“What Should I Expect Physically After a Car Accident?”
The consequences of a serious car accident can be life-changing. Injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and even long-term treatment. What can victims expect physically after a car accident?
Every case is different, and those injured in a car accident can expect symptoms to begin immediately and/or days or even weeks after the crash. Certain delayed onset injuries may not become apparent for a long time after the accident.
In many cases, victims of car accidents may be “in shock” after a crash and may not realize the full extent of their injuries. Experiencing an accident often results in a surge of adrenaline, which can also mask pain and lead one to believe they are fine when in fact they’ve suffered injury.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Bone fractures
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (including concussions)
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, and contusions (bruising)
- Internal bleeding and organ injuries
In more serious accidents, injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. Among the most serious car accident injuries are traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and semi-paralysis, and loss of limbs (amputations).
IMPORTANT: If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t feel as though you’re injured, certain injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some injuries, such as certain traumatic brain injuries, cannot be detected without advanced imaging. Follow the recommendations of first responders and see a doctor after a car accident.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
In most car accident cases, victims typically suffer relatively minor injuries, and recovery is pretty quick. Victims often achieve complete recovery after several weeks or months. Treatment may include visits to a chiropractor, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist.
Common Treatments After a Car Accident
Common treatments after a car accident include:
- Pain relieving medication
- Ice packs and heating pads
- Chiropractic care
- Casts, braces, or pins and screws placed for broken bones
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Steroid injections
In other, more serious accidents, recovery may take months or even years, and the victim may never regain the health or mobility they enjoyed before the accident. In these cases, surgery is often required — sometimes more than one. In these cases, the victim may be able to file a claim for Social Security disability in addition to their car accident injury claim.
Every case is different, and it is extremely important that those injured in car accidents seek immediate medical attention.
Treatment for injuries can result in significant medical bills after a car accident, which underscores the importance of hiring an experienced car accident attorney to seek maximum compensation. A car accident settlement may cover many types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.
In the most serious auto accident cases, an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer can help obtain a comprehensive life care plan that can be used to calculate damages.
For a FREE consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in North Carolina, call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the form below.
There is never any obligation, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case — and you receive compensation.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
“You’ll walk in the front door as a client, but leave as family. They’re the absolute best.”
–Susan S., Riddle & Brantley client
Why Riddle & Brantley?
In the aftermath of an accident, the most important priority is ensuring your health and safety. Before you do anything else, call 911 and seek medical attention. After that, we encourage you to call our experienced North Carolina injury lawyers at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE and no-obligation consultation.
We will review your claim, advise you on your legal options, and if you decide to hire us, fight tirelessly on your behalf for the compensation you’re entitled to.
We don’t charge anything upfront, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today to speak with an award-winning attorney at Riddle & Brantley (see disclaimer below).
Since 1985, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of injured North Carolinians and visitors to our state, and we’re ready to help however we can (see disclaimer below).
Justice Counts.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.
*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the Litigator Award, and other memberships, awards, and accolades, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.