How Long After an Accident Can You Feel Pain?

No one is prepared for a car accident, especially the pain and financial costs. After the accident, you might wonder how long you’ll feel pain—and when it’s time to get further help.

Some accident injuries don’t show up right away. The pain might manifest later as you calm down and your body’s hormones even out. Pain can also last a long time if your injuries are severe.

Here’s what to expect regarding how long you’ll feel pain after an accident. It’s important to consider everything below so that you can get the help you need.

The Length of Pain After a Car Accident

Many accident victims wonder how long it’s normal to feel pain afterward. Unfortunately, there is not an easy answer for every person. How long you feel pain will depend on factors like:

• The location and severity of your injuries
• Your overall physical health
• Your age
• The type of car accident
• Safety devices in your car

Many car accident injuries heal within weeks or months. However, more severe injuries can take years to recover fully. Some injuries cause long-term issues or permanent disability.

Delayed pain and symptoms are also common after a car accident.

Delayed Pain After an Accident

Some injuries won’t fully manifest until hours or days after an accident. This is common with injuries like:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Head injuries
• Sprains and strains

You might not feel pain right after a car accident. Some people won’t notice their injuries until long after they’ve left the scene. For this reason, it’s best to have a doctor examine you as soon as possible.

Getting Medical Treatment After an Accident

Some pain goes away within days of an accident. However, other injuries can take time to show up and heal fully. You won’t know for sure until you see a doctor for your injuries.

If you have severe or life-threatening injuries after the accident, it’s best to call for an ambulance. Some injuries can worsen quickly and need attention at the scene. Paramedics can check your injuries and treat you immediately.

If you don’t get treatment at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Tell your doctor about any pain or discomfort you have. If your pain gets worse or doesn’t go away, let your doctor know right away.

Documenting Your Accident Injuries

If someone else caused your accident, you have legal rights. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6 allows for financial recovery if someone’s negligence led to your accident. Negligence is a lack of care, such as speeding, drunk driving, or other careless driving.

If another driver was at fault for your accident, you can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. The driver’s insurance company is typically responsible for accident costs.

It’s best to document your injuries and costs as much as possible. You’ll need this proof to include in your accident claim. Steps you can take include:

• Taking pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage
• Photographing the entire accident scene
• Seeing a doctor as soon as possible (as mentioned above)
• Saving all medical bills, doctor notes, and medication receipts

It’s also best to talk to a car accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer can help with all of the above. They can also determine if you have a case and what you deserve.

At John Foy & Associates, we know how to help after a car accident someone else caused. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to build strong cases. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Common Types of Pain After an Accident

Every car accident is different. However, here are some common types of pain after a crash:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Numbness or pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Nerve pain

Not all pain is from physical injuries. Emotional and mental stress can lead to different types of pain. An accident could leave you with emotional damages like:

• Anxiety or depression
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Embarrassment from disfigurement
• Mental anguish

Don’t ignore any pain after an accident. Even if the pain shows up weeks or months later, it could be related to the crash. Contact your doctor to schedule a follow-up, and tell them about what changes you notice.

If you wait too long to see a doctor, it will also hurt your legal case. The other driver’s insurance company might claim that you’re not hurt as badly as you say. They could use it to offer a much lower settlement than you deserve.

Car accident pain can vary a lot per case. You might feel pain immediately, or it might be days before you realize all of your injuries. No matter your situation, always see a doctor and contact a lawyer to understand your case.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today

Even minor accidents can lead to painful or life-changing injuries. If someone else was at fault, you should not have to bear the costs. An injury might leave you with costly medical bills, lost income, and much more.

At John Foy & Associates, we can help fight for the recovery you deserve. Our attorneys have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. As one of Georgia’s largest law firms, we know what it takes to win cases.

Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.