Most people think injuries from a car accident will be obvious right away. In reality, many victims don’t feel pain until hours, days, or even weeks later. This delay is not expected and surprises people. It also can create challenges when dealing with insurance companies that use treatment gaps to minimize the value of a claim.
In order to protect your health and legal rights after you have been in an accident, you need to understand how and why delayed injuries happen. Delayed injuries are real and common.
Why Some Injuries Don’t Appear Immediately
- Your body releases stress hormones: Right after an accident your body is flooded with adrenaline and endorphins, which temporarily mask pain. These hormones can keep you unaware of how injured you are until they wear off. Many clients wake up the following morning with painful symptoms.
- The brain doesn’t always show signs of injury immediately: Symptoms from mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions can be subtle at first. Issues like confusion, trouble focusing, irritability, dizziness, or headaches often appear gradually and get worse over time.
- Soft-tissue injuries take time to develop: Injuries like whiplash, sprains, and muscle tears often become painful after the swelling and inflammation set in. These injuries are extremely common in rear-end and side-impact collisions. These are well known for delayed symptoms.
- Internal injuries can be hidden: Trauma to internal organs may not show symptoms until hours later. These can be serious and a trip to a medical professional is necessary if one feels worsening pain, abdominal pain/discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Common Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
Whiplash and Neck Strains
Whiplash may not be noticeable until the next day or later. Symptoms include neck pain, reduced range of motion, shoulder discomfort, and headaches.
Concussions and Mild TBIs
These injuries often develop slowly and may not even involve loss of consciousness. Symptoms often show up later and include brain fog, trouble concentrating, or sensitivity to light.
Back and Spine Injuries
Herniated discs, soft tissue strains and nerve compression can take time to become painful. Low back pain may take time until inflammation in the area increases.
Soft Tissue Sprains and Strains
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons worsen over time as swelling develops.
Internal Bruising or Organ Damage
These may begin with mild discomfort and become more painful over several hours.
What to Do If You Notice Pain After a Crash
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Early documentation from a medical professional is important for your health and your claim.
- Don’t “Tough it Out”: Waiting too long before seeing a doctor will give insurance companies the argument that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
- Document your Symptoms: Keep a record of your pain levels, limitations, and how the injuries affect your life.
- Talk to an Experienced Attorney: An attorney specializing in automobile accidents can protect you from insurance company tactics, prove your injuries are related to the accident, and get you the compensation you deserve.
What Can an Experienced Attorney do for you
▪ Gather medical evidence
▪ Explain treatment gaps
▪ Work with experts
▪ Negotiate with adjusters
▪ File a lawsuit
Contact Our Experienced Law Firm For Help
If you start to feel pain days, or even weeks, after your accident, don’t ignore it and don’t assume it’s too late. Many people experience delayed symptoms after a traumatic event, and seeking medical care and legal advice can make a difference in your recovery and your claim. Call us at (714) 835-7000 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.