woman dealing with post-accident symptoms

What to Expect Physically and Emotionally After a Car Accident

You might feel some physical and emotional symptoms immediately after a car accident, or it could take days for the signs of injury or trauma to appear. This blog will cover some of the physical and emotional symptoms you might experience after a collision, to help you understand what is happening to you.

A Little Rock car accident attorney could help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party who caused the accident in which you were injured. Here is a brief overview of what to expect physically and emotionally after a car accident.

Physical Symptoms That One Can Experience After a Collision

It can take days or even weeks for some symptoms to appear after a car accident. Sometimes, a person might have a vague symptom like fatigue without a focus on a specific body part that might have been hurt. Here are some of the common physical symptoms a person could develop after a crash: 

  • Ringing in the ears, also called tinnitus. You might have a concussion from the car accident. Head injuries should always receive medical evaluation and treatment. 
  • Fatigue, which is usually an indication that the body is working hard to repair itself. Fatigue is an indication that you might have a physical injury. 
  • You could develop a headache right after a collision or up to several days later. A headache could mean that you suffered a concussion, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, or some other physical injury.
  • Some people feel soreness all over a day or two after a car accident. This symptom can follow a fender bender collision or a crash that involves great force. See a doctor for soreness because it can be a sign that you have been injured.
  • Numbness, tingling, pain, or a burning sensation could be a sign that you have suffered nerve damage. You might not see a physical injury right away. Still, you should get a medical evaluation.

Of course, if you have signs of an obvious injury, like bleeding, bruising, a broken bone, abdominal pain, pain elsewhere in the body, swelling, or other symptoms, you should get immediate medical attention. 

Emotional and Mental Issues After a Car Accident

It can take even longer for emotional and mental issues to develop after a collision than it does for physical symptoms to appear. An individual might have symptoms like mental fog at first, then more mental or emotional disorder symptoms might appear and cascade into a mental health crisis. 

It is best not to ignore these symptoms. Prompt, professional treatment could help you deal with the situation you face. Here are a few reasons you should seek medical attention for your symptoms:

  • Brain fog could be the result of traumatic brain injury from the collision. You might have damaged brain tissue, a blood clot in the brain, or some other physical issue that could escalate into a medical emergency. It would be better to get a diagnosis and treatment before that happens.
  • Car accidents are a leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can turn your life upside down, making it difficult to stay gainfully employed or maintain close relationships.
  • Emotional distress after a car accident could cause sadness, sleep disorders, loss of interest in activities one usually enjoys, mood swings, anger, anxiety, and loss of appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms, you might want to get evaluated by a mental health professional before the situation disrupts your life.

A Little Rock personal injury attorney could handle your claim for compensation from the negligent party so that you can focus on your health and well-being. Reach out to our office today for help with your case.

Tim Reed lawyer

Tim Reed is an experienced personal injury attorney based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tim has experience in a variety of practice areas, including car accidents, premises liability, brain injuries, and wrongful death. If you have questions about this article, contact Tim today by clicking here.