How long you stay sore after a car accident depends on the injury. Bruises and mild strains often settle within a few days, while whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can stay painful for weeks. Pain that lasts more than a few days, gets worse, or arrives with headaches, numbness or dizziness needs a doctor's evaluation. Aches and pains from a car accident, even a minor fender bender, can stick around longer than we would like. Sometimes, these seemingly minor body pains signify that there may be a more serious underlying physical injury that needs to be addressed by medical professionals.
For this reason, you should always seek medical care and evaluation as soon as possible following a car accident, even if you believe that you are not injured. After a car crash, it is likely that your adrenaline is pumping, and your body may be in shock. This can diminish pain and mask symptoms of a serious injury. It is common for individuals not to feel pain until the next day, or sometimes even several days later.
However, the longer you wait to seek medical care, the more it can negatively impact your chances of receiving a personal injury settlement following a crash. Florida also has a 14-day rule. Under Florida Statute 627.736(1)(a), Personal Injury Protection pays 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and 60 percent of lost gross income up to a $10,000 limit, but only if you receive initial services and care within 14 days of the crash. The 14 days run from the date of the accident, not from the day your symptoms start.
If you are wondering how long should you be sore after a car crash and have suffered injuries, contact Weinstein Legal Team today in Broward & Palm Beach County and ask for personal injury attorney Justin Weinstein. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Our legal team will provide you with a free case evaluation, free of obligation. Call 954-845-0505 to speak with Mr. Weinstein today.
What Injuries Cause Soreness After a Car Accident?
There are many common injuries that can cause a person to be sore after a car accident. While you may notice some of these injuries immediately, it may take some time for others to become apparent. However, there are telltale signs and symptoms that EMTs and doctors know to look for in patients who have just been involved in a car crash. Seeking care immediately, even if you do not believe you are injured initially, can significantly increase your chances of gaining a full recovery. Additionally, injuries that go untreated can lead to worsening symptoms and long-term damage.
The most common injuries that cause soreness after a car crash include:
- Whiplash, which happens when force jerks your body forward and backward very quickly.
- A concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury that can present symptoms days later.
- Soft tissue injuries, which show up as muscle soreness.
- Impact injuries that leave your head, shoulder, or another body part sore.
- Bone fractures, which do not always take away motion the way a complete break does, so people often do not realize how badly they are hurt.
- Torn ligaments, injured tendons, and strained joints.
Many people assume that soreness after a car accident is normal and to be expected, and while this may be true, it does not mean that you do not have an injury that requires treatment. If you are experiencing any pain whatsoever following a crash, it is best to seek a medical evaluation right away. Only a doctor can tell you the proper form of treatment and how long you will need to rest to avoid further injury. Additionally, they may recommend follow-up treatment.
If another person is responsible for your car accident and you do require medical treatment, they may be liable and have to pay for your medical bills. Additionally, you may require time off of work to recover, and ancillary treatments such as chiropractic care and physical therapy. It may be possible to recover compensation for your lost wages, your medical costs, as well as pain and suffering, and more. However, you must have well-documented diagnoses and treatment and you must act quickly to secure your settlement.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Soreness After an Accident?
The most common reasons are sprains, strains, bruising, and muscles or joints pushed past their normal range. Some causes of pain show up on imaging and some do not, which is why soreness with no obvious injury behind it is still worth reporting to a doctor.
Sometimes, people experience pain following a car accident and they cannot pinpoint the injury that is causing it. However, there are common reasons for soreness after an accident of which you should be aware.
Common reasons for pain after a car crash include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Bruising
- Over-extension of a muscle or joint
Many times, drivers and passengers will experience great force on their bodies during a car accident, and this can result in injuries that are hard to spot yet can be just as painful. Sprains, strains, bruises, and over-extending certain muscles and joints are among the most common causes. If you are wondering how long should you be sore after a car accident and a medical doctor has cleared you of any major injuries, your body may be responding to the force of impact and you may have these minor conditions which require rest to heal.
How an Auto Accident Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you are experiencing pain after a car accident, do not wait to contact a car accident lawyer in Florida such as Justin Weinstein at Weinstein Legal Team. An auto accident injury lawyer can pursue payment through an insurance claim or, if the insurer will not pay, through a personal injury lawsuit.
Mr. Weinstein and his legal team can assist you with the following:
- Car crash investigators can look into and recreate the scene of the accident, proving why you are not the one responsible.
- Private investigators can contact eyewitnesses and gather testimony on your behalf, to later be presented to insurance companies or in a court of law.
- The legal team handles most of the back and forth with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
- The legal team can adequately assess the full value of your claim and ensure that the opposing party's representatives do not attempt to offer you less than what your claim is worth.
- You will be advised on all the applicable costs that you can include in your settlement demand, including little-known elements such as the cost of over-the-counter medication, childcare, and more.
Contact Weinstein Legal Team Today
How long should you be sore after a car accident? The answer is different for every individual and will depend on your unique injuries and the facts surrounding your case. Many people experience pain after a car accident. However, please be aware that you may be entitled to financial compensation as a result of your injuries.
Florida gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a negligence lawsuit under Florida Statute 95.11(5)(a) for causes of action accruing after March 24, 2023, so waiting narrows your options. A legal team can deal with the insurer and the opposing lawyers while you recover, and can tell you when an offer is below what the documented losses in your file support.
Weinstein Legal Team and personal injury attorney Justin Weinstein are who you need fighting on your side. For a free case evaluation, free of any obligation, contact our law offices today. Our phones are available 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. Call 954-845-0505 and ask for Mr. Weinstein today.
