When Should You Worry About Pain After a Car Accident?

If you’ve just been in a car accident, you might be feeling a little shaken up and sore in some spots. But you might not know if it’s serious or just normal post-crash discomfort. The thing is, sometimes car accident pain doesn’t show up until hours or even days after the incident, and that’s where things can get tricky.

Pain after a car accident can be deceptive. In the rush of adrenaline, it might not seem like a big deal at first. But when the effects start to settle in, you might realize the injury is worse than you thought. Ignoring it or waiting too long to get checked out can sometimes make things worse or even hurt your chances if you’re looking to file a claim in Delaware. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of it.

Why pain after a car accident isn’t always immediate

After a crash, your body is in fight-or-flight mode. You’re flooded with adrenaline and endorphins, which can mask any serious injury. That’s why you might think you’re okay immediately after the crash, but hours or even the next day, the soreness, stiffness, or pain starts to show up. After-accident pain can be sneaky, often hiding until the adrenaline wears off.

Some injuries take a bit of time to show symptoms, like whiplash or concussions. Others, like internal bleeding, can get pretty serious if not caught early. So, if you’ve been hurt in a car accident, pay close attention to how you’re feeling after the fact. Even if you think you’re okay, it’s always worth checking in with a doctor.

Types of pain to pay attention to

Not all pain is a reason to panic, but some body pain after a car accident might be a sign that something serious is going on. Keep an eye out for these types of pain:

1. Neck and shoulder pain

Neck pain is pretty common after a crash. Most of the time, it’s due to whiplash. You might feel stiffness, headaches, or trouble moving your neck. But if you start feeling tingling or numbness along with pain, it could be something more serious, like damage to your spinal cord. If that happens, don’t wait to get checked out.

2. Back pain

Back pain can happen if you strain your muscles or hurt a disc in your spine. But if your muscle pain after a car accident spreads to your legs or makes you feel weak, it could be a sign of nerve damage. The sooner you get medical help, the better.

3. Headaches and dizziness

A headache might seem like no big deal, but after a car accident, it could be a sign of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nausea, blurry vision, or confusion are all red flags that need immediate attention.

4. Abdominal pain and swelling

Internal injuries aren’t always obvious. If you notice stomach pain, bruising, dizziness, or fainting, those are signs you need to get checked out right away. Internal bleeding can become life-threatening if ignored.

5. Numbness, tingling, or weakness

If your arms or legs feel numb, tingly, or weak, it could be due to nerve damage or spinal damage. These kinds of injuries can get worse if not treated immediately, so don’t put it off.

6. Persistent or worsening pain

Pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse shouldn’t be ignored. What seems like a small injury could become a chronic problem if it’s not treated correctly. If you’re still hurting weeks after the crash, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

How long should pain last after a car accident?

Wondering how long car accident pain lasts? It depends on the injury. Some pain heals quickly, while other injuries take time. Here’s a rough timeline:

• Minor bruises and soreness: A few days to a week.
• Whiplash or soft tissue injuries: 2-6 weeks.
• Fractures or more serious injuries: A few months.
• Concussions or spinal injuries: Could last for years.

So, how long does it take to recover from a car accident? It all depends on how severe the crash was, your age, and your overall health. Everyone heals at different rates, so don’t compare your recovery to anyone else’s.

Steps to take if you’re in pain after a car accident

If you’re dealing with pain after a car accident, don’t ignore it. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention

Even if you think you’re fine after the crash, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and in Delaware, waiting too long to get checked out could hurt your personal injury claim.

2. Keep a pain journal

Write down your symptoms. Keep track of when the pain started, what makes it worse, and how it’s affecting your daily life. This could be useful if you decide to file a claim later.

3. Follow your treatment plan

If your doctor recommends physical therapy or medications, be sure to follow their advice. Ignoring your doctor’s order can make recovery take longer and also affect your legal claim if you decide to pursue one.

4. Consider legal help

In Delaware, you have the right to seek compensation for things like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering after an accident. But there are deadlines to be aware of, so you need to act quickly. If you’re experiencing after-accident pain, it might be a good idea to talk to a personal injury lawyer to understand your options.

Protect your health and your rights after a car accident

Not all car accident pain is a major problem, but some pain can signal something serious. If your body pain after a car accident lingers or gets worse, or if you start experiencing things like numbness or dizziness, don’t wait. Get checked out as soon as possible. Your health should always come first, and if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation.

Have questions? Talk to a Delaware personal injury lawyer at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman Attorneys at Law. We can explain your rights and guide you through the next steps. Don’t let car accident pain stand in the way of the recovery you deserve. Contact us today.