This article is part of our educational series on post-accident symptoms. If you’re feeling sore or run-down in the days after a crash, this guide explores five common types of pain that may point to a more serious injury – and why it’s important to take those signs seriously.
Understanding Common Pains After a Crash – and When to Take Action
After a car accident, you might not feel injured right away. But in the hours or days that follow, the soreness starts to settle in. Maybe it’s a stiff neck, an aching back, or a headache that won’t go away.
It’s easy to assume these symptoms are minor or will resolve on their own. But in many cases, delayed pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying injury.
At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we regularly work with clients who didn’t realize they were seriously hurt until days after the crash. If you’re starting to feel off – even after what seemed like a minor accident – paying attention to your symptoms and getting the right care early can make all the difference.
1. Neck Pain or Stiffness
Neck pain is one of the most common symptoms people experience after a car crash. It may start as a mild ache or tightness and gradually worsen over time.
Injuries linked to neck pain may include:
- Whiplash
- Cervical strain or sprain
- Herniated discs in the upper spine
You might notice discomfort when turning your head, tension at the base of your skull, or pain that travels into your shoulders. These injuries can happen even in low-speed rear end collisions and are often overlooked at first.
2. Lower or Upper Back Pain
Back pain – especially in the lower or middle spine – can show up hours or even days after a crash. What feels like muscle soreness may actually be something more serious, such as:
- Soft tissue damage
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Nerve compression or spinal misalignment
Left untreated, these injuries can worsen and lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or radiating pain into the arms or legs.
3. Headaches or Migraines
A headache might not seem like a big deal after a stressful event like a crash – but in the context of an accident, it can be an important warning sign.
Common causes of post-accident headaches include:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash-associated disorders
- Cervical strain
- Increased pressure or inflammation
If you’re experiencing headaches that don’t go away, or you notice other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, or trouble concentrating, it’s important to get checked for a possible brain injury.
4. Tingling, Numbness, or Weakness
If you feel tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet, this could mean that a nerve has been pinched or damaged. These symptoms may stem from:
- A herniated disc pressing on nearby nerves
- Whiplash or spinal trauma
- Direct nerve injury from the impact
These signs can be subtle at first but may become more intense over time. They can also affect your ability to move, grip, or walk properly. Early evaluation is key to preventing long-term damage.
5. General Soreness or Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away
Feeling sore after a crash is common – but when that soreness lingers, spreads, or interferes with your daily routine, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Ongoing soreness or fatigue can be caused by:
- Undiagnosed soft tissue injuries
- Inflammation in muscles or joints
- Post-concussive symptoms
- Cumulative physical strain from the accident
If you're still feeling worn down days after your accident, it’s worth having a medical professional evaluate your condition – especially if rest isn’t helping.
Even if your symptoms feel manageable now, it’s important to understand how timing can affect both your health and your ability to get the care you need. Timely care also helps protect your ability to hold the right party accountable, should your symptoms lead to more extensive treatment later on.
You Might Feel Fine at First – But Don’t Wait to Get Checked
You might be wondering whether it’s worth seeing a doctor for symptoms like these – especially if they seem minor or didn’t show up right away. But waiting can do more than affect your health. It can also make it harder to access the insurance benefits you may be entitled to after the accident.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore These Symptoms
Many accident victims don’t feel serious pain at the scene. It’s only later – after the adrenaline wears off – that symptoms start to appear. By then, you may think it’s too late to get help.
But under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, you typically have 14 days from the date of the crash to seek initial medical treatment if you want PIP to cover your care.
Florida’s PIP insurance generally provides up to $10,000 in medical coverage and partial wage replacement, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. That includes doctor visits, diagnostic testing, and necessary follow-up care – so long as you seek initial treatment within 14 days of the crash.
Waiting too long can make it harder to get coverage – or prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
Getting checked out early helps:
- Document your injuries properly.
- Get you the treatment you need before conditions worsen.
- Ensure that PIP insurance benefits are available to cover your medical costs.
What If You Didn’t Go to the Doctor Right Away?
You’re not alone. Many people don’t seek treatment immediately – either because they feel fine at first or assume their symptoms will pass.
The good news: it’s not too late to take action.
Delayed pain doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It simply means your body is reacting to the trauma in its own time – which is more common than you might think. What’s most important now is getting checked out and understanding your options moving forward.
At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we help clients every day who waited a few days before realizing something was wrong. We can:
- Help you connect with trusted medical providers.
- Explain how your PIP benefits work.
- Review your situation and guide you through your options.
You don’t need to have it all figured out – we’ll walk you through the next steps at your pace.
Serving Tallahassee and Beyond: Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A. Is Here to Help
From our office in Tallahassee, we support individuals and families throughout Leon County and surrounding Florida communities, including Crawfordville, Quincy, Monticello, Havana, and beyond.
If you’re feeling sore, foggy, or just not like yourself after a crash – even days later – we’re here to help you:
- Understand what your symptoms might mean.
- Get connected with medical care and specialists.
- Ensure your PIP insurance covers what it should.
- Properly document your injuries through medical records and timelines that support any potential claim.
You don’t have to wait until symptoms worsen or insurance companies start calling – we’re here to help you take the next step today. Call our Tallahassee car accident attorneys today at 850-605-3555 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
No pressure – just honest answers and the support you deserve. Because there’s too much at stake to ignore the pain.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you’ve been involved in an accident, consult with a licensed attorney and qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.