Even if you seem to be fine after a collision occurred, it’s far too common for people to experience delayed symptoms after a car accident. You walk away from the crash feeling fine, then a few days later your back hurts and you can barely turn your neck.
Just because there is a gap between when the accident happened and the start of your symptoms doesn’t make the injury any less real. The injury could still be severe enough that it can cause ongoing pain that disrupts every aspect of your life.
Why Car Accident Injuries Don’t Always Show Up Right Away
In the moment of impact, your body kicks into a mode that starts pumping adrenaline and endorphins, which can actually mask the injuries and pain immediately after the accident occurs. In many cases, the symptoms stay hidden for hours, or even as long as a day or two. Then, when your body finally relaxes and the adrenaline levels drop, that’s when you start to realize that you are really injured.
The biggest problem is that a delay in medical treatment could potentially cost you a claim for the injuries. One of the most common strategies that insurance adjusters use to reduce or eliminate payouts is by arguing that the gap between the accident and the first doctor visit indicates that the injuries aren’t really related to the accident.
The truth is that soft tissue injuries often stiffen and worsen 24 to 48 hours after the crash. Instead of showing up immediately, these types of injuries sneak up within a few days.
So, regardless of your level of injury at the time of the accident, it’s always best to consult with a medical provider as soon as possible. You need medical documentation to help build your case if you decide to pursue compensation.
The Most Common Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident
Some of the most common car accident injury symptoms days later include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Concussion signs
- TBI warning signs
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Nerve damage
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Signs of PTSD
Both the physical and psychological symptoms are real and deserve professional medical treatment. Keep in mind that seemingly small symptoms can progress into bigger issues and delayed pain after a car accident and impact your quality of life in the future if these injuries are left untreated.
Emergency Warning Signs: Go to the ER Immediately
While the signs above might not qualify as a medical emergency, other signs could indicate that you should head to the ER as soon as possible. If there are any signs of a concussion, then you need to seek medical services immediately. Some of these signs include:
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Worsening headaches
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
When to See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Any obvious injuries should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, which is why it’s usually recommended that accident victims head to the emergency room immediately. But some people make the mistake of waiting to see a doctor if they assume that they have no injuries or only minor injuries.
Regardless of your level of pain/injuries, it’s best to have a consultation with a doctor within the first 24 hours…but no later than 72 hours after the accident. The most common window of time for delayed symptoms after a car accident is within 1 to 3 days, which makes this the ideal window to get checked (even if everything seems to be fine).
Not only will a checkup give you the peace of mind to know that you don’t have any untreated conditions, but a proactive approach with medical care can help to minimize the long-term effects if there are injuries that need to be treated.
The Timeline After an Accident: When You Can File a Claim
In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations is two years, which means that you have time to decide whether you are going to file a claim. But the longer you wait for medical care, the easier it is for insurance adjusters to use the delay against you. No matter how much time you have to file, waiting for medical evaluations and care could potentially result in a lost settlement.
So, the ideal solution is to take action as soon as possible. Not only do you need to see a doctor, but it’s also a good idea to call a car accident attorney right away so the legal team can start collecting evidence and provide the advocacy that you need during this time.
Remember that the timing of documentation is a critical factor in proving causation. The sooner you can connect the symptoms to the accident in your medical records, the better chance you have of receiving compensation.
FAQs
How long after a car accident can symptoms appear?
While some symptoms appear immediately, others might not show up for a few hours or even several days after the crash. The most common window for delayed symptoms after a car accident is between 24 and 72 hours.
Should I go to the ER if I feel fine right after the accident?
If you have any signs of a concussion or other moderate to severe injuries, then you should go to the emergency room immediately. Otherwise, seemingly minor injuries and delayed pain after a car accident can be evaluated by a doctor within the first 24 to 72 hours after the accident.
Can I still file a claim if my symptoms show up weeks later?
Yes, you have two years to file a claim because of the statute of limitations in the state of Texas. But earlier documentation makes it easier to prove that these symptoms were caused by the accident.
Will the insurance company use my delayed doctor visit against me?
Yes, it’s common for insurance companies to use delayed medical care as an argument against a settlement. This is why it’s critical to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear so that the accident and injuries can be documented thoroughly as soon as possible.
Injured After a Car Accident? You Need Medical and Legal Support ASAP
It doesn’t matter when the symptoms show up…make sure to seek medical care as soon as possible after the accident. This is also a great time to contact an accident attorney for personalized legal advice. The Green Law Firm is here to help you determine what your claim is worth, offering legal representation during your recovery. Contact us for a free consultation with an experienced attorney: (956) 542-7000.
