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Most people wonder how long it is reasonable to be sore after an accident, and when they should begin to worry. A Boca Raton car accident lawyer with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey, & Fronrath can help you understand how long you should be sore after a car accident, and when it may be worth it to take further legal action.
Is it normal to feel sore after a car accident?
It is often normal to feel sore after a car accident, even if you don’t sustain significant injuries. However, if you still feel sore more than a couple of days later, there may be more going on. It could be part of the typical timeline, but it may be worth it to make sure it’s nothing major. When you are involved in a collision, your body has to cope with rapid deceleration that may cause strains, sprains, and inflammation.
In more severe cases, the strain of an accident can cause soft tissue and cartilage damage like whiplash or a herniated disk.
How long should soreness last after a car crash?
If you have not sustained significant injuries, you may expect your soreness to last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Soreness that lasts longer than that may indicate a more significant injury and often warrants a medical evaluation.
It’s often advised to seek medical care immediately following an accident to make sure you have identified all possible injuries and that you know what to expect, making it easier to identify if something seems wrong.
What injuries can cause long-term pain after a crash?
Many injuries can cause long-term pain after a car accident. Most often, this will include some of those mentioned above, like whiplash or spinal injuries. It may also include traumatic brain injury, nerve damage, broken bones, or psychological effects like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
When should you seek medical attention for ongoing pain?
While it is typically advised to seek medical attention immediately following an accident, it is never too late to do it. If you did see someone immediately after, they should have told you what to expect and given you indicators that it is time to return. However, if you have felt fine so far and have not seen someone, there are a few indicators that it is time to go:
- If your pain worsens over time, even with rest
- If your pain is spreading
- If the lingering pain occurs when you try to turn your head
- If you are experiencing tingling, numbness, or swelling
- If you experience pain in your chest or difficulty breathing
Some injuries may not show up for several days, and some problems, such as internal bleeding, may go unnoticed for a while until the situation has become life-threatening. Regardless of whether you are experiencing these specific symptoms, you should trust your judgement and if something feels off, get it checked out.
What treatment may help reduce pain and soreness?
Absent a specific diagnosis, you can often treat minor joint and muscle soreness at home in several ways. These most often include things like heat, cold, and OTC medications like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs). However, other treatments may include physical therapy, prescription medications, or surgical interventions.
Can ongoing soreness affect a personal injury claim?
Prolonged soreness may impact your personal injury claim to a degree, in that you may try to wait to make a demand until you fully know what is happening or find a resolution. If your prolonged pain is an indicator of a permanent injury or long-term problems, it may increase the value of your claim.
Speak with a Boca Raton car accident attorney about your injuries
If you have experienced pain after an accident, it is likely a good choice to contact a Boca Raton car accident attorney with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey, & Fronrath. You can call us at (561) 655-1990 or complete an online request for a free case consultation to discuss your injuries and determine your options.