What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you may experience a range of physical effects, varying in severity depending on the impact. Common symptoms include headaches, back pain, difficulty breathing, swollen extremities, and numbness.

Adrenaline can mask pain right after a collision, but stiffness and soreness often set in within a day or two. Even if you feel fine, seek immediate medical attention to treat your injuries and prevent health complications.

As an experienced Norfolk car accident lawyer at Atkinson Law, I understand the many ways injuries can impact your life. Taking legal action while you are already dealing with your physical recovery may seem stressful, but I want to empower you to fight for justice. You can trust me to fight for the compensation you need. Call today for a free consultation.

Physical Symptoms You Can Expect After a Car Accident

During a car accident, the body experiences intense forces. When the car stops suddenly (like when it crashes into something), the body keeps moving forward until something stops it. Also, drivers and passengers might get thrown around in the vehicle, crushed, or hit by objects within the car.

It is worth getting a lawyer after a car accident because navigating the legal complexities alone can be overwhelming. Your attorney will protect your rights and represent your best interests.

Headaches

These can result from various factors related to the impact. For example, whiplash can lead to headaches due to the sudden and forceful movement of the head. Additionally, head trauma, such as hitting your head on the steering wheel, can cause pain. Headaches after a crash could indicate underlying injuries that require medical attention.

Back Pain

The force of impact during a collision could cause intense pressure on the spine, leading to various types of injuries. The jolting motion of the accident can result in sprains in the muscles and ligaments of the back. Additionally, the vertebrae, discs, and nerves of the spine might become damaged.

Neck Pain

The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during impact can strain the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to whiplash. Symptoms include neck stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion, which may develop over the following days.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is highly mobile and vulnerable to injury during collisions, especially if you are gripping the steering wheel or bracing yourself against the impact. Common injuries resulting in shoulder pain after a car accident include strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures.

Abdominal Pain

The force of impact during a collision can cause the body to be forcefully thrust against the seatbelt, steering wheel, or other objects within the vehicle, resulting in trauma to the abdomen. Internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines can be injured, leading to internal bleeding, organ damage, or bruising.

Numbness or Tingling

Some injuries (such as spinal cord compression) can disrupt the normal functioning of nerves, causing sensations of numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the affected areas. Numbness or tingling may occur immediately after the accident or develop later.

Difficulty Breathing

Injuries such as rib fractures, lung contusions, or damage to the diaphragm could affect your ability to breathe normally. Additionally, seatbelt-related injuries, such as bruising or lacerations across the chest, can cause discomfort, making it challenging to take deep breaths.

Swollen Extremities

The deployment of airbags or the use of seatbelts might exert pressure on the limbs, leading to bruising, swelling, or even compartment syndrome (a serious condition where pressure builds up within the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels). Swelling in the extremities may be accompanied by pain, tenderness, redness, or warmth in the affected areas.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be a distressing physical symptom that could manifest if the collision involves a loud impact. Exposure to loud sounds, such as the noise of the crash itself or the deployment of airbags, can contribute to tinnitus.

Symptoms may include constant or occasional ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds in one or both ears. It can also be accompanied by hearing loss, vertigo, or sensitivity to sound.

Some Physical Symptoms May Not Be Immediately Visible

Some physical symptoms after a car accident may not show right away, which might lead to a costly delay in medical treatment. While bruises, cuts, and broken bones are clear signs of trauma, internal injuries and musculoskeletal issues might not be visible until hours or even days after the crash.

Immediately after a collision, the body may release adrenaline, a hormone that prepares it for a “fight or flight” response to perceived danger. Adrenaline can have a numbing effect on the body, masking pain, which may lead you to underestimate the severity of your injuries.

Even if you don’t feel discomfort or notice any physical symptoms after the traffic accident, still seek medical attention. An early diagnosis may prevent other health complications and speed up the recovery process. Also, documenting your injuries helps strengthen your car accident claim.

How to Recover Your Medical Expenses After a Car Crash

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to recover your losses. As an experienced car accident attorney, I will help you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Damages you can recover after a collision include:

• Medical bills
• The cost of future medical care
• Lost wages caused by your inability to work due to your injuries
• Loss of earning potential caused by a temporary or permanent disability
• Physical pain
• Disfigurement or deformity and any associated humiliation

I will work with you closely to understand how your injuries changed your life. As your lawyer, I will use all available evidence to show your losses and estimate future expenses. I want to help you receive the amount you need to rebuild your life. My track record of successful case results at Atkinson Law highlights my dedication to securing the best possible outcome.

Atkinson Law Can Help You Recover After a Car Accident

I built my own personal injury law firm to offer the kind of legal services I truly believe in, centered on compassion and understanding. No two car accident cases are alike, which is why I create tailored legal strategies based on the unique details of your situation.

With me handling your case, you can rest at ease, knowing your future is in the capable hands of a legal professional. Let me take care of the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact me, Ed Atkinson, today to go over your options.