Fever After a Texas Car Accident

After a crash, a fever could be a sign of a serious injury

Car accidents in Texas can result in a variety of injuries. While visible injuries often receive immediate attention, it's important to remain vigilant about less obvious health concerns that may arise days after a crash. One such concern is the development of a fever, which can indicate underlying health issues.

Generally, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever in adults. A temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher is considered a high fever that requires immediate medical attention.

If you were involved in a car accident in Texas, it's important to be aware of the potential health complications during the aftermath and learn about your legal rights. An experienced Wichita Falls, Texas car accident lawyer at Hoover Rogers Law can help you explore your options for seeking financial compensation for your injuries and other related expenses.

What injuries cause a fever after a car accident?

A fever may develop within 24 hours to several days after a car accident. This febrile response typically indicates that the body is fighting off an infection. However, it can also be a clear warning sign of other serious medical issues, such as:

Blood clots: The body may suffer from blunt force impacts, which can damage blood vessels. This damage can trigger the body's clotting mechanism.
Brain injury: The brain can collide with the inside of the skull, leading to a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Bone trauma: Bone trauma from a car accident includes fractures, crush injuries, or dislocations.
Internal injuries: Internal injuries are often the result of blunt or penetrating trauma during a car accident. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent.

A fever that develops days after a car accident could indicate:

An emerging infection from an overlooked wound.
Internal injuries that have worsened over time.
The body's delayed stress response to trauma.

Should I be worried about a fever after a car accident?

The severity and duration of the fever matter. A mild, short-lived fever might not be as concerning as a high, prolonged fever.

However, research published in The Journal of Trauma found that trauma patients who developed a fever soon after injury were less likely to die. The study found that patients without an early febrile response (no fever in the first two days) had higher rates of infection and mortality.

On the other hand, moderate fever was not associated with increased morbidity. The analysis indicated that lower cumulative temperature in the initial 24 hours was an independent predictor of higher infection and mortality rates.

Regardless of whether your fever is low, medium, or high, don't take chances with your health. You should seek immediate medical attention after a crash. Seeking timely medical attention is important for several reasons:

Early detection of complications can lead to more effective medical treatment.
Proper documentation can create a link between your injury and your car accident.
Some injuries, if left untreated, can worsen over time and lead to serious and long-term health issues.

What symptoms accompany a fever after a car accident?

If you were injured in a car accident in Wichita Falls or another community in Texas, you may experience other injury symptoms besides a fever. These symptoms may include:

Severe headache or neck stiffness.
Confusion or altered mental state.
Severe pain in any part of the body.
Difficulty breathing.
Chest pain.
Persistent vomiting.
Signs of dehydration.

How are car accident injuries involving a fever diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing a car accident injury involving a fever requires a comprehensive multi-step process to identify the cause and address any underlying conditions. Initially, a doctor will perform a detailed assessment and a physical examination.

A doctor will likely check your vital signs, including body temperature, to determine the presence and degree of fever. They may then use imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to detect bone fractures, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage.

Additionally, laboratory tests may be used to diagnose the cause of your fever. For example, a complete blood count is typically performed to check for signs of infection or inflammation, while blood cultures help identify any bacterial or viral infections.

What medical treatments are available for fever due to a car crash?

Treatment for a crash-related injury involving a fever may include:

Analgesics (pain relief medications) to manage pain from injuries.
Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support blood pressure.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
For fractures, splints, casts, or surgical intervention may be necessary.
Surgical intervention may be required for internal bleeding or organ damage.
For traumatic brain injury, neurological treatment may be necessary.
Physical and occupational therapy to aid in recovery and restore function.

What should I do after a car accident in Texas?

Your priorities after a crash should be your safety, health, and protecting your legal rights. Here's what to do immediately afterward:

Report the crash to the police. Provide your location and mention if anyone is injured or trapped.
Stay at the crash scene until a police officer arrives.
Take photos and videos of the crash scene and all injuries from multiple angles.
Collect names, contact information, and statements from any witnesses present.
Get immediate medical attention, even if you don't feel any initial pain.
Report the car accident to your insurance company and only provide basic information.

What you do in the days following a car accident can also impact the outcome of your case. Here's what to do and not do during the aftermath:

Hire a car accident lawyer who can offer legal advice, preserve evidence, and protect your legal rights.
Only talk about the car accident with your lawyer and doctor. Avoid discussing it with others or posting it on social media.
Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company. Direct any inquiries from the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster to your lawyer.

Get the compensation and justice you deserve after a Texas car accident

In Wichita Falls, TX, the car accident attorneys at Hoover Rogers Law, LLP take pride in helping crash victims find their way forward after an injury.

Our team is committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We offer free case evaluations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us online or calling our law firm.

We have a proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for our clients. That includes a $400,000 trial verdict for a highway crash and a $156,000 policy limits settlement after a motor vehicle crash.

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