medical evidence required in such cases.

Constant Headaches After a Car Accident: When “Normal” Becomes Serious

Ralph Manginello’s video makes an important point: It’s also common for victims to suffer a constant headache after a car accident. These ongoing headaches are usually caused by head or neck trauma during the collision, such as whiplash or a direct blow to the head. What starts as occasional discomfort can develop into a chronic daily headache that affects every aspect of your life—your job, your relationships, your ability to enjoy time with your family.

In our Texas practice, we’ve identified several accident injuries that commonly cause trauma-induced constant headaches:

• Striking your head on a solid object: Steering wheel, dashboard, window, or even the vehicle’s frame during rollover accidents
• Pinched nerves in the spine or base of your skull: Cervical radiculopathy that refers pain upward
• Muscle tears, strains, and spasms: Particularly in the neck and upper back muscles that attach to the skull
• Spinal and skull fractures: Even hairline fractures can cause persistent symptoms
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction: From the jaw being forced open or shut during impact

What makes constant headaches particularly challenging from a legal perspective is that insurance companies will argue they’re “preexisting” or “unrelated” to the accident. That’s where Attorney911’s investigative resources come into play. We work with accident reconstruction experts, biomechanical engineers, and treating physicians to establish the direct causal link between your collision and your ongoing symptoms. We’ve successfully secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients with constant post-traumatic headaches because we know how to document and prove their impact.

Consider our recent case involving a client whose leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. While this case settled in the millions for the amputation, what many don’t realize is that this client also suffered constant headaches from the initial trauma that persisted throughout his recovery. We documented every symptom, every medical visit, and every impact on his quality of life—and that comprehensive approach resulted in full compensation for ALL his injuries, not just the most obvious one.

Delayed Headaches: Why Symptoms Can Appear Days Later

One of the most dangerous misconceptions about car accident injuries is that they’re always immediately apparent. As Ralph explains in the video: After a motor vehicle crash, headaches can appear hours, days, or even a week later. So it’s not uncommon for victims to get a headache two or three days after a car accident. These delayed symptoms often catch people off guard because they initially felt “fine” at the scene.

There are several physiological reasons for delayed headaches:

The Adrenaline Effect

After a traumatic incident like a car accident, adrenaline floods your system. This natural stress hormone acts as an analgesic, temporarily blocking pain signals from reaching your brain. It’s your body’s way of helping you survive immediate danger. However, once the adrenaline wears off—often hours or even a day later—the pain signals finally get through. That’s why you might wake up the next morning with a pounding headache when you felt nothing at the scene.

Inflammatory Cascade

Many accident injuries trigger an inflammatory response that takes time to develop. Whiplash, for example, causes micro-tears in muscles and ligaments. Inflammation builds gradually around these injuries, eventually putting pressure on nerves and causing referred pain to the head. This process can take 24-72 hours to reach its peak.

Slow-Bleeding Injuries

In some cases, particularly with head trauma, small blood vessels may tear and bleed slowly into surrounding tissues. This can create gradually increasing pressure that manifests as a worsening headache days after the accident. These situations can be medically serious and require immediate attention.

From a legal standpoint, delayed symptoms create a dangerous gap that insurance companies exploit. They’ll argue: “If you were really hurt, you would have sought treatment immediately.” At Attorney911, we counter this argument by educating our clients about the normal delayed onset of symptoms and ensuring they document everything properly. We also use medical literature and expert testimony to explain why delayed headaches are not only possible but common after trauma.

As client Stephanie Hernandez told us about her experience: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” Like Stephanie, many of our clients come to us days or weeks after their accident when headaches or other symptoms finally appear. We don’t judge—we jump into action to protect their rights.

When to Go to the Emergency Room: Texas Medical Guidance

Ralph Manginello gives clear advice in the video: “You should take an ambulance to the emergency room from the scene of the accident even if you don’t feel like you’re severely injured.” This isn’t alarmist—it’s medically and legally sound advice based on our 25+ years of handling car accident cases across Texas.

Here’s why immediate emergency care is critical:

Medical Reasons:

• Hidden injuries: You could have suffered serious injuries that have yet to manifest. Head injuries, in particular, may go undiagnosed without proper imaging.
• Documentation chain: Emergency room records created immediately after the accident provide the strongest possible evidence that your injuries were caused by the collision.
• Preventing complications: Early intervention can prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic conditions.

Legal Reasons:

• Preserving evidence: ER records document your condition at its most acute stage, before memory fades or symptoms evolve.
• Establishing causation: The closer in time medical treatment occurs to the accident, the harder it is for insurance companies to argue your injuries came from something else.
• Demonstrating seriousness: Seeking emergency care shows you took your symptoms seriously from the beginning.

In Texas, we’re fortunate to have excellent trauma centers in Houston (Memorial Hermann, Ben Taub), Austin (Dell Seton, St. David’s), and Beaumont (Christus St. Elizabeth, Baptist Hospital). If you’re experiencing headaches after a car crash, don’t “tough it out”—seek immediate medical attention. Any delay in treatment could impact your recovery, and early documentation of your injury can strengthen your insurance claim or personal injury case.

