How Long Should You Feel Sore After an Accident?

by Staff | October 11th, 2021

California has the highest annual number of fatal crashes in the United States, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As the most populous state in the country, California had more than 27 million registered license holders in 2019.

Car accidents are more common in high volume traffic, and even minor collisions can cause pain and soreness. Due to the shock and adrenaline after a car crash, it can take days, weeks, or even months to notice the full extent of your injuries.

For health and insurance reasons, you should seek medical attention immediately after an accident. If untreated injuries continue to cause pain and discomfort, you may find it difficult to claim injury compensation from an insurer without adequate documentation by a medical professional.

To avoid the common pitfalls of post-accident legal disputes and ensure you receive sufficient medical compensation for your injuries, hire the experienced California personal injury attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers.

Dealing with Soreness After an Accident

Car accident injuries vary in severity. However, collisions between vehicles create a significant impact even at low speeds, so a certain amount of soreness is expected. Depending on the extent of your injuries, pain can last for several months and may even lead to chronic conditions, such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Factors such as your position in the car, the speed of the vehicles involved, the size of your car, whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt, and whether the airbags deployed can influence the level of trauma you experience. Only a medical professional can advise how to treat your injuries and how long you should feel sore.

If you continue to feel discomfort after the recovery period outlined by your doctor, it may mean you have undiagnosed or more serious long-term injuries.

●      Delayed Pain

Delayed pain is very common following car accidents. This is usually due to shock or a specific type of injury. While adrenaline can help your body react to danger and minimize immediate pain, it may also make it difficult to detect injury right away. This is very dangerous because undetected injuries can worsen quickly.

Symptoms of concussion, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries may not become apparent for several days after an accident. Your doctor may prescribe tests to assess your injuries, including body scans, X-rays, motion tests, or an MRI.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance:

  • Neck pain or discomfort when you move or turn your head.
  • Persistent back pain or discomfort when you twist, turn, or crouch.
  • Dizzy spells or blurred vision.
  • Numbness or a tingling sensation in any area of the body.

Depending on your test results, your doctor may recommend medication, surgery, or physical therapy.

Common Injuries

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Sprains and strains
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Torn ligaments or muscles
  • Cuts or lacerations
  • Internal bleeding

What to Do After an Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, safety should be your priority. Whether you think you’ve sustained injuries or not, undergo a medical assessment as soon as possible. A medical report is critical if you wish to make an insurance claim.

The next step should be to contact our law firm. California abides by at-fault insurance laws for auto accidents. This means the person deemed responsible for the accident is liable to pay damages to cover the medical costs and property damage sustained by the other parties involved, depending on the percentage of fault. 

At Berg Injury Lawyers, our car accident attorneys can help you build a strong case in an auto accident claim. We work to ensure our clients collect medical payments to cover the necessary medical costs incurred by you and anyone else in your car at the time of the accident. We file all the required paperwork and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so you can concentrate on healing. 

Contact Berg Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Injuries from an accident can be devastating, particularly if they cause long-term discomfort. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve, including medical bills, loss of income, and non-economic loss. No matter the extent of your injuries, you shouldn’t have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

We are proud to offer the “No Fee Guarantee,” which promises you don’t have to pay if you don’t win a settlement. Contact our law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation and begin your healing journey today.