How Long Will I Be Sore after a Car Accident?

Any car accident has the potential to cause significant injury to those involved. In some instances, the pain of an injury is immediate. In other situations, bodily soreness does not become apparent until hours or even days after the collision. Regardless of when it manifests, post-accident soreness can be a legitimate reason to worry about your health. Is the soreness normal, or have you sustained injuries that are more severe than you initially thought?

Pain after a car accident can affect your life in many ways, and you may be wondering how long it will last. On this page, the experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. describe the typical timeline of post-accident pain and what lingering soreness can mean. Keep reading to learn more, and don’t hesitate to call or contact us online for a free consultation about your unique case.

How Long Should I Expect My Soreness to Last after an Accident?

Even if you suffered relatively minor injuries in a car accident, you can expect your soreness to linger for up to six weeks. Throughout this time, you might notice pain in areas such as the neck or back, which could make it difficult for you to turn your head. As the weeks go on, you should feel the pain start to alleviate as the mobility of your neck improves.

Nevertheless, it is essential to seek medical treatment after any car accident, even if you believe you have no significant injuries. Some symptoms of severe injuries do not manifest themselves immediately, so consulting with a medical professional can help rule out anything serious. If a doctor does determine you need treatment, addressing the issue as soon as possible improves your chances of recovery.

When to See a Doctor about Your Pain

If you did not visit a doctor immediately after the accident, you should do so as soon as possible. It is crucial to visit a medical professional in certain circumstances, such as when:

• You have a headache that does not go away – Shoulder and neck tightness frequently lead to tension headaches. However, a particularly long-lasting headache may be a sign of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Any TBI needs to be treated immediately to reduce the risk of serious consequences down the road.
• Your pain is sharp – Because the body releases adrenaline in an accident, you might notice your pain at first. Alternatively, you may believe it is simply a dull muscle soreness rather than anything serious. However, if the pain becomes sharper over time, this may be an indication that you have suffered something more serious, such as a fractured bone.
• You notice tingling or weakness in your limbs – Weakness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feed may be signs of a spinal cord injury. 
• You experience confusion or disorientation – While it’s common to feel confused or disoriented after an accident, these feelings should not last long. If you notice these symptoms worsening over time, or if these experiences begin to emerge in the hours or days after the accident, it is crucial to seek treatment immediately to rule out a TBI.
• You notice vision or hearing problems – Vision or hearing problems after an accident are often symptoms of a TBI. If you notice that your vision is blurred, you have tunnel vision, or you have a ringing in your ears, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
• You feel pain in your abdomen or chest – Increasing pain in the chest or abdomen may indicate severe trauma to your internal organs, including internal bleeding. If left untreated, organ damage and internal bleeding can quickly lead to loss of consciousness or even death.
• You are struggling to stay awake – While it is normal to feel tired while your body heals, extreme drowsiness may be a sign of a TBI. If you fall asleep while engaged in other activities or struggle to wake up, get medical attention without delay.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek medical help right away. Once you have, contact the New York personal injury lawyers of Finz & Finz, P.C. for help seeking the money you need for your medical bills and other losses.

What Other Types of Injuries Cause Soreness after a Car Crash?

In addition to potentially life-threatening injuries such as TBI, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding, any of the following injuries can be the source of post-accident soreness:

• Whiplash
• Torn ligaments
• Strained or sprained tendons and joints
• Vertebral disc injuries
• Hairline fractures
• Mild concussions

While these injuries do not tend to be fatal, they can potentially disrupt your life. Treating your injuries after a car crash can quickly become expensive, especially if you need rehabilitative care. Furthermore, you may be unable to work while you recover, causing you to lose income. If you were not at fault for the accident, you should not be responsible for the financial expenses and other losses you have incurred as a result.

Promptly seeking treatment not only speeds up your physical recovery but also helps establish a strong injury claim. The personal injury attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. can explain the steps you can take to protect your claim even if you did not receive medical attention immediately after an accident.

Contact the Experienced Car Accident Lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C.

If you are experiencing soreness after being injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. The skilled New York car accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. can protect your rights and fight for the recovery you deserve. For more than 35 years, our lawyers have successfully represented injured New Yorkers seeking justice and accountability, and we are committed to doing the same for you. 

Call us today or contact us online for a free case review and to learn more about your options.