Not all injuries from car accidents are immediately obvious. In some cases, individuals leave the accident scene feeling fine, not knowing that they have suffered a serious or even life-threatening injury. Delayed symptoms after a car accident may not show up for days or even weeks.
If you have delayed symptoms after a car accident, you could face challenges with recovering compensation from the negligent party that caused your accident. Seeking medical advice immediately after an accident can be crucial for protecting your right to legal recourse. However, even with a delayed injury, you could be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine can help you fight for what you deserve. Call us now to schedule a complimentary case review with a member of our legal team: 727.849.5353.
Common Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident
Car accidents can be traumatizing and frightening. Our bodies tend to deal with shock and trauma by releasing endorphins and adrenaline, which can help to mask pain. Therefore, it is not unusual for victims of car accidents not to feel any symptoms for quite some time. Moreover, when symptoms finally appear, such as neck stiffness or numbness, they may not connect these symptoms to their car accident right away. Therefore, if you recently experienced a car crash, make sure to look out for some of these common delayed symptoms after a car accident:
- Neck pain – Neck pain is common in car accidents and can be a symptom of a variety of injuries, including herniated discs, back injuries, shoulder injuries, and whiplash.
- Pain in the abdominal or chest area – Stomach pain can be a sign of a seat belt injury or signal internal bleeding and internal organ damage. If the pain is in the heart area, it could signal an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening emergency.
- Back pain – Back pain after a car accident can have various reasons, including muscle damage, slipped discs, or damage to the spinal cord. Without immediate medical evaluation, some of these injuries could result in permanent damage.
- Numbness and tingling – The feeling of pins and needles or numbness in extremities can be a sign of nerve damage or brain injury.
- Persistent headache – Headaches after a car crash can arise due to whiplash or another serious brain injury. In some cases, headaches can signal a traumatic brain injury and could be life-threatening.
- Extreme fatigue – While a certain amount of fatigue can be normal after experiencing a car accident, constant tiredness and problems with sleep can be a sign of a delayed injury such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Most of these symptoms can point to mild as well as serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Seeing a medical professional for an evaluation immediately after an accident can be essential for your health. Additionally, visiting with an experienced car accident lawyer can help you get answers to your questions, make a plan on how to move forward with your treatment and claim, as well as protect your legal rights. Call Lucas & Magazine if you have any questions regarding your car accident claim.
Common Injuries With Delayed Symptoms Following Car Accidents
There are several potential car accident injuries that can have a delayed onset and delayed symptoms, including the following:
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A serious TBI can be life-limiting and even fatal. According to the Mayo Clinic, TBIs can have delayed onset and show delayed symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea and dizziness
- Changes in character and behavior
- Foggy thinking
- Loss of consciousness
Whiplash
Whiplash can be a common car accident injury, especially in rear-end crashes. While victims may feel neck stiffness, pain, and limited range of neck motion immediately after an accident, delayed onset of symptoms is not unusual. Symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Insomnia
A common misconception is that whiplash is always a minor injury, however, in many cases, whiplash can cause permanent and lifelong suffering.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding and internal organ injuries typically require emergency medical intervention as they can be life-threatening. In some cases, internal bleeding can go unnoticed for some time. Symptoms of internal bleeding can include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Dizziness and fainting
- Large bruises in the abdominal area
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back pain is something many car accident victims experience and can be a sign of either harmless soft tissue injuries as well as potentially catastrophic spinal cord damage. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NBCI), the likelihood of suffering a serious spinal injury in a car accident is high on the roadways in the United States. Delayed symptoms after car accidents pointing to potentially serious back injuries can include:
- Neck and back pain
- Limited range in motion
- Persistent headaches
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Weakness
Damage to the spinal cord can be permanent and result in a lifelong disability. Seeking medical help and a diagnosis immediately after an accident can help mitigate the effect of serious back injuries.
Emotional Injuries
Bodily injuries are not the only devastating injuries that victims may encounter after a car accident. Serious car accidents can cause a range of mental conditions and emotional injuries, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Some victims suffer to such an extent that they are fearful of getting into a car, which can severely impact their home and career life. Emotional injuries can have a delayed onset. Victims may suffer from anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks, and other symptoms for a while before making the connection to a car accident.
Can You Receive Compensation for Delayed Injuries?
Serious bodily and emotional injuries can be life-changing and lead to astronomically high medical bills. Even if you experience delayed symptoms after a car accident, you are generally entitled to adequate compensation if someone else negligently or carelessly caused your accident. However, in practice, getting the compensation you deserve can be more complicated when dealing with delayed injuries.
Insurance companies may question the connection between a delayed injury and your car accident in an attempt to avoid a payout. In some cases, filing a lawsuit can be the last resort, potentially providing you with the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Contact The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine for Help After Your Car Accident
Facing delayed symptoms and injuries after a car accident can be frightening and upsetting, especially if they necessitate comprehensive medical treatments and expenses. However, if someone else caused your accident negligently or recklessly, you could hold them responsible for all your economic and non-economic damages, including those for a delayed injury.
A dedicated and compassionate car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine can represent you aggressively against the insurance company and work tirelessly to achieve a fair settlement. If necessary, we can help you file a lawsuit against the negligent party and leave no stone unturned in fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Our skilled Car Accident Attorneys at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine put the personal back in injury law. We are here for you every step of the way after your accident. With locations in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, Wesley Chapel, and Inverness, our team can help coordinate the medical care and transportation you need while you try to get back to living your regular life. We will fight for the best financial recovery possible for your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation!
