What Does a Fever Mean After a Car Accident?

A Colorado Springs lawyer explains what you need to know

If you have a fever after a car accident, you might not think it’s that big a deal. But a post-accident fever can be a symptom of serious or potentially life-threatening medical condition. That’s why it’s important that you take your fever seriously after your car crash.

While some injuries are immediately apparent, others sometimes take hours or days to develop. And many times, the first warning sign that something’s wrong is an elevated body temperature.

Understanding the potential causes of post-accident fever, recognizing other symptoms and knowing what steps to take can significantly impact your health and any subsequent legal claims. Colorado Springs car accident attorney Stephen A. Longo of The Longo Firm explains.

Why do I have a fever after a car accident?

A fever is the body’s natural response to various conditions, often signaling that something is wrong internally. A fever can range in severity and is often classified into three categories based on someone’s internal body temperature:

Low-grade fever (99.1 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
Moderate-grade fever (100.6 to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit)
High-grade fever (102.4 to 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit)

Following a car accident, several factors can result in an elevated body temperature:

Infection – Open wounds or internal injuries sustained during the accident can become infected, prompting the body’s immune system to raise its temperature to fight invading pathogens. Signs of infection can include redness, swelling, pus or increased pain at the injury site.
Inflammation – Trauma from the accident can cause tissues to become inflamed as part of the healing process. While mild inflammation is typical, excessive or prolonged inflammation can result in fever and may indicate other medical complications.
Internal Injuries – Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding might not be immediately evident. A fever can be a symptom of such injuries, which often require emergency medical attention.

Common symptoms accompanying post-accident fever

In addition to an elevated temperature, other warning signs of a serious medical condition that often accompany a fever after a car accident include:

Abdominal pain – Persistent or severe abdominal discomfort could suggest internal injuries, especially internal bleeding.
Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing might indicate chest injuries, lung issues or blood clots.
Dizziness or lightheadedness – These sensations can result from blood loss, dehydration or head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Nausea or vomiting – Gastrointestinal distress may be linked to internal trauma or an infection.
Confusion or disorientation – Cognitive changes (difficulty remembering, slurred speech, etc.) coupled with a fever can be a warning sign of significant blood loss, internal bleeding or a TBI.

What steps to take if you develop a fever after a car accident

Seek immediate medical attention – Even if your fever seems minor, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out serious underlying medical conditions. Delayed treatment can make injuries worse, complicate your recovery and could even potentially be life-threatening.
Document all symptoms – Keep a detailed record of your fever and any other symptoms. Write down as many details as possible about your fever and other medical conditions. When did these symptoms start? How long did they last? How intense were they? This information can be valuable for medical providers and can help support any legal claims related to your accident.
Follow medical advice – Adhere to prescribed treatments and make sure you attend all follow-up doctor’s appointments. This is important for two main reasons. One, following your doctor’s advice will hopefully improve your ability to recover. Two, by doing so, you will strengthen any legal cases you might pursue since you will have medical documentation of your car accident injury.

Medical treatments for fever and other associated medical conditions

If you develop a fever after a car accident, seeking prompt medical treatment is critical to prevent complications and promote a smooth recovery. Once medical professionals have diagnosed what’s causing your fever, they can recommend appropriate medical treatments, including:

Treating infections – If your fever is caused by an infection due to open wounds or internal injuries, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required to administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics and monitor your condition more closely.
Managing internal injuries – When a fever results from internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, treatment may involve surgery to repair damaged tissues and control bleeding. Post-surgical care often includes pain management and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
Reducing inflammation – If inflammation is the root cause of your fever, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Physical therapy may also help reduce stiffness and improve mobility in the affected area.
Pain management – Regardless of the underlying cause, fever after a car accident is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help lower fever and reduce pain, but stronger prescription medications may be needed for more severe injuries.
Hydration and rest – Dehydration can exacerbate fever and prolong your recovery. Your healthcare provider may recommend increasing fluid intake or administering IV fluids in severe cases to help stabilize your body temperature and promote healing.
Surgical interventions – If complications such as abscesses or organ damage occur, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or repair damaged areas. Prompt surgical intervention can prevent further complications and reduce the risk of life-threatening medical conditions.
Follow-up care – After your initial treatment, follow-up visits with your healthcare provider may be necessary to monitor your recovery and address any lingering symptoms. Regular check-ups can help detect complications early and ensure you are on the right track to healing.

Ignoring post-accident fever can lead to serious health consequences, including life-threatening infections and significantly longer recovery periods. Seeking immediate medical attention and following prescribed treatment plans are crucial to safeguarding your well-being and strengthening any potential legal claims related to your accident.

Legal considerations for post-accident fever in Colorado

In Colorado, if another party’s negligence caused your car accident injuries, you should be entitled to compensation for your financial losses, which are known as damages in legal terms. Damages can include a wide range of car accident-related expenses, including:

The cost of all medical care, including emergency medical treatments, surgical procedures, follow-up doctor’s appointments and future medical care.
Vehicle repairs or the cost of purchasing a new car if your vehicle is a total loss as a result of your accident.
Replacement income, especially if you have to miss work due to your fever and other medical conditions.
Lost future income, especially if you cannot return to work in the future due to a permanent disability caused by your car accident.
Pain and suffering and other non-economic losses, another legal term that refers to losses that don’t have a specific financial impact.

Insurance companies often try to downplay delayed symptoms like fever, arguing they are unrelated to your accident. This is why comprehensive medical records linking your fever to your accident are essential.

But even with clear medical documentation of your car accident injury, that might not be enough to get the money you rightfully deserve for your accident-related expenses. Often, you need a lawyer who will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

How a Colorado car accident attorney can help you

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with unexpected health issues like a post-accident fever. The Longo Firm in Colorado Springs represents car accident injury victims. When you have our dedicated legal team on your side, we can:

Investigate your accident thoroughly – We can gather all necessary evidence to establish liability (legal responsibility) and show the connection between your injuries and your accident.
Coordinate with medical professionals – By working closely with healthcare providers, we make sure your injuries are properly documented, which can strengthen your claim.
Negotiate with insurance companies – Our legal team can handle all communications with insurers, advocating for a fair settlement that covers all your financial losses.
Litigate if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf.

Experiencing a fever after a car accident is a serious matter that warrants prompt medical and legal attention. By understanding the potential causes and taking appropriate actions, you can protect your health and legal rights.

Colorado Springs car accident attorney Stephen A. Longo has years of experience handling complex legal cases. To learn more about your legal options, contact us and schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We handle injury claims throughout Colorado and Arizona.

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