Why Do I Have a Fever After a Car Accident?
Fevers can signal hidden injuries or infections. Don’t ignore the signs.
A car accident in South Carolina can disrupt your life in an instant. It can leave you struggling with pain, confusion, and the weight of uncertainty. When the dust settles and you think the worst is behind you, a fever might quietly creep in.
Fevers after a car accident are not merely inconvenient. They could be a warning sign of a serious injury or life-threatening infection. Understanding the reasons behind a post-crash fever can help you take the right steps to protect your health and seek the compensation you deserve.
An experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer at Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law can help you pursue a claim and get fully compensated for your injuries and other damages, whether through a negotiated settlement or taking legal action and filing a lawsuit.
What causes a fever after a car accident?
Your body reacts to trauma in a variety of ways, and one of the most common responses is the development of a fever. When you’re involved in a car accident, your body endures a significant amount of stress. This stress can lead to inflammation as your body tries to heal itself.
Inflammation is a natural process, but it often comes with a rise in body temperature. This typically happens when your body works overtime to repair damaged tissues. While a mild fever might not be alarming, a persistent or high fever could indicate something more serious.
For example, open wounds from a crash can become infected, even if they initially seem minor. This can especially happen if a wound isn’t cleaned or treated immediately.
Internal injuries, such as those affecting your organs, can also lead to infections that manifest as a fever. Additionally, a fever can occur when the body tries to heal itself from damage to the spleen, liver, or lungs.
Infections after a car accident can be tricky. You might not notice the signs right away, but if left untreated, they can lead to severe medical complications.
Should I be concerned about a fever after a car accident?
Not every fever is a sign of a serious problem, but it’s important to recognize when a fever might be more than just a temporary response to stress or minor injuries. Warning signs that your car accident fever could be something more serious include:
- Severe or worsening pain in your abdomen or chest.
- Unexplained bruising or swelling.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
- Dizziness or fainting.
When in doubt, always seek immediate medical attention. Leave your medical diagnosis to doctors. They know what to do, what medical tests to run, and how to determine what’s causing your fever after a car accident.
Why is early diagnosis and treatment important?
The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your chances for a full recovery. Early treatment can prevent complications that might arise from untreated infections or internal injuries.
You’re also protecting your legal rights by catching these health issues early. Medical records documenting your injuries and symptoms are important when pursuing a personal injury claim. They can create a clear link between your injuries and the collision you were involved in.
Doctors can use blood work, imaging tests, and physical exams to determine the cause of your fever. They’ll provide the necessary treatment to address the underlying issue, whether it’s medication for an infection or surgery for internal injuries.
How does a fever after a car accident impact my claim?
A fever can potentially increase the value of your car accident insurance claim, especially if your fever is linked to more severe injuries or complications. When your injuries are more serious, you may be entitled to higher compensation to cover all the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, insurance companies often dispute injuries. They may claim that your injury is unrelated to your car accident. They might also point to any pre-existing medical conditions you have to deny your injury claim.
Anytime you pursue a car accident claim, it’s always best to do everything possible to protect your rights. This means not giving a recorded statement to an insurance company without an attorney present.
Plus, you should decline any agreements that give insurance companies access to your medical records. If they find any pre-existing medical conditions, they can use that information against you.
An experienced car accident lawyer can act as a barrier between you and the other driver’s insurance company. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, tell them you hired an attorney. Your lawyer can deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf and make sure your rights are respected.
What documents should I keep when seeking damages for my injuries?
Documentation is key in any car accident case. From the moment you notice a fever, start keeping a detailed record of your symptoms. Note when the fever began, how high it is, and any other symptoms you experience.
Also, keep track of all medical visits, including what tests were performed, the results, and the treatments prescribed. These records serve as evidence that your injuries were serious enough to cause additional health issues after your car accident.
Such records also help establish a clear timeline that shows the progression of your injuries, which can help prove that your car accident directly caused your fever and any related complications.
Other documentation you should keep includes:
- Your official diagnosis.
- Medical bills.
- Paystubs and tax documents.
- A note from your employer.
- Vehicle repair estimates and bills.
- A pain and suffering journal.
- Receipts for medications.
I suffered a fever after a South Carolina car accident. How much money can I expect from my claim?
The severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life can influence the amount of money you’re entitled to receive for your car accident. You should never accept a lowball settlement (or the first settlement) that insurance companies offer. If you accept a settlement offer, it’s often impossible to ask for any additional compensation if new expenses arise. Why? Because your case is settled.
Make sure you get the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your car accident injury. Let an attorney at Johnson + Johnson add up all of your current and future expenses. That way, we can accurately estimate the total financial impact of your car accident claim. We know how to deal with insurance companies, whether it’s negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
Our South Carolina car accident lawyers seek maximum compensation
If you’re dealing with an injury after a South Carolina car accident, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Johnson + Johnson is here to help you every step of the way.
We tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each client. Our goal is to make sure that nothing is overlooked. We’ll work hard to find every detail that could affect the outcome of your case, from your initial accident to any subsequent medical issues.
We’ve successfully represented numerous clients in South Carolina, including obtaining a $200,000 settlement for a car accident victim who was involved in a crash with an uninsured driver.
During your free consultation with Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law, you can ask us any legal questions you have about your potential case. That way, you can make important legal decisions based on the facts. And that’s just the start. If you decide to hire us, you can be sure we will work tirelessly for you and make sure your car accident injury gets the attention it deserves.
Our law firm also operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs for our services. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you demand justice. You can also call or visit our law office in Lexington, SC.
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