Car accidents occur in seconds and can come from out of nowhere. One moment, you might be happily driving along; the next, someone hits your vehicle and upends your life.Â
Injuries from a collision aren’t always visible or immediately apparent. Broken bones, cuts, and bruises may show up immediately, but internal damage can take time to surface. The adrenaline rush from an accident can mask pain, so you might not even feel the repercussions from the wreck for hours or days. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not think it’s necessary. A medical doctor will examine you for typical injuries after an accident and be able to find ones you may not realize you have.Â
The skilled auto accident attorneys at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers can assist you with getting medical care. We can recommend qualified doctors in the area who know how to look for delayed injuries after a car accident.
Common Types of Lingering Injuries After an Accident
Internal injuries after a car accident are often overlooked. Since these injuries aren’t externally visible, victims may not realize they’ve been hurt in the wreck. Some types of injuries to look out for include the following:
- Whiplash: The force from a collision may cause a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, leading to neck and back pain after a car accident. You might experience stiffness, reduced range of motion, and tenderness in your upper body.
- Pinched Nerve: Pressure from bones and cartilage can impact nerves throughout your body, including the back and wrist. Pinched nerves may cause a severe burning sensation after a car accident that radiates to your arms and legs.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Any forceful blow to the head during a wreck can cause a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Physical symptoms of a TBI include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches.Â
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sudden pressure on muscles and tendons may cause sprains or strains.Â
- Herniated Disc: Slipped spinal disks can cause immense pain. They occur when a disk ruptures, allowing the spinal bones to come in closer contact.Â
- Internal injuries: Other internal wounds, such as organ damage or fractured ribs, may require lab or imaging tests to diagnose.Â
How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
It can take anywhere from hours to several days to experience symptoms from non-visible injuries. Some might not even surface until a week or more. The adrenaline rush following an accident takes time to wear off. If your symptoms include confusion, you might not be cognizant of your injuries or realize their full extent.
Pay attention to signs that something’s off. If you experience brain fog, nausea, difficulty waking up, or pain anywhere in your body, get medical help. Also, pay attention to comments from people who know you. If a loved one or friend notices you aren’t behaving like your usual self, it’s worth seeking a doctor’s opinion.
Whenever you’re in a collision, it’s a good idea to seek medical care—even if you think you’re OK. The extra few hours spent with a qualified physician can pinpoint issues. Early identification may prevent your condition from worsening.Â
Why Is It Important To Document Your Injuries After an Accident?
Medical records are one of the first things an insurance company considers in a personal injury claim. If you don’t have proof that the car accident caused your condition—or substantially worsened it—the insurer may try to argue that something else caused the injury.
Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor gives an insurance company a defense against your case. If the injury wasn’t severe enough to warrant immediate medical attention, the insurer can use it against you. That may limit the damages you’re eligible to receive.
By seeing a doctor immediately, you’ll have a record of seeking treatment for your injuries. An attorney can use those records to tell your story and explain how the accident harmed your health and livelihood.
Can You File a Claim for Your Injuries if You Didn't Go to the Doctor Right After Your Accident?
Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is always the best option. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have a claim if you wait a few days or weeks to see a doctor. It just may be harder to prove.
Even if you waited a few days or weeks to get medical attention, insurance companies will still evaluate the nature and extent of your injury. You might have a better shot at convincing the insurance company that the accident caused your injury if it is one that generally takes a longer time to surface.Â
It’s critical to get an attorney’s help before talking to the insurer or attempting to get compensation. An attorney can explain your options and decide how best to present your case. Their help can prevent mistakes that hurt your claim.
Don't Let Your Injuries Stop Your Everyday Life—Contact Us Today
DiBella Law represents Massachusetts car accident victims in personal injury claims. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts and can help you, too. No fees unless we win!
Call us at (617) 870-0907 or complete our online form to schedule a free case review. Â