Delayed Injuries in Car Accidents

Delayed injuries refer to symptoms or physical damage that may not appear immediately after a car accident. In many cases, adrenaline and shock can mask the pain or discomfort, leading individuals to believe they are uninjured, only for symptoms to manifest hours or even days later.

Which Accidents Cause Delayed Injuries?

Any accident where the force isn’t immediately felt but gradually affects the body can lead to delayed injuries. The adrenaline response after the crash might hide symptoms.

Types of accidents that may cause delayed injuries include:

• Low-Speed Collisions: Even at lower speeds, delayed injuries can occur due to the sudden jolt or shock to the body. These might not seem severe initially but could result in pain or discomfort later.
• Rear-End Collisions: These often result in whiplash or soft tissue injuries, but the pain might be delayed.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Accidents: The body may not immediately react to the trauma, and symptoms could appear later, such as headaches or back pain.

What Delayed Injuries Can Car Accidents Cause?

After a car accident, injuries may not always be immediately noticeable due to the adrenaline rush or shock your body experiences. Some injuries can show symptoms hours, days, or even weeks later.

Whiplash

• Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion in the neck.
• When to watch for it: Typically develops within 24-48 hours after the accident but can take longer.

Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, or memory problems.
• When to watch for it: Symptoms may take hours or even a few days to appear.

Back Pain

• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility in the back, often in the lower back, due to soft tissue damage, herniated discs, or spinal injuries.
• When to watch for it: May show up several days after the accident.

Internal Bleeding

• Symptoms: Deep bruising, abdominal pain or swelling, dizziness, fainting, or blood in urine or stool.
• When to watch for it: Internal injuries can take hours to days to become noticeable.

Shoulder or Arm Injuries

• Symptoms: Pain or limited movement in the shoulder or arm, often from bracing or impact.
• When to watch for it: Symptoms could be delayed, especially if caused by strains, dislocations, or soft tissue damage.

Emotional/Psychological Trauma (PTSD)

• Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping.
• When to watch for it: May develop weeks or even months after the accident.

Numbness or Tingling

• Symptoms: Numbness or tingling, particularly in the arms or legs, can indicate nerve damage or herniated discs.
• When to watch for it: Often associated with spinal injuries and can show up days later.

Abdominal Pain

• Symptoms: Persistent or worsening abdominal pain, which could signal internal injuries like organ damage or bleeding.
• When to watch for it: Can develop over time and should be addressed immediately.

Headaches

• Symptoms: Headaches may seem mild at first but could worsen, signaling a concussion or other brain injuries.
• When to watch for it: Can develop within hours or days after the accident.

Joint Pain

• Symptoms: Pain in joints like the knees, hips, or elbows due to the force of impact.
• When to watch for it: Delayed joint pain could indicate soft tissue damage or even fractures that weren’t initially noticeable.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Delayed Injuries

If you experience any delayed symptoms after a car accident, it’s crucial to get medical attention as soon as possible, even if the symptoms seem mild at first. Many serious conditions, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal injuries, might not show obvious signs immediately but can worsen over time.

Don’t Wait!

Even if you feel fine right after a car accident, delayed injuries can surface days or even weeks later. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable—get ahead of your recovery. Contact Meinhart & Manning today for a free consultation. Whether it’s new or worsening symptoms, our legal team is here to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form or call us at (877) 776-1219 to get started.