Fever After a Car Accident: A Serious Symptom

After a car crash, it is natural to look for visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or soreness. The real concern, however, is when hidden symptoms appear later. A fever that seems to develop out of nowhere can be a warning sign of a serious internal problem. 

At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we have represented individuals injured in Houston and surrounding communities since 1996. We know how quickly a mild symptom can turn into a significant medical issue.

This article explains why fever after a car accident should never be ignored and what steps you can take to protect both your health and your legal claim.

Why a Fever After a Car Accident Should Not Be Ignored

A fever can be a warning sign that your body is fighting an underlying infection or injury. Some crash injuries are slow to manifest, and a sudden temperature spike can be the first indication that something is wrong. Waiting to receive care can allow problems to grow, which can lead to a longer recovery and higher medical bills.

Texas drivers often complete the police report and head home, only to experience symptoms over the next 24 to 72 hours. If your temperature rises, treat it as a signal to get checked, not a minor hiccup.

Possible Causes of Fever Following a Car Accident

Several types of injuries can cause a rise in body temperature after a wreck. A quick look at the most common causes can help you decide how fast you should seek care.

Internal Bleeding

Blunt trauma can damage organs or blood vessels, letting blood pool inside the body. Signs do not always appear immediately, which is why a fever accompanied by deep pain or dizziness should receive prompt attention. Left untreated, internal bleeding can harm organs and turn into a life-threatening emergency.

Infection

Cuts, open fractures, and surgical sites can allow bacteria to enter, and the immune system responds by raising body temperature. Warmth, redness, or pus around a wound increases the likelihood of infection. If the infection spreads through the bloodstream, sepsis can develop, requiring urgent hospital care.

Inflammation

Inflammation is part of the body’s repair process after trauma. Mild inflammation aids in healing, but when it becomes excessive or persists, it can lead to fever, swelling, and stiffness. If swelling and heat continue to increase, your doctor needs to examine you.

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can disrupt the brain regions that help regulate body temperature. A fever, paired with headache, confusion, or nausea, could point to a serious brain injury that requires immediate evaluation. Do not try to “sleep it off” after a brutal hit to the head.

Blood Clots

Impact can damage vessel walls, triggering the formation of a clot. Clots in the legs or lungs can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, or a sudden increase in body temperature. Quick imaging and blood tests help catch this early.

Bone Trauma

Fractures, crush injuries, and dislocations often result in inflammation in the surrounding tissues. That process alone can raise temperature, and open fractures carry an added risk of infection.

Symptoms That May Accompany a Fever After a Car Accident

Watch for other signs alongside a fever, since clusters of symptoms often point to the cause. Share these details with your doctor, even if the fever is low.

• Intense and persistent pain in the abdomen, chest, or pelvis.
• Rapid, shallow breathing or shortness of breath.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• External bleeding from the nose, ears, or other areas.
• Confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness.
• Increased pain or swelling around the injury site.
• Reduced flexibility and trouble moving the injured area.
• Chills and sweats.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pus or drainage from a wound site.

If any of these symptoms coincide with a temperature spike, seek urgent care or an emergency room as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fever After a Car Accident

A thorough evaluation helps doctors identify the cause of the fever and treat it promptly. Expect a review of your crash, your symptoms, and a focused physical exam.

Clinicians will check your vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and oxygen level. They often use imaging to look for fractures, bleeding, or organ injuries, and they rely on lab work to detect infections or inflammation.

Test	Main Purpose	What It Can Reveal
X-ray	Quick look at bones and chest	Fractures, lung issues, and misplaced hardware
CT scan	Detailed cross-sectional images	Internal bleeding, organ damage, and clots
MRI	Soft tissue and brain imaging	Brain injury, ligament, or muscle damage
Complete blood count	Measure white and red cells, platelets	Infection, anemia from blood loss
Blood cultures	Identify bacteria in the bloodstream	Source of infection, guide antibiotics
Metabolic panel	Check organ function and electrolytes	Kidney or liver stress, dehydration

Treatment is aimed at the cause. Your plan can include medication, fluids, and, if necessary, procedures to treat the injury that triggered the fever.

• Analgesics for pain relief and to help lower temperature when appropriate.
• Intravenous fluids to support blood pressure and hydration.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are used when an infection is present.
• Surgery for internal bleeding, organ injury, or complex fractures.
• Physical and occupational therapy to restore movement and function.

In Texas trauma centers, clinicians move quickly on suspected bleeding, clots, and sepsis. Fast care not only protects your health, it also builds a clean medical record that ties your symptoms to the crash.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Texas

Your safety comes first, then build a record of what happened and how you were hurt. Here is a simple checklist you can use after a crash.

1. Prioritize safety and health. Move to a safe spot if you can and check for injuries.
2. Report the crash to the police. Stay on scene until officers arrive.
3. Gather information and document the scene. Photos, videos, and witness contacts are beneficial.
4. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay at first.
5. Report the accident to your insurance company with basic facts only.
6. Consult with a car accident lawyer before giving statements or signing forms.
7. Limit communication with others about the accident, including social media.
8. Avoid talking to the other driver’s insurance company. Please direct them to your lawyer.

Texas has strict deadlines for injury cases, often two years to file a lawsuit under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, so quick action helps protect your rights.

Financial Compensation for Injuries and Fever After a Car Accident

You do not receive compensation for a fever itself, but you may be eligible to recover for the injury that caused it, such as internal bleeding or infection. That includes follow-up care, rehab, and any complications tied to the crash. The value increases when symptoms result in more treatment, time away from work, or long-term limitations.

Damages often cover medical expenses, lost wages or reduced earning power, and pain and suffering. Insurers sometimes question whether a delayed fever is related to the crash, or they make a quick offer that seems adequate but falls short of future needs.

A Houston car accident lawyer can gather records, speak with your doctors, and handle the back-and-forth with the carrier. With a clean paper trail and steady advocacy, you stand a better chance of getting paid for the full impact of your injuries.

Contact the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec for Assistance

Since 1996, our firm has helped injured Texans get the medical support and compensation they need, and we bring that same steady focus to every case. If a fever showed up after your crash, we want to hear what happened and explain your options in plain language. For a free consultation, please call 281-643-2000 or visit our website to reach our team today. We welcome your questions, and we are ready to step in while you focus on healing.