When you walk away from a car accident, your initial feeling might be one of relief when you don’t show any immediate signs of injury or distress. But what happens when injuries or symptoms start to show days or weeks later? Delayed injuries from car incidents are more common than you think, as drivers are usually in shock or hoping that they are not as injured as they are. Time will reveal the physical toll that your body has suffered in a car accident, and the steps that you take after a car accident can protect any future compensation you may need for medical attention.
Seeking medical attention after a car accident is crucial to identifying hidden injuries and protecting your legal rights. Adrenaline, your body’s natural response to stress, can mask serious injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Immediate medical attention after an accident will be vital if you choose to pursue compensation and legal options.
Navigating delayed symptoms and the legal implications without a medical evaluation can be tricky, but with Richard Schwartz, our legal team can provide the experience you need. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we understand that facing delayed symptoms after an accident can be frustrating but you can protect your health and the future you’ve worked so hard to build with an experienced legal team on your side.
Delayed Chest Pain vs Immediate Pain After a Car Accident
The pain you experience after a car accident can provide vital clues about the injuries you may have sustained. Immediate chest pain often signals acute, obvious injuries, such as fractured ribs, a punctured lung, or damage to internal organs. Immediate pain is your body’s way of alerting you that something is wrong, demanding prompt attention after an accident.
Pain that surfaces hours, days, or even weeks after the incident could indicate underlying issues that weren't immediately apparent. Delayed pain might signal soft tissue injuries, such as a strained chest muscle from the sudden bracing impact of the collision, or internal injuries, such as bleeding. Delayed pain is particularly dangerous because it can lull victims into a false sense of security, delaying necessary medical evaluations.
The key difference between immediate and delayed chest pain lies in the timeline of diagnosis and treatment. Immediate pain often triggers rapid intervention, while delayed pain can go unnoticed until symptoms worsen. This delay makes diagnosis more difficult, as injuries may have progressed or become less evident over time.
Common Delayed Injury Symptoms to Look Out For
After a car accident, it’s not uncommon for injury symptoms to appear long after the initial shock has worn off. This delay occurs because adrenaline and the stress of the crash can mask pain, leaving injuries undetected in the immediate aftermath. While some injuries may seem minor at first, they can develop into more serious life-long conditions if left untreated.
Some common delayed injury symptoms to watch for:
- Persistent or Worsening Headaches: Could indicate a traumatic brain injury that hasn’t been diagnosed yet.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain/Stiffness: Might be a sign of whiplash that requires medical attention.
- Back Pain: May point to soft tissue damage or potential spinal injuries.
- Numbness/Tingling in Limbs: Could suggest underlying nerve damage that needs evaluation.
- Abdominal Pain or Bruising: Might signal internal bleeding that has gone untreated.
- Dizziness, Fatigue, or Trouble Concentrating: Possible signs of a concussion needing further evaluation.
After a car accident, it is critical not just to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible, but also to continue to monitor your health closely in the days or weeks after the accident. Even if these symptoms appear minor, recognizing these signs and acting swiftly can make all the difference in your well-being and any insurance-related cases.
What to Do If You Notice Symptoms After an Accident
Insurance companies often dismiss injuries that weren’t immediately documented by a medical professional, claiming they are unrelated to the car accident. This tactic can weaken your claim and reduce your potential payout. Even if some time has passed since the accident, it’s never too late to address these symptoms and seek the help you need.
If you begin to notice symptoms after a car accident, here are some essential steps to take:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document your symptoms
- Keep records of all medical visits and treatments from healthcare providers.
- Notify your insurance company about your symptoms
- Avoid signing any documents or settling claims until your injuries have been fully evaluated
- Consult a personal injury attorney for guidance
When dealing with a personal injury claim that has delayed symptoms after an accident an experienced car attorney will be critical in your success of receiving compensation. They will act as your advocate, negotiating with insurers and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
How a Mississippi Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Just because your symptoms don’t appear immediately after the accident doesn’t mean they’re any less significant or deserving of medical care and compensation. When insurance companies try to minimize your injuries because they weren’t documented right away, they can leave victims feeling as if they are undeserving of the compensation that they’re entitled to. Having a trusted advocate on your side is crucial to dealing with delayed injury symptoms after a car accident.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we can help connect your injuries and delayed symptoms to the crash with substantial evidence and push back against insurance companies that will try to exploit any delay. Contact us today to find a partner who will prioritize your well-being after your accident. You are deserving of any compensation for your injuries after an accident, and with one call, you can get the legal representation you deserve.
