Around 38,000 people lose their lives in the United States in car accidents every year. And more than 4.4 million people walk away with injuries, with the majority needing medical attention. So if you've been involved in a car accident recently, you might be experiencing soreness that refuses to go away.
In short, it is normal for your body to be sore after a car accident. But it is not normal for pain and soreness to persist longer than a couple of months. The effects of going through something as traumatic as a car accident can be both physical and emotional.
If not taken care of and monitored, typical soreness can lead to more severe and long-lasting injuries. Read on to find out whether you might have sustained some of the most common injuries and, if you are, what you can do to get better.
What Are Common Injuries and Symptoms
People who luckily walk away from a car accident can experience bruises, scrapes, and a bit of relief. But sometimes, injuries are reluctant to show up until a few days or weeks after the crash, including injuries to your head, back, and mental health.
Head Injuries
One of the more common head injuries is whiplash, which you usually feel almost immediately or a few days later. Whiplash occurs when your head is thrown violently in one direction, causing the tendons and muscles in your neck to become strained.
Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain in neck and shoulders
- Headaches
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Stiffness in neck muscles
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory problems
Concussions are another common injury that can cause immediate discomfort or sneak in a little later after an accident. For example, the impact of your vehicle colliding with another object can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull.
The symptoms are not always visible, so it is vital to look for these signs:
- Clumsy movements
- Inability to recall the past or memories
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Sluggish feelings, fatigue, confusion
- Moody behavior or change in personality
Back Injuries
When a vehicle gets hit from the back or the side, it can cause damage to the spinal cord or soft tissue in the driver's back. Soft tissue damage is a leading injury in people involved in car accidents.
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing damage to your back:
- Pain or soreness
- Sharp pain in your back area
- Loss of balance
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Increased headaches
Emotional Injuries
It might not be the most obvious conclusion to draw but remember that while accidents can result in physical injuries, your mental state can also be affected. The shock of an accident can sometimes cause victims to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whether you were the one driving or not.
If you're experiencing a form of PTSD, you may have these symptoms:
- Fear of being in a vehicle
- Vivid flashbacks of the accident
- Feelings of nervousness or discomfort about the thought of driving
- Depression and anxiety
Checking in on your emotional state after an accident is just as important as ensuring your physical health is well.
How Long Should Soreness Typically Last?
After an accident, it is normal to experience some soreness since your body has just gone through a jolt of unexpected movement or tension. However, if your feelings of soreness persist longer than around six weeks, you may have a more severe injury.
The amount of time you might feel it can depend on the severity of the accident. Car crashes with harder impacts may cause soreness to last longer than a typical six-week period, which may indicate serious injury.
Feelings of sharp pain, persistent headaches, muscle tension, worsening pain, or problems with your senses can be a sign that your injury is more serious. But not to worry, there are helpful ways to get you feeling healthy and happy again.
What Should You Do Next?
Car accidents can be stressful for everyone involved, especially if the accident was not your fault and you are left dealing with injuries both seen and unseen. That's why it's crucial to find a trusted source that can help you get compensated for your injuries, taking away the hassle and stress of the aftermath.
If you're feeling sore after a car accident longer than expected, you may be experiencing an injury that needs medical attention. Seeking medical help and consulting a car accident lawyer can help you get treatment in the best possible (and most affordable) way.
Get Help with a Car Accident Claim
Insurance companies are masters in manipulative tactics. They will try to prove that you were at fault for the accident to lower the settlement money that you rightly deserve. You, therefore, need a lawyer to represent you and win you a fair settlement.
Working with an experienced accident attorney can mean the difference between winning or losing. With decades of experience, amazing results and a compassionate approach, the attorneys of Brandon J. Broderick are here for you.
Passionately fighting for our clients. Putting them first. Working smarter to win. If you’re looking for the best car accident lawyer in New York and New Jersey, don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback.