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(512) 910-2000Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Trent Kelly on June 30, 2023
Being involved in a car accident can leave you startled and, in many cases, injured. While some injuries are immediately obvious, many types of injuries have delayed symptoms and may not be noticed until many days after the accident.
Delayed symptoms after a car accident can be serious and can worsen when left untreated. Unfortunately, many people who experience a car accident do not seek prompt medical attention increases the chances of developing delayed injury symptoms.
At TK Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of post-accident medical care and the role it plays in a potential personal injury claim. If you have been involved in a car accident, regardless of when the accident occurred, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible.
If you were injured, contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. As experienced car accident lawyers in Austin, TX, our reliable team can file a personal injury claim on your behalf.
When it comes to car accidents, injuries can take some time to appear because the body needs time to process the trauma.
During a collision, the body experiences an intense acceleration and deceleration movement, causing muscles, ligaments, and joints to stretch and tear. It is common for someone to walk away from the accident feeling perfectly fine, only to wake up days later in pain. That’s because the initial adrenaline rush from the accident can mask symptoms, making injuries harder to identify right away.
In some instances, delayed symptoms can arise because the injury itself does not cause immediate pain. However, in the days following the accident, the body can become inflamed as a result of the injury, and pain and stiffness can emerge. Furthermore, even if an injury is not severe, it can still have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.
That’s why it is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident, regardless of how one may be feeling. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent conditions from becoming chronic, saving you unnecessary pain, time, and money.
There are several common injuries that can have delayed symptoms after a car accident. Any injury, no matter how minor it may seem at the time, should be taken seriously and assessed by a medical professional.
One of the most common injuries from a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash is a painful neck injury that can occur when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then back during a collision. The body’s momentum moves forward during a sudden stop, while the head snaps backward, causing significant strain and damage to the neck and back muscles and tissue.
Symptoms of whiplash may not appear until several hours or even days after the accident and can include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. The reason for this delay is the fact that the body’s natural response to trauma is to dampen pain and other symptoms. It is not until the body’s natural healing process begins that the symptoms of whiplash will begin to surface.
It is important not to ignore symptoms such as significant neck stiffness or a reduced range of motion in the neck, as these could be signs that medical attention is needed. Failure to do so could lead to long-term damage and chronic pain.
Another common injury with delayed symptoms is a concussion, which is vital to treat it with urgency. A concussion occurs when your brain hits the inside of your skull, causing a sudden, forceful change in motion that slams your brain against your skull. In some cases, sustaining a concussion or other head injury does not always require a direct hit to the head.
Symptoms of a concussion may not appear until several days after the accident and can include:
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Remember, symptoms may take time to develop, but your health should always be a top priority, and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Spine injuries are a common occurrence in auto accidents, but it is not always easy to detect the symptoms right away. These injuries can range from mild soft tissue damage to severe spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis.
The reason why symptoms of neck and back injuries can take time to appear is that the body’s stress response system can mask the pain and inflammation that are associated with these injuries. It is common for some individuals to feel fine immediately following an accident but then develop symptoms days or even weeks later.
Internal bleeding is an incredibly serious condition that can develop after a car accident. It occurs when there is damage to blood vessels or organs inside your body.
Given that these injuries are internal, it is not always immediately apparent that they have occurred. Symptoms of internal bleeding may take time to appear following an auto accident because the body may be in a state of shock immediately afterward. This shock response can mask symptoms of abdominal pain, blood in the urine or stool, coughing up or vomiting blood, difficulty breathing, and leg weakness.
Without prompt medical attention, these symptoms can develop into life-threatening conditions.
Soft tissue injuries, although very common, are often difficult to detect immediately following an auto accident. These types of injuries occur when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn due to the force of impact from a collision.
Since the symptoms associated with soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent, individuals involved in a car accident may not even realize that they have been injured until days or even weeks later. Soft tissue injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
While symptoms may not appear immediately, it is crucial to monitor emotional and mental health following an accident. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD can take weeks or months to develop, which is why it is important to seek professional help if any changes in mental or emotional well-being occur.
This can be particularly prevalent for young people who may not recognize the impact of the accident on their mental health.
Such symptoms may include difficulty sleeping or concentrating, body aches, headaches, and other unexplained physical symptoms. With the right support and treatment, those suffering from mental health disorders after an accident can recover and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Blood clots occur when blood cells coagulate and form a clot, which can then travel throughout the body. While blood clots typically dissolve on their own, they can become serious if they reach the heart or the brain. In many cases, symptoms of a blood clot may not appear until several days after the accident has occurred.
If left untreated, these clots can cause severe damage to the organs and even result in death. Delayed symptoms of blood clots can be a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can be treated more effectively when addressed early.
The moments following an auto accident can be incredibly overwhelming. From exchanging information with the other driver to contacting the police, your potential injuries may not be top of mind. However, seeking prompt medical attention can protect not only your health and well-being but also your ability to seek compensation for the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Delaying care can significantly impact your ability to recover from these injuries. Additionally, seeking medical attention promptly can help to establish a link between your injury and the accident, making it easier for your legal team to successfully seek compensation on your behalf.
Ultimately, taking care of yourself following an auto accident should be your top priority, and seeking prompt medical attention can be a crucial step toward a full recovery.
Following an auto accident, regardless of the severity, follow these recommended steps to help protect your well-being and your legal rights.
Auto accidents can be overwhelming, and the costs associated with medical treatment can add additional stress for those involved. The medical bills in an auto accident case can vary depending on the individual’s injuries and the treatment recommended.
Many auto accident injuries require treatment, such as emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care from medical professionals. These costs can quickly add up and threaten financial strain.
Do not let the worry of medical expenses prevent you from seeking the care you need. When you initiate a personal injury claim, you are seeking compensation for these medical expenses along with other damages. Skilled personal injury lawyers work to ensure you do not have out-of-pocket medical expenses during your treatment for the injuries sustained in the car accident.
Delayed symptoms after a car accident can happen to anyone, no matter how minor or major the crash. Injuries after an accident can range from mild to severe, and it is crucial not to dismiss any potential symptoms as minor.
At TK Injury Lawyers, we understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of car accidents seek justice and financial restitution. Our auto accident lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies and, if needed, litigate in court.
If you or a loved one experienced any symptoms or injuries after a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Austin car accident lawyers and schedule a free consultation to discuss your potential personal injury case. Contacting our team means you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side who will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for the injuries you suffered.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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