It is very important to get checked out after your accident whether you have noticed any changes in your health or not. You may already be experiencing symptoms, but it is common for soreness, stiffness and other pain to take several weeks to surface after the inflammation in the muscles starts to go down. Because it can take several weeks for symptoms to occur, it can be difficult to realize that your discomfort is a result of your accident. If untreated, your injury will only get worse. Untreated auto accident injuries can result in a lifetime of chronic pain.