Is it normal to be really tired after a car accident? Yes, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms after a car crash, including excessive tiredness, get medical attention as soon as possible. What seems minor now could turn into something far more serious, and waiting too long to get checked out could put your health and any legal claim at risk.
While it’s not unusual to feel really tired after a car accident, pinpointing the exact cause isn’t always simple. It might take weeks—or even months—of testing and treatment to determine whether fatigue stems from trauma, nerve damage, or a brain injury. In some cases, it may go hand-in-hand with other physical trauma—like broken bones, concussions, or muscle tears—that also need timely treatment.
If you’re worried about the costs of seeking treatment, don’t let that stop you from getting help. You may be eligible for compensation. At Patrick Daniel Law, our Houston car accident attorney can evaluate your claim, develop a strategy, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
To get started with a FREE case evaluation, call us today at (713) 999-6666. We represent car accident victims in Houston and throughout Texas.
Is It Normal To Be Tired After a Car Accident?
Feeling really tired after a car accident is common. Your body can experience significant stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to fatigue during recovery.
This is especially true when dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a concussion. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), one of the immediate symptoms that often follows TBIs is fatigue, along with:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- And more
Again, if you are experiencing these types of symptoms and have not sought medical attention, you should do so immediately.
It’s also important to be aware of the psychological effects a car accident can have on your body. Extreme emotional stress can trigger the release of hormones, including adrenaline. Once these hormones wear off, it’s normal to experience some degree of fatigue.
If you notice any additional neurological symptoms—like blurred vision, confusion, irritability, sensitivity to light, or memory problems—it could indicate a more serious issue. Let your physician know, and keep track of these issues (when they start, how long they last, etc.). Documenting symptoms helps healthcare providers give you the best care and can be invaluable in a legal claim.
How Long Does Fatigue Last After a Car Accident?
While fatigue and other symptoms of a TBI often appear immediately after an accident, they can also take some time to manifest.
This is the case with post-concussive syndrome (PCS), which usually begins 7 to 10 days after an injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. PCS can look different in each person. Beyond fatigue, symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Anxiety & depression
- Irritability & mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Memory & concentration issues
- Ringing in ears
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light & sound
- Nausea
- Neck pain
While the symptoms associated with minor TBIs may dissipate within days or weeks, they could last months, in which case you may be diagnosed with PCS. How long fatigue lasts after an accident depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, your age and health, and the amount of stress you have experienced.
What Symptoms Are Normal After a Car Accident?
Beyond the neurological symptoms we have touched on, there are also many physical symptoms that can appear after a car accident, including:
- Neck pain
- Muscle soreness
- Bruising
- Abdominal pain
- Tingling or numbness
In some cases, these symptoms go hand-in-hand with neurological symptoms, especially when it comes to TBIs such as whiplash. In other cases, they can be separate, unrelated injuries, which need to be addressed and treated by healthcare professionals.
How Do I Know If I’m Okay After a Car Accident?
Lingering physical and neurological symptoms can make it easy to wonder if you are, in fact, okay after a car accident. While some of these symptoms can be normal and do not necessarily signal a deeper issue, they should not be discounted. Even if you initially feel like you avoided any serious injury, medical testing—such as MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans—could reveal a deeper problem.
The best way to make sure you are okay after an accident is to:
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Follow your treatment plan and track your symptoms.
- Keep up with follow-up care, even if you start to feel better.
You should not go without medical attention. Serious injuries don’t always show up right away—don’t let an insurance company use a delayed diagnosis to downplay your claim. In addition to getting the medical care you need, we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have a viable claim for compensation.
What Should I Do If I’m Feeling Really Tired After a Car Accident?
Beyond following the three-step process above, there are also some things you can do at home if you are experiencing ongoing fatigue after a car accident, including:
- Listen to your body: Fatigue is your body’s way of telling you it needs extra rest. Generally speaking, following your body’s queues and giving yourself more time to rest and relax is helpful when recovering from an accident.
- Limit stress: While your body and mind recover from the accident, avoid situations that could cause added stress. If you are unsure how to deal with the anxiety and stress you are experiencing, consider practicing relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, or consult a mental health professional.
- Avoid driving: If you are feeling really tired after a car accident, do not get back behind the wheel or operate any heavy machinery.
Waiting for your body and mind to fully recover can be frustrating, but rushing the healing process can make matters worse.
Read More: What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Houston?
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Car Accident Injury Claim?
Determining whether you have a valid injury claim comes down to three key factors: liability, damages, and legal deadlines. If another party was responsible for your accident and you suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
Texas follows modified comparative fault. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
You also need proof of damages—medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A documented diagnosis, medical records, and accident reports are critical.
The statute of limitations to file a claim in Texas is 2 years from the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to recover compensation.
What is the best way to determine if you have a strong claim? Consult a car accident attorney.
Read More: What Does a Car Accident Settlement Cover?
When Should I Consult a Car Accident Lawyer?
If another party’s negligence caused your accident and you’ve incurred damages like medical bills or lost wages, contact a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner an attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses, the stronger your claim will likely be.
You should also be careful in any communications you have with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are very good at finding ways to limit your claim, so it’s best to have these conversations with an experienced attorney leading the way.
The main goal of the insurance company is to protect their bottom line. The moment you file a claim, they’re working to pay you as little as possible. At Patrick Daniel Law, we don’t let that happen.
Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today for a FREE Case Review
Feeling really tired after a car accident can be extremely frustrating, stressful, and worrisome, making it difficult to live your life as you once did. At Patrick Daniel Law, we understand these challenges and are here to help.
Our team takes a Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. approach to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve for your damages. If you have been in a car accident and are trying to find the best path back to normal, contact our Houston car accident lawyer today for a FREE case evaluation.