Remember: Emergency room visits are covered under most Texas auto insurance policies through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage. If you don’t have these coverages or aren’t sure, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 and we’ll help you navigate the medical and insurance systems.

Should I Contact My Insurance Company? Texas-Specific Advice

Yes, you should definitely contact your insurance company after a car accident. Most Texas auto insurance policies include clauses that require you to report any accidents you’re involved in, even if you’re not at fault. However—and this is critical—how you communicate with insurance companies makes all the difference in protecting your claim.

Here’s what you need to know about Texas insurance law:

Reporting Requirements:

• Your own insurance: Most policies require notification “promptly” or “as soon as practicable.” While it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance company within 72 hours of an accident, your specific policy may include different deadlines.
• The other driver’s insurance: You have no contractual obligation to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In fact, we generally advise against it until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
• Texas Department of Transportation: Texas Transportation Code §550.061 requires you to file a crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

What Insurance Companies Really Want:

Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from his years working at a national defense firm gives us unique insight into insurance company tactics. When an adjuster calls you, they’re not just gathering information—they’re building a case to minimize or deny your claim. Common tactics include:

• Recorded statements: They’ll ask seemingly innocent questions designed to get you to downplay your injuries or admit fault.
• Early settlement offers: Quick, lowball offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries or medical costs.
• Authorization requests: Blanket medical authorizations that allow them to dig through years of your medical history looking for “preexisting conditions.”

As Lupe explains: “I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the 10 minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”

That’s why at Attorney911, we handle all insurance communications for our clients. We know their playbook because Lupe used to run it. We protect you from saying something that could be used against you later. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, you should promptly review your insurance policy, but then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before having any substantive conversations with adjusters.

When Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer? The Sooner, The Better

After a motor vehicle crash, you should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. At Attorney911, we believe in early intervention because the decisions you make in the first days and weeks after an accident can determine the outcome of your case. Here’s why timing matters:

Evidence Preservation

Critical evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is typically deleted after 7-30 days. Witness memories fade. Vehicle evidence is lost when cars are repaired or totaled. The police report may contain errors that need correction immediately. Our team at Attorney911 jumps into action to preserve all evidence before it’s gone forever.

Medical Treatment Coordination

Experienced personal injury attorneys can help you get the medical treatment you need, even if you don’t have health insurance or are worried about costs. We have relationships with doctors across Texas who treat accident victims on a lien basis—meaning they provide care with the understanding they’ll be paid from your settlement. This ensures you get proper treatment without financial stress.

Insurance Negotiation Advantage

The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can protect you from insurance company tactics. We handle all communications, investigate the accident thoroughly, and begin building your case for maximum compensation immediately. As client Donald Wilcox discovered: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Legal Deadline Awareness

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Miss this deadline by even one day, and your case is barred forever. But other deadlines matter too: notice requirements for government entities (as short as 90 days), insurance policy reporting deadlines, and preservation deadlines for evidence. We track all these dates so you don’t have to.

The sooner you get a car accident lawyer involved, the more we can do to help you. It’s vital to your case that you schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today—we’re available 24/7 for legal emergencies.

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer That’s Near Me? The Attorney911 Advantage

While you’re not legally required to hire a car accident lawyer to handle your personal injury case, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you secure a higher settlement from the insurance companies. If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can take them to court and fight for the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. But not all lawyers are created equal—and location is just one factor to consider.

At Attorney911, we serve clients throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. But what truly sets us apart isn’t just our locations—it’s our unique combination of experience, resources, and insider knowledge.

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Texas Courtroom Experience

Ralph didn’t just pass the Texas bar in 1998—he’s been fighting for Texans in courtrooms across the state for over a quarter century. His credentials include:

• Admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (federal court)
• Membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Experience in complex litigation against billion-dollar corporations, including BP explosion litigation
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients with serious injuries

As client Jamin Marroquin describes: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.” That’s the level of dedication you get with Attorney911.

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies operate. Lupe Peña worked for years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims, select IME doctors, use surveillance, and employ delay tactics. Now he uses that knowledge FOR victims, not against them. This gives us an “unfair advantage”—we know their playbook because we used to run it.

Full-Service Investigation Resources

We don’t just file paperwork—we investigate. Our team includes:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Biomechanical engineers
• Medical experts across specialties
• Economic damage analysts
• Private investigators when needed

This comprehensive approach is why we’ve achieved results like our multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company. We leave no stone unturned in building your case.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis (33.33% before trial, 40% if we take your case to trial). We advance all costs of litigation—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This means we’re invested in your success because our success depends on it.

What Compensation Can You Recover for Headaches After a Car Accident?

