What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident

Posted October 28, 2024 | Personal Injury Blog

Recent annual statistics revealed that over 1.6 million car crashes resulted in injuries across the US. Car accidents can be frightening experiences that cause a wide range of physical injuries. While some injuries are immediately obvious, others may take time to manifest. 

Understanding what to expect physically after a car accident can help you recognize the signs of injury and know when to seek medical attention. In this article, we’ll discuss the common physical effects of car accidents, the importance of seeking medical treatment, and how seeking medical attention can affect your personal injury claim.

If you have been injured in a car accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover all your financial losses. 

What Happens to Your Body After a Car Accident?

Even in a minor car crash, your body experiences a significant amount of force that can have lasting effects. 

Typically, your body’s immediate response to a car accident is to create a surge of adrenaline. This natural reaction to trauma is your body’s way of preparing to deal with immediate threats, enhancing alertness and temporarily increasing energy levels. 

Common immediate symptoms after a car accident include:

• Feeling dizzy or disoriented: The sudden impact of the crash can leave you feeling confused or light-headed
• Bruising and swelling: Seat belts, airbags, and the force of the impact can cause visible swelling and bruising on various areas of your body
• Pain: Depending on the severity of the collision, you may experience pain in your neck, chest, back, or limbs
• Cuts: Broken glass or loose objects in your vehicle can cause cuts or scrapes

Physical Symptoms and Injuries in the Days Following the Car Accident

In many situations, injuries don’t manifest immediately. You may feel okay right after the motor vehicle accident, only to experience pain and other symptoms in the days and weeks to come. 

The following are some common car accident injuries that may have delayed symptoms. 

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when your neck is forced to move rapidly back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments. Signs of whiplash are often delayed. You may not feel neck pain or stiffness for several hours or even days following the crash. 

Whiplash can lead to the following:

• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Reduced range of motion in the neck

Back and spine injuries

The spine absorbs much of the force of a car accident. This can lead to herniated discs, back sprains, and spinal injuries. 

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent back pain
• Weakness in your limbs
• Tingling
• Numbness

Spinal injuries are especially dangerous, as they can affect your mobility and call for extensive medical treatment. 

Internal organ damage

Blunt force trauma from seatbelts, airbags, or the steering wheel can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the:

• Lungs
• Spleen
• Liver
• Heart 
• Kidneys

Internal injuries may be life-threatening but not immediately visible – making them especially dangerous if left untreated.

Concussions

Head trauma is a serious concern in car accidents. A concussion can result from striking your head on the steering wheel, window, or dashboard. 

The following symptoms may take time to develop:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Confusion

The Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Consider why:

• Hidden injuries: As discussed earlier, some injuries may not present symptoms right away. A medical evaluation can detect these hidden injuries and prevent them from worsening. 
• Quicker recovery: You likely want to get back to normal as fast as possible after a car accident. Early intervention in treating injuries can speed up the recovery process. 
• Document your injuries: If you decide to file a personal injury claim, it is critical to have a record of your medical treatment. Delaying medical care could lead to insurance companies disputing the severity of your injuries. 

Car Accident Injuries Can Have Long-term Physical Effects

Sadly, some car accident injuries can cause long-term health issues. Factors like the severity of the injury, the impact of the accident, and your overall health can influence how long it takes to recover. 

The following are some potential long-term physical effects from car accident injuries:

• Chronic pain: Injuries to your back, neck, and joints can result in chronic pain. These injuries can lead to persistent discomfort and may require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or even surgery. 
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage is common in spinal injuries and can require extensive rehabilitation. Long-term symptoms include weakness, numbness, or tingling in your limbs.
• Limited mobility: Severe injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or spinal injuries can reduce your range of motion and impact your ability to perform everyday tasks. While physical therapy may help, the loss of mobility is permanent in some tragic cases. 
• Cognitive issues: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause cognitive difficulties, memory loss, mood swings, and emotional instability. Sadly, the road to recovery can be long, requiring specialized medical treatment and therapy. 

Why Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

Severe car accidents can take immense physical, emotional, and financial toll on individuals. Car accident attorneys can offer legal and emotional support, helping accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. 

A car accident attorney can help by:

• Investigating the car accident case
• Gathering evidence
• Filing all necessary documents
• Assessing the value of damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Maximizing your compensation
• Litigating in court, if needed

Our Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Just as you need a skilled doctor to help you recover physically after a car accident, so you need an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side to help you recover financially. The car accident lawyers at Fielding Law can work to get you compensation for your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. 

Our car accident attorneys will advocate for your legal rights and offer support during this difficult time. We’re here to maximize your recovery and won’t back down from going against insurance companies looking to devalue your personal injury claim. 

If you or a loved one has been physically injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with a member of our legal team.