Should I See a Doctor if I’m Sore after a Car Crash?

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Should I See a Doctor if I’m Sore after a Car Crash?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Sometimes car crashes cause immediate and obvious injuries sending injured individuals to the emergency department in an ambulance. Other times, the injuries suffered by those involved may not be readily apparent. You might leave the scene of the accident feeling shaken up, with no identifiable injuries or real pain, but have an injury that will reveal itself later. 

A compassionate car accident lawyer can help you if you were recently in a car crash and suffered injuries. Even if you simply feel sore or have minor injuries, it is always a good idea to schedule a consultation with an attorney and see a doctor. 

Is Soreness Normal After a Car Crash?

A car crash has the potential to expose your body, particularly your muscles and soft tissues, to a lot of force. This force, as well as your body’s natural reaction to the stress that the accident induces, can leave your body feeling especially sore for several days after the accident or even as long as six weeks. The level of soreness you feel may be more or less than other people who have been in accidents since every accident is different. Your soreness can be influenced by:

• The speed at which the accident occurred
• The size and types of vehicles involved in the crash
• Whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt
• Where your car was hit
• Whether or not your airbags deployed
• The types of injuries you received
• Your body’s own resilience 

When Soreness is a Sign of an Injury

For some individuals, what seems like soreness is really the sign of an injury. If you are feeling sore but do not have any specific indications of injury, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only for your health and well-being but for the sake of your legal claim. Your injuries must be medically documented and diagnosed for insurance purposes. Some insurance companies require that you see a doctor within the first 72 hours after the accident. If you do not, your compensation may not be as much. Hiring a car accident attorney after your crash can help maximize the success of your injury claim.

Receive Help with Your Claim from an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Not only should you see a doctor if you are sore after a car crash, but you should also see a car accident attorney. Just as you can underestimate your injuries, you may underestimate the cost of your accident and the amount of compensation you could be eligible to receive. By speaking with an attorney, you can find out if you have a valid legal claim, how much it might be worth, and what steps you need to take if you want to pursue it. Keep in mind that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file your claim, so meeting with a lawyer sooner rather than later is in your best interest.

For your free no-obligation consultation, reach out to Malman Law. We can be reached at (312) 629-0099 or use our online contact form.