Many victims underestimate the value of their headache claims because they think “it’s just a headache.” In reality, post-traumatic headaches can lead to substantial compensation when properly documented and presented. Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

• Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, neurologist consultations, MRI/CT scans, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment costs
• Lost wages: Time missed from work due to headaches, doctor appointments, or reduced capacity
• Loss of earning capacity: If headaches affect your ability to perform your job long-term
• Household services: Cost of hiring help for tasks you can no longer perform due to pain

Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from the headaches themselves
• Mental anguish: Anxiety, depression, frustration from living with chronic pain
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
• Physical impairment: Reduced quality of life due to headache limitations

In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, Texas law may also allow for exemplary damages (punitive damages) to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Valuing a headache claim requires understanding both the medical impact and how Texas courts and insurance companies view these injuries. That’s where our experience matters. We know how to document the true impact of what might seem like “just a headache” to someone who hasn’t lived with it daily. As client Glenda Walker told us: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Car Accident Headache Case?

When you’re suffering from headaches after a car accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal team that understands the medical complexities, the insurance tactics, and the Texas legal landscape. Here’s what makes Attorney911 different:

Proven Track Record of Results

We don’t just make promises—we deliver results. Our documented case results include:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death
• Successful litigation against billion-dollar corporations in the BP explosion case
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity
• Dismissals and favorable outcomes in complex DWI/DUI cases where headaches were a factor

Client-Centered Approach

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, our clients consistently praise our communication and care. As client Chad Harris explains: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.” Our paralegal team, including Leonor (mentioned in 80+ reviews), ensures you’re updated every step of the way.

Comprehensive Legal & Medical Knowledge

We understand the connection between your headaches and the accident mechanics. We know which medical specialists to consult, what tests to request, and how to present complex medical information to insurance companies and juries. Our experience in federal court (Southern District of Texas) means we’re prepared for the most complex cases.

Bilingual Services Available

Lupe Peña and several staff members are fluent Spanish speakers. All consultations are available in Spanish—we believe language should never be a barrier to justice.

Texas-Wide Representation

While our roots are in Houston (Ralph was raised in the Memorial area), we serve clients throughout Texas. Whether you’re in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Health and Your Rights

If you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident in Texas, time is not on your side. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies are already working to minimize your claim. More importantly, your health could be at risk if those headaches signal a more serious underlying condition.

At Attorney911, we’re ready to help. As “Legal Emergency Lawyers™,” we understand that legal emergencies don’t keep business hours. That’s why our emergency line 1-888-ATTY-911 is available 24/7.

When you call us, you’ll get:

• A free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team
• Immediate guidance on protecting your rights and preserving evidence
• Referrals to trusted medical providers if needed
• Clear explanation of your legal options in plain English (or Spanish)
• Peace of mind knowing experienced attorneys are on your side

Don’t let insurance companies convince you that your headaches are “normal” or “not serious.” Don’t accept a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. And don’t face this challenging time alone.

As Houston’s own Trae Tha Truth has recommended our firm, you know you’re in good hands with Attorney911. We’ve helped thousands of Texans just like you, and we’re ready to help you too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now or visit attorney911.com to schedule your free consultation. Remember: We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Your health and your future are too important to leave to chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a car accident can headaches appear?

Headaches can appear immediately after a car accident or take several days to manifest. It’s not uncommon for victims to experience their first headache 2-3 days after the crash due to adrenaline wearing off or inflammatory processes developing. Some headaches may not appear for up to a week. Regardless of timing, any headache after an accident should be taken seriously and evaluated medically.

What should I do if I have a constant headache after my car accident?

If you have a constant headache after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious conditions like traumatic brain injury, cervical injuries, or vascular problems. Then contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Constant headaches often indicate underlying trauma that requires comprehensive documentation for both medical treatment and your personal injury claim. We can help coordinate your medical care and legal strategy simultaneously.

Will insurance cover my medical treatment for post-accident headaches?

Yes, Texas auto insurance should cover reasonable medical treatment for accident-related headaches through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), MedPay, or liability coverage. However, insurance companies often dispute headache claims as ‘subjective’ or ‘preexisting.’ At Attorney911, we use medical experts, diagnostic testing, and detailed documentation to prove the causal connection and ensure your treatment is covered.

How much is my headache injury case worth in Texas?

The value depends on the severity, duration, impact on your life, medical costs, and whether the headaches are part of a larger injury like whiplash or TBI. Simple tension headaches might settle for limited compensation, while chronic post-traumatic headaches affecting work and quality of life can be worth substantially more. Attorney911’s experience with multi-million dollar settlements helps us accurately value your unique case.

Do I really need a lawyer for headache symptoms after a crash?

While not legally required, having an experienced car accident lawyer dramatically increases your chance of full compensation. Insurance companies systematically undervalue headache claims. Attorney911’s combination of Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of litigation experience and Lupe Peña’s insurance defense insider knowledge gives you an unfair advantage in proving and valuing your claim properly.

What if the insurance company says my headaches are preexisting?

Insurance companies frequently claim headaches are preexisting to reduce settlement value. At Attorney911, we counter this by obtaining your complete medical history, working with doctors to distinguish preexisting from accident-related symptoms, and using medical literature to show how trauma can exacerbate or trigger new headache conditions. Our investigative resources help us build compelling evidence for your claim.