Fever After a Car Accident: A Warning Sign of Serious Injury

A fever after a car accident may not seem important, but it can signal life-threatening issues like infection, internal bleeding, or inflammation. A fever is often the body’s natural response to hidden trauma. 

Even mild symptoms should prompt medical attention, as early care can prevent serious complications. In fact, a study published in PubMed Central found that 11%-24% of trauma patients developed an early fever, regardless of injury type, with higher rates of ICU admission and in-hospital mortality. 

Elevated Body Temperatures After A Car Accident

If injuries sustained in a car accident are accompanied by fever, along with other symptoms, this may indicate life-threatening complications, such as internal injuries. For trauma patients, a fever spike is usually the body’s reaction to injury or infection. 

Here are potential causes of a fever after a car accident that are critical to understanding:

Internal Injuries 

A severe injury like bone trauma, a brain injury, or blunt trauma can trigger internal bleeding or clot formation. These internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, but can become life-threatening without immediate medical attention.

Infections from Open Wounds

Cuts or abrasions may allow a foreign object or bacteria to enter the bloodstream. If left untreated, even visible injuries can lead to systemic infection, raising body temperatures dangerously.

Inflammation and Immune Response

The body’s response to trauma can include widespread inflammation. Car accident injuries can trigger the immune system to start a fever as it targets the underlying cause of damage.

Why Prompt Medical Care Matters

A fever after a collision is a warning sign and should not be overlooked. Early detection, accurate medical treatments, and documentation can protect your health and help you receive maximum compensation in any related settlements. 

Brain Injury and Fever After a Car Accident

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident can disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate your body’s internal temperature. Damage to the hypothalamus (your bodily function regulator) may trigger a high fever without an obvious cause, and brain swelling or bleeding can raise temperatures further. These effects can appear days after the crash.

Since these symptoms may not be immediately visible, it’s important to watch for confusion, infection signs, or behavior changes. A delayed fever can point to a more serious injury, so a medical evaluation is critical if symptoms develop after a car accident.

Blood Clots and Fever After a Car Accident

After a car accident, the body’s response to trauma, like inflammation, limited movement, and damage to muscles or blood vessels, can raise the risk of blood clots. 

Serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) may develop, especially in immobilized patients. DVT often begins in the legs and can travel to the lungs, causing a PE, which may be fatal if not promptly treated.

A fever, along with swelling, redness, or pain, could indicate a clot or internal bleeding. These symptoms may not be immediately visible, so immediate medical attention is essential. In Illinois, filing a medical malpractice claim requires a supporting affidavit, confirming that a qualified medical professional has evaluated you (735 ILCS 5/2-622).

Delayed Symptoms of Fever and Internal Injuries

Not every symptom of a serious accident shows up right away. Some warning signs, especially those tied to internal damage, can take hours or even days to develop. 

If an injured person experiences sudden pain, dizziness, or swelling after the crash, they should seek medical attention as soon as these issues emerge. What may initially seem minor could point to complications like internal bleeding, infection, or organ trauma.

Since Illinois follows a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases (735 ILCS 5/13-202), it’s crucial to document symptoms early and begin treatment quickly. Doing so not only protects your health but also helps preserve your right to take legal action if necessary.

Other Injuries Alongside Raised Body Temperature

Some car accident injuries take time to surface, especially when adrenaline masks pain. 

Below are common types of trauma that may not appear right away but still require prompt medical attention.

• Soft tissue damage may cause soreness or stiffness that worsens without rest.
• Bone fractures can go unnoticed without imaging due to swelling.
• Broken bones may ache deeply, even without visible swelling.
• Bone trauma can bruise or harm the structure without breaking the skin.
• Head injuries may trigger confusion or nausea hours after impact.

How is a Fever Diagnosed After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, healthcare providers monitor vital signs closely to detect any abnormal increases in temperature. A physical examination is typically the first step. 

If the elevated temperature persists, doctors may order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or blood work, to identify hidden issues like infections, inflammation, or damage to blood vessels. These tests also help rule out the presence of a foreign object in the body or a more severe injury. 

Under Illinois law, insurance coverage should extend to necessary medical treatments, including diagnostic imaging and lab work. You may be able to challenge denials if the insurer fails to cover accident-related expenses.

Treatment for Accident-Related Fevers

Once the root cause is found, treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Infections are typically managed with antibiotics, while inflammation may be treated using medication or targeted care. 

Some individuals may require physical and occupational therapy if the fever is related to complications. When mobility or motor function is affected, physical therapy plays an essential role in long-term recovery, helping the injured person regain strength and reduce lingering symptoms.

Financial Compensation for Injured Motorists

After a serious crash, seeking financial compensation can help ease the burden of unexpected costs. Here’s what injured drivers may be able to recover with help from the car accident attorneys at our law firm:

• Medical expenses related to fever caused by infection, internal bleeding, or organ damage;
• Lost wages if recovery time prevents a return to work;
• Reduced earning capacity due to long-term complications;
• Settlements from the driver’s insurance company, based on typical car accident settlements;
• Compensation adjusted under Illinois’ comparative negligence law.

Understanding your options with experienced legal support makes a difference in the outcome.

Get a Free Consultation with Chicago Car Accident Attorneys

If you’ve developed a fever after an auto crash, especially when linked to internal trauma or infection, a Chicago car accident lawyer can help prove the underlying cause. Legal support is key to holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable for your medical bills and recovery. We offer a free consultation, and you don’t pay unless we win. 

Call our office at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.