Extreme Fatigue After a Crash – Is it Something to Worry About?

The shock of being in a motor vehicle accident is enough to make anyone feel mentally and physically exhausted. After an accident, it is fairly normal to sleep a lot. However, if extreme fatigue continues more than a few days after a car crash it could indicate a serious injury.

Below, we talk about what extreme fatigue is and the injuries it might signal after a car crash.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, we have been representing injury victims for decades. If another driver’s negligence caused your collision,  you may be eligible to seek compensation for damages. Having an experienced New Jersey auto accident lawyer on your side helps to protect your interests, and it could also greatly benefit your claim.

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Why You Might Feel Tired After a New Jersey Car Crash

Being tired after a car crash is pretty normal. In fact, you may find that you sleep a lot more in the first few days afterward. The reason for this is that being involved in a collision causes significant physical and emotional trauma.

Car crashes can leave physical injuries that are immediately apparent, such as broken bones, bruises and lacerations. However, even if you do not see any visual evidence of an injury, you should seek immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital.

The impact of a collision can cause severe injuries you cannot see, such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries and organ damage. Additionally, you could also suffer post-traumatic stress disorder or other emotional trauma that might not manifest for hours, days or even weeks later. Fatigue is a very common symptom of these often-overlooked injuries.

What Is Extreme Fatigue After a Car Crash?

Extreme fatigue is not just regular tiredness. It is an overwhelming, draining and persistent feeling of exhaustion that can significantly impact your daily life and ability to function. So what causes fatigue after a crash?

Adrenaline Rush and Shock

A car crash causes your body to flood with adrenaline. This natural response is responsible for the initial surge of energy that allows you to react quickly. However, once the immediate danger has passed, the aftermath can leave you feeling depleted and drained. You may also feel increased stress and anxiety due to the trauma of this type of event. The combination of this mental and emotional turmoil is enough to make anyone feel fatigued.

Muscle Soreness and Pain

Even if you do not sustain a serious injury in the accident, you may feel muscle aches and pains. Much like the achiness caused by the flu, this physical discomfort makes it harder to get the restful sleep your body needs.

When Could Extreme Fatigue Be a Cause for Concern?

Extreme fatigue after a car crash is something to pay close attention to as it could be an indication of a more serious concern. Left untreated, it could have a long-term effect on your physical and mental health.

Fatigue Could Indicate a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Head injuries are very common in car crashes, even for relatively minor fender benders. It is absolutely vital that you get examined right after a crash and discuss your symptoms with your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you hit your head on anything or if an object hit your head. If the impact was violent, as it can be in even minor crashes, that is also something you should tell your doctor.

It is very likely your doctor will order diagnostic tests to rule out potentially life-threatening injuries, like a TBI, brain bleed or concussion.

You may not initially have any other symptoms of a TBI other than feeling fatigued. However, additional symptoms to look for and describe to your doctor include:

• Blurry vision
• Sudden onset of a headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Feeling light-headed
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Agitation
• Having a bad taste in your mouth
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Being clumsy or uncoordinated
• Fatigue; sleeping more than usual

It is really important that you tell the ER physician about all your symptoms, even minor ones. While some symptoms may seem unimportant, they may provide the doctor with more insight and help him or her to diagnose you more quickly. With head injuries, time is critical. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are for an optimum recovery.

Fatigue May Accompany Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Car crashes are traumatic and some victims may develop PTSD as a result. This condition can lead to nightmares, flashbacks and chronic emotional exhaustion.

Anxiety and Depression

Whether or not you sustained any physical injuries, the mental toll of a car crash can trigger anxiety or depression. If you have preexisting anxiety or depression, a car crash can exacerbate it. These emotional and mental conditions can significantly impact your daily life and make it difficult to function.

What To Do If You Experience Extreme Fatigue After a Crash

If you’re dealing with extreme fatigue following a car crash in New Jersey, it is vital that you take it seriously.

Here are some steps to consider:

Seek Medical Attention

Visit a healthcare professional for a full examination. For instance, you may need an MRI or CT scan to rule out a TBI. You should also undergo an emotional and mental health examination. This is a critical step in identifying any underlying injuries or conditions that could be causing or contributing to your fatigue.

If you have an internal injury time is often critical. With some injuries, delaying getting treatment can cause irreversible damage or worse. This is why we recommend seeking immediate medical attention after a crash to rule out any serious injuries.

Rest and Self-Care

Give your body the rest it needs. Listen to your doctor’s recommendations, get quality sleep, eat a balanced diet, and engage in gentle physical activity when advised.

Seek Psychological Support

Sometimes it is harder to pinpoint PTSD and other mental health conditions after a crash. Often, crash victims may try to tough it out, but that is not a good idea. The sooner you get a diagnosis and understand what is causing your fatigue and other symptoms, the sooner you can begin treatment and begin to move forward.

If your doctor determines you are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, emotional distress or other mental health issues caused by the crash, consider seeking therapy or counseling. Talking to a mental health professional can help you process the trauma and develop coping strategies.

Need Legal Help After a Collision? Call Our Trusted Law Firm Today

Extreme fatigue after a car crash is not something to brush aside or ignore. It may be a sign that your body and mind are struggling with emotional trauma or a serious physical injury that requires medical attention.

Did you suffer injuries in a crash caused by another’s negligence? We are here to help.

Contact our law offices to learn more about the legal options that may be available to you. There are no upfront costs to hire our services. We only get paid if you do.

Have legal questions? We have answers. Call (800) 518-0508 today.