Car accidents sometimes result in obvious injuries, like broken bones; other times, an injury may not be apparent until hours, days, or weeks later. Sadly, delayed injuries are very common, especially in cases where the victim did not seek medical help after the accident. If left unaddressed, these car accident injuries may not be addressed in any claims or lawsuits that result from the auto collision. To help you avoid these circumstances, here are a few tips from our car accident attorneys.
Some Injuries Take Time to Develop Symptoms
In the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle collision, it is very common for people not to realize the extent of their injuries. People regularly describe how they initially felt okay but woke up the next morning in extreme pain. Unfortunately, there are some injuries that simply take time to present themselves. Whiplash is a common example of this. Initially, a person might not experience any symptoms and decide not to see a doctor. But, in the days after the crash they start experiencing pain and stiffness that they think will go away on its own. Just because whiplash symptoms are delayed does not mean they are minor and will go away. Only a physician can determine that.
Traumatic brain injuries like concussions are also not always immediately apparent and can occur even without direct trauma to the head. Many people don’t realize they are suffering from a brain injury until they try to return to their normal routine of work or school. Only then do they notice they are experiencing cognitive processing delays, sensitivity to light or electronic screens, or headaches.
It is crucial to seek medical care as soon as symptoms arise to minimize the impact of the injury and to accurately document symptoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry so don’t assume things will get better with time. Instead, seek immediate medical care..
Common Injuries with Delayed Symptoms
What Injuries Often Present With Delayed Symptoms?
At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we have found that some of the most common delayed car accident injuries are:
- Whiplash
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Sprains, strains, and contusions
- Spine injuries, such as herniated discs
- Mental illnesses, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
As mentioned, many accident victims find out about an injury only after they seek sought medical help when they experience latent symptoms.
Car Accident Delayed Symptoms
What Are the Typical Delayed Symptoms from Car Accident Injuries?
The most common symptoms of delayed injuries include:
- Fatigue
- Chronic headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Trouble sleeping or waking up
- Blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea
- Memory problems or memory loss
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Sensitivity to light or loud noises
- Changes in behavior or personality, such as not feeling like yourself
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim After a Car Accident?
Even if you did not seek immediate medical attention for your injury, you likely still have plenty of time to file a claim. However, every state has an applicable statute of limitations, which is a deadline within which a legal claim must be filed.
We recommend that you contact an attorney as soon after discovering an injury as possible so that no deadlines are missed that could prevent you from brining a claim in the future.
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. has a team of accident attorneys skilled in helping car crash victims recover full and fair compensation for their injuries regardless of when their symptoms arise. If you have been injured, we are here to fight tirelessly for you.
Call (888) 801-9916 or contact us online for a free consultation. We accept cases in New Hampshire and Maine.
