How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident, you will most likely feel shaken up and maybe even sore. This soreness might last a few days but will hopefully go away within a short amount of time and with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers. However, sometimes, the soreness that comes after a car accident doesn’t go away in a few days. Whether your injury was more severe than you originally thought, or you have a pre-existing condition that was exacerbated by the accident, this extended soreness almost always necessitates action.
Depending on your injury, the length of time that you should be sore after an accident can vary greatly. You should never wait and expect soreness from a car accident to go away on its own. You should always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car crash.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure that you will be able to pay for this treatment, as a car accident lawyer from Ellis Injury Law can help make sure that those responsible for your injuries are held liable and you get the compensation you deserve.
Common car accident injuries
Though injuries from car accidents vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the accident as well as the victim, there are a few injuries that are more common than others. The most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is an umbrella term that describes a variety of neck injuries from herniated discs to torn ligaments. The recovery time for whiplash depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, preexisting conditions, and the type of treatment.
- Facial Wounds – The impact of a car crash often creates flying debris that can strike and wound the victims’ faces. The more minor facial wounds like bruises and cuts usually heal within a few weeks, while the more serious, from fractures to deep lacerations, can take months to heal completely.
- Head Trauma – Head traumas caused by car accidents can run the gamut from minor concussions to full-blown brain injuries. Some head traumas don’t show obvious signs of distress, leading victims to miss out on early interventions and treatments.
- Back Injuries – Damage from back injuries can be severe and often last a long time. Disc injury, thoracic or lumbar spine sprains and other back injuries can lead to months or even years of pain and recovery, depending on the injury extent and the victim’s overall health.
These are just the most common physical car accident injuries, but there are many more that can hide at first. Always get an exam as soon as you can after a car accident so that these and other potential injuries can be caught and treated properly.
Car accidents with minor injuries
Even low-speed car accidents generally result in injury, though they are luckily minor. Minor car accident injuries include swelling and bruising, stiffness, reduced mobility, and pain. These low-grade symptoms often don’t manifest right away after the accident, leading many victims to think they’re fine and not get the medical help they need.
However, these small tweaks and twinges can quickly develop into more severe pain.
Get medical attention right away
Always seek medical attention after a car accident, the sooner the better. This is important for a few reasons.
First, it’s better to address and treat an injury right away in case it gets worse or is worse than you originally thought. Even a small ache can be an indication of a bigger internal issue. Second, an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment can lessen the amount of time you spend in pain or missing work.
Finally, seeking immediate treatment after a car accident is key from an insurance or car accident case viewpoint. Delayed treatment can make it seem like your injuries weren’t that bad or that they weren’t even caused by the car accident.
Know your rights
According to California state law, if you’ve suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence you may be entitled to compensation that will help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and even emotional suffering.
The car accident lawyers at Ellis Injury Law are committed to protecting victim’s rights and ensuring justice is served. We’ve won over $350 million for our clients. You can trust our skilled team of car accident attorneys to fight for you to get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing. Call Ellis Injury Law today.