What To Do If You Have A Delayed Injury After A Car Crash

Most people have experienced a car accident in their lifetime. They can vary in severity, with many being minor fender benders or major collisions. Typically, if you have been in a car accident, you know almost immediately whether you have been injured or if you are going to be okay. However, a lot of people are not immediately injured and decline medical attention after a crash. This can be a mistake because it is possible for injuries to develop well after a car crash happened. Not only does not seeking medical attention right after the crash potentially inhibit your recovery, but it also can prevent you from recovering money to pay for your medical bills. Here is what you can do if you have been in a car crash and are experiencing delayed injuries. 

Why Do Delayed Injuries Happen?

Delayed injuries after a car accident are very common, and symptoms may not appear until hours, days, or even weeks later. In the immediate aftermath of a crash, the body releases adrenaline and endorphins, which can temporarily block pain and make injuries seem less severe than they actually are. This natural response can lead accident victims to believe they are uninjured or only mildly hurt, only for symptoms to emerge later as the body recovers from the initial shock. Some injuries develop gradually rather than presenting obvious signs right away. 

Common Delayed Injuries

There are several types of injuries that you could experience due to a car accident, but might not have symptoms of them right away. Some of the most common include:

Injury #1: Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Symptoms:

• Persistent headaches
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness and nausea
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Injury #2: Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Symptoms: 

• Neck stiffness or pain that appears a day or more after the crash
• Limited range of motion
• Headaches and dizziness

Injury #3: Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:

• Chronic pain in the lower or upper back
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Reduced mobility or weakness

Injury #4: Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Deep bruising
• Dizziness and fainting
• Blood in urine or stool

What Should I Do If I Notice Delayed Injuries?

If you begin experiencing symptoms after a car accident, you should take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you did not seek treatment right after the accident, visit a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. A medical professional can assess your injuries, provide necessary treatment, and create documentation linking the injuries to the crash. Delaying medical care can worsen conditions and hurt your legal case.

• Keep Detailed Records of Your Symptoms

Maintain a journal documenting when symptoms started, how they progress, and how they affect your daily life. This can be crucial evidence if you need to file a claim.

• Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan

Skipping medical appointments or not following prescribed treatments can allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not serious. Consistent medical care strengthens your claim.

• Notify Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require accident victims to report injuries promptly. Inform your insurer about your delayed symptoms, but avoid making definitive statements about your condition until you have a full medical evaluation.

• Consult a Car Accident Attorney

A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate your claim, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help prove that your injuries are related to the accident, even if symptoms appear later.

What Might Prevent Me From Recovering?

Two things can be barriers to recovery when a person has a delayed injury stemming from a car accident: proving the injuries are related to the car accident and the statute of limitations. Here is what to know.

Proving Injuries Are Accident-Related

Insurance companies might try to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident but by something else. To strengthen your case, gather evidence. Start by getting your medical records to show you didn’t have similar injuries before. This helps prove that the accident caused your condition. Ask your doctor for a statement that directly connects your symptoms to what happened. 

Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, doctor visits, and treatments so there’s a clear timeline of your injury and recovery. Witness statements can also make a big difference by confirming how the accident happened and how it affected you. If the insurance company keeps pushing back, an attorney can help—especially by bringing in expert witnesses who can back up your claim. The more proof you have, the harder it is for them to deny what really happened.

Statute of Limitations 

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit, including personal injury claims. This time limit varies by state and depends on the type of injury. In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases—such as car accidents, slips and falls, or medical malpractice—ranges from one to six years. In Illinois, you have two years to file a claim for personal injury resulting from a car accident. Failing to file within this period typically results in the case being dismissed, barring the injured party from seeking compensation. While there are exceptions, you should not count on them, as it is possible you may not be able to recover any damages.

Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Delayed injuries after a car accident can be just as serious as immediate injuries, but they require prompt medical and legal action. Seeking medical care, documenting symptoms, notifying insurance, and consulting an attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you suspect a delayed injury, don’t wait—take action today to protect your health and legal rights.