How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?

Each motor vehicle accident can result in different injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic. How long you are going to be sore after a car accident is dependent on the severity of injuries sustained. Generally minor injuries can last six weeks or longer, and the pain can last longer or even be delayed. This is one of the main reasons why you need to seek immediate medical attention in the aftermath of a collision, even if you feel the injuries are minor.

In Pennsylvania, vehicle accidents are common. In 2018 alone, there were more than 120,000 car accidents in the state. Many of the survivors of those crashes sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident and are experiencing prolonged pain or soreness, you may have a claim for compensation.

Car Accident Injuries

Minor injuries can turn into something far more serious over time. Seek medical help right away. Ensure that all treatments, surgeries and medications are well documented by your physician. Follow the advice, treatment or therapy recommended by your physician. Not doing so can mean a longer recovery time. Moreover, if you do not get medical treatment or do not follow your doctor’s advice and your initial injuries flare up into something more serious, the insurance company may argue your injuries were not the direct cause of the car accident. The insurance company can also argue that your failure to follow doctor’s orders is reason to deny your claim.

One of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident is whiplash, which often results in long-term soreness. Also referred to as a neck sprain, this injury happens when the neck “whips” back and forth after impact during a collision at any speed. Generally, most whiplash victims recover within a month, but that depends on how severe the injury is.

Whiplash injuries can range from Grade 0 to Grade 4.

• Grade 0 is no physical signs or complaints
• Grade 1 is neck hurts but no physical signs
• Grade 2 neck complaints accompanied with musculoskeletal indicators
• Grade 3 presents as neck complaints and neurological indicators
• Grade 4 neck complaints with dislocation/fracture

Other common injuries in a car accident include torn ligaments, soft tissue injuries, disc injuries, sprained joints and tendons, hairline fractures and disc injuries. How long you may be sore after an accident is affected by your position in the vehicle, the presence of pre-existing injuries, the speed of the collision, the size of your vehicle, if the airbags deployed, the size of the other vehicle or vehicles involved, and, whether you were wearing a seatbelt.

Chronic Pain May Manifest After an Accident

In the aftermath of a car accident, in addition, to being sore initially, you may face dealing with chronic pain, depending on the nature of your injury, its severity, location and course of treatment.

If you are dealing with chronic pain from injuries received in a car accident, you may pursue compensation for the physical pain inflicted. Financial compensation may vary from case to case, depending on the circumstances. When a court is considering an award, they examine the following factors:

• Does the pain interfere with your daily life?
• Does the pain stop you from doing certain activities or make it impossible to enjoy them?
• How long have you been in pain?
• How long does the pain last? For short periods or continuously?
• How severe is the pain?
• What type of pain is it? Is it acute pain, chronic, neuropathic, nociceptive, or radicular?

Common costs associated with a car accident case

The most common cost associated with a car accident is dealing with the pain from your injuries. That means:

• Medical bills – These may include surgery, medications, massage therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments
• Lost wages – Severe or chronic pain can interfere with your ability to work, resulting in lost income
• Loss of enjoyment – Pain can affect all areas of your life, reducing the joy of living
• Loss of companionship – Being in pain may mean not being able to spend time with your family or that you cannot have an intimate relationship with your partner
• Pain and suffering – This is a subjective cost and is usually based on the type of pain you are experiencing and if it can ever be relieved

Contact the Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident that has left you in pain, no matter how long that pain has lasted, speak to an experienced car accident attorney at MyPhillyLawyer. The highly experienced car accident attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer can discuss your case and explain your legal rights. Speaking with one of our attorneys is the first step to obtaining fair and equitable compensation for any injuries sustained in your vehicle crash.

The attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer are here to help you win your lawsuit. They provide consistently high-quality legal representation and keep you informed, going the extra mile to get the compensation you need and deserve.