Is It Normal to Feel Fatigued After a Charleston Car Accident?

Car accidents can impact your body in ways that are not immediately apparent. While visible injuries command immediate attention, some crash victims may not report or dismiss fatigue after a crash.

Fatigue after a car crash could mean that you have a difficult time with getting tasks done at work. Also, your fatigued may mean that you do not have the social life that you once did before the accident. Our Charleston car accident lawyers discuss why you may feel tired after a crash and what you need to know to pursue the compensation you need for recovery.

At Roden Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll that an accident can take on you. If you are struggling with post-crash fatigue or other injury-related symptoms, our experienced Charleston car accident attorneys are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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Why Am I So Tired After My Charleston Car Crash?

Man tired at his desk.

After a car crash, your body undergoes physical and emotional stress, which can lead to extreme fatigue. Injuries, even those that seem minor, can drain your energy as your body works to heal. Adrenaline and shock from the accident can mask pain initially, but once those effects wear off, exhaustion can set in. Additionally, anxiety, sleep disturbances and the stress from dealing with accident-related matters can contribute to feeling overly tired.

Fatigue can also be linked to internal injuries that might not be immediately apparent, such as whiplash, concussions or soft tissue damage. These injuries can disrupt your normal sleep patterns and cause lingering pain, both of which are major contributors to post-accident exhaustion.

When Should I See a Doctor About Car Crash Fatigue?

You should see a doctor if your fatigue after a car crash lasts longer than a few days or if it is affecting your ability to function normally. Here are some signs that indicate it is time to seek medical attention:

  • Fatigue lasts more than a few days
  • You have trouble working or completing daily tasks
  • You experience headaches, dizziness or memory problems
  • Sleep disturbances or trouble resting
  • Fatigue worsens or does not improve over time
  • You notice new or increasing pain alongside fatigue

What Injuries Could Make Me Feel Unusually Tired?

Identifying these hidden injuries can help explain your exhaustion and guide you toward the right treatment.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can cause pain and stiffness, leading to exhaustion as your body works to heal. Some other symptoms of whiplash and soft tissue injuries may include limited motion in the neck area and headaches.

Concussions or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Even a mild concussion can disrupt sleep patterns and cause fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. After a concussion or any head injury, the brain requires more energy to heal. This demand for energy can result in physical and mental exhaustion. Additionally, a concussion, could cause sleep disturbance such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or blood vessels, may not show symptoms right away but can lead to fatigue as your body responds to the trauma. For instance, blood loss from internal bleeding reduces oxygen circulation, leading to fatigue.

Spinal Injuries

Damage to the spine, including misalignments or nerve compression, can cause chronic pain and fatigue. Spinal injuries that affect nerve pathways can disrupt normal muscle functions and sensory signals, making daily activities more strenuous. The constant strain of compensating for spinal injuries can deplete a car crash victim’s energy, leading to poor sleep quality and persistent exhaustion.

How Long Could Fatigue Last After a Car Accident?

How long post-accident fatigue lasts varies from person to person, depending on the severity of your injuries and how your body is healing. For some people, fatigue may only last a few days or weeks as the body recovers from injuries and the traumatic experience of being in a car accident. However, if you sustained severe internal injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, you may also continue to feel tired.

If you continue to feel fatigued for more than a couple of days, you should seek additional medical attention to rule out more serious injuries and/or get the treatment you need.

How Does Post-Accident Fatigue Affect Your Injury Claim?

Post-accident fatigue can have a significant impact on your injury claim in many ways. To begin with, if it is a sign of other injuries, you will likely need additional treatment, which is costly. Fatigue can also affect your ability to get through a work day or even do simple household tasks. Getting the treatment you need as soon as possible can make a difference not only in your ability to fully recover, but also in ensuring those damages are included in the overall value of your claim so you can be compensated fairly.

Impact on Work and Earning Capacity

Fatigue can make it difficult to return to work or perform job duties, which can affect your earning capacity and overall financial stability. You may not be able to complete certain tasks within a timely manner like you once did before the accident. This could mean that you may have to switch to a job in another industry, especially if you have permanent injuries.

Difficulty in Documenting Symptoms

Fatigue can also make it harder to track and document your symptoms, which is crucial for proving the extent of your injuries. For example, fatigue could mask injuries like sprains, fractures and concussions, causing victims to not detect symptoms for these injuries right away.

Medical Evidence

Consistent medical records showing how fatigue has impacted your life helps to strengthen your claim. However, if you have not sought treatment or have missed follow-up appointments, you may not have the evidence needed to prove that fatigue is linked to a car crash or that it exists. As a result, you may not get the full compensation that you need to recover from these injuries.

Reach Out to Roden Law to Learn About Your Legal Rights

If you are struggling with fatigue after a car accident and need legal guidance, we are here to help. Our legal team understands the challenges that come with recovering from an accident, both physically and emotionally.

At Roden Law, we can answer your questions and help you understand your legal options. If you have a case, we can help you secure the compensation you deserve. There are no upfront fees or costs to pay.

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