What Should I Do If I Have Delayed Pain After an Auto Accident?
Many people expect to feel pain right after a car crash, but that isn’t always the case. It’s common for symptoms to show up hours or even days later. After an accident, your body’s adrenaline might mask signs of injury for a while. Even in cases where the accident seemed minor, issues like whiplash, muscle strains, or internal injuries can remain hidden at first. Paying attention to your body and making a Roseville accident claim when pain develops is important for your health and for any future insurance claims or legal action.
Common Injuries That Cause Delayed Pain
After a car accident, you might walk away feeling okay. It’s not uncommon for pain to show up hours or even days later. Below are some common types of injuries that can be delayed after an accident:
- Whiplash and neck strain: Stiffness and pain can show up days after the initial incident.
- Back and spinal injuries: Herniated discs or pinched nerves may not hurt until swelling develops later on.
- Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Symptoms like headaches, confusion, or blurry vision can appear a while after the crash.
- Internal bleeding or organ damage: Signs might seem mild at first but can become dangerous if left untreated.
- Soft tissue injuries: Muscle soreness, bruises, or limited movement often get worse over time rather than right away.
Delayed pain can signal a serious problem, so always see a medical professional as soon as possible.
What To Do If Pain Appears After an Accident
If pain appears days after an accident, you might feel confused or even doubt the source of your pain. Many injuries, however, don’t show symptoms right away. Here’s how you can protect your health and rights if you notice new pain days or weeks after an accident.
Get Checked by a Medical Professional Right Away
See a doctor or visit the emergency room as soon as new pain develops, even if the accident happened a few days ago. Medical providers will examine you, record any injuries, and run the necessary tests. Their documentation is valuable because it creates a timeline that helps connect your pain to the accident.
Follow the Medical Treatment Plan
Follow the recommendations from your doctor. Go to every scheduled appointment, fill any prescriptions they give you, and start physical therapy sessions if needed.
Write Down Your Symptoms
Write down your symptoms in a journal. Include what hurts, when it started causing you issues, and how it’s’ affecting your day-to-day life. This can be helpful evidence later on.
Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters sometimes act friendly, but their job is protecting their company’s bottom line. Don’t speak to them about your delayed pain, as they’re likely to try to use it against you when determining if you’re entitled to compensation.
Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer
A Roseville personal injury lawyer from Rosenthal Law knows how to handle claims that involve delayed pain. This involves talking to the insurance company, collecting appropriate evidence, and making the right arguments to show that your pain is in fact connected to the accident.
After an accident, pain doesn’t always show up right away, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t injured or that your pain is coming from something else. If you’re unsure of what to do next, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.