How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?

The length of time you can expect to feel sore after a car accident depends on several factors, including the severity of impact, the type, and extent of your injuries, and your individual healing rate. Crash victims can expect to experience some soreness for a few days or weeks after a car accident. However, in some cases, soreness can point to a significant underlying injury, which may require individuals to undergo extensive medical care and take prolonged time off work.

If a car accident injury negatively impacts your health, career, and home life, you could be entitled to a considerable settlement from the at-fault party. However, you don’t have to struggle with a complex car accident claim or lawsuit alone. Morgan & Morgan’s car accident lawyers can step in and help you recover what you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review to discover whether you qualify for compensation.

Soreness Can Be Expected After a Car Crash

After a car crash, injured victims commonly experience soreness and pain in the days following the accident. Generally, you can expect to feel sore anywhere from a few days to several weeks after being involved in a collision. However, the length of time such discomfort persists can vary depending on several factors, including:

• The severity of the accident
• The type of injuries suffered
• The overall health and age of the affected individuals

The length and intensity of soreness and discomfort after a crash can vary considerably from one person to the next. For example, individuals in good physical shape, with strong muscles and bones, are likely to recover more quickly than those older or in poor health. Additionally, stress and anxiety can also play a role in recovery. The psychological trauma experienced in an accident can cause ongoing muscle tension, potentially leading to long-term soreness, pain, and discomfort.

Car Accident Injuries That Can Cause Soreness

Many car accident injuries, including minor and severe conditions, potentially cause soreness in the days after a crash. Some of the more common crash injuries that can involve discomfort and soreness include:

Soft Tissue Injuries

Prolonged soreness can be a common symptom of various soft tissue injuries, such as:

• Bruises
• Strains
• Sprains
• Tears

Such injuries usually occur when the body is jolted or thrown around suddenly and violently, causing damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Soft tissue injuries, though rarely serious, can be excruciating. They can also severely limit an individual’s overall mobility, making it difficult to perform everyday activities at work and home.

In general, mild soft tissue injuries can resolve within a few days to a week, while more severe injuries may take weeks or even months to heal fully.

Fractures

Car crash victims may also experience discomfort due to more severe injuries, such as broken bones. Fractures can cause soreness, swelling, and immobility in the affected limb.

Bone breaks typically require medical attention and can take a considerable time to heal. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage. Therefore, victims who suffered broken bones in car accidents may face considerable medical expenses and a lengthy recovery period.

Whiplash

According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a common injury in rear-end accidents and occurs when the head is violently jerked forward and backward. The condition typically causes soreness in the neck and shoulders, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms.

Internal Organ Damage

During a car crash, organs such as the kidneys, liver, and spleen could get damaged due to a forceful impact. Internal organ bruising and damage can cause non-specific symptoms, such as general soreness, abdominal pain, and back discomfort. Organ damage can be severe and may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Back Injuries

Sometimes, a victim may not feel back pain due to experiencing shock at a chaotic and upsetting car accident scene. However, in the days after the crash, you might feel soreness, stiffness, and pain in the lower or upper back. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that back pain is a common cause of disability. Therefore, if you experience any soreness in your back, seek medical advice immediately to rule out any underlying injuries, such as a fracture or spinal cord damage.

Don’t Ignore Soreness and Pain

If you feel sore after a crash, don’t be tempted to ignore the discomfort and carry on with your daily activities. While soreness can be a common symptom and may not be serious, it could point to an injury that may require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Seeking medical help immediately after a crash can minimize your risk of developing chronic pain and other complications.

Also, note that you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and expenses if someone else caused your accident. Therefore, consider consulting with a car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan, who can assess your case and determine whether you are entitled to damages.

Your Next Best Steps When Feeling Sore After an Accident

Being involved in a car accident can leave you with various physical, emotional, and financial damages. However, you may be entitled to compensation if the car accident occurred due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness. Here are your next best steps when you feel lingering soreness or pain after a collision:

See a Doctor Immediately

If you walked away from the accident feeling fine but developed soreness in the following days, consider seeing a doctor as soon as possible to determine the source of your discomfort. Follow your doctor's recommendations for rest and recovery and engage in physical therapy or other rehabilitation activities as outlined in your treatment plan.

Seeking medical help is not only critical for your physical well-being but also for building a solid case for compensation. Keep all medical receipts, reports, and notes, as these can be essential evidence for your damages when claiming compensation.

Collect Evidence

The next step is to gather evidence of the accident and your damages, which can include:

• Photos of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident
• Witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers
• A copy of the police report
• Medical reports documenting your injuries

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Report the collision to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on your rights and how to claim compensation. Provide your insurer with all the necessary information regarding your claim, including the names of witnesses and photos or other evidence you have collected.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

If you feel sore after an accident, contact a car accident lawyer for advice on how to proceed. Insurance companies are known for their aggressive tactics and may do everything possible to minimize your settlement. They might even try to blame you for the accident, which could leave you with no compensation at all.

Moreover, if you are not familiar with the legal procedures and do not know your rights, you might settle for far less than what you truly deserve.

Morgan & Morgan’s experienced car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We know how to handle insurance companies and can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Our lawyers can also help you to understand your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company.