You walked away from the car accident feeling shaken but relieved. With no apparent injuries and minimal vehicle damage, you hoped to put the experience behind you. Then, a few days later, you noticed a persistent neck pain and stiffness. Is it too late to seek medical care or legal guidance?
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, we understand the confusion and concern that delayed injury symptoms can cause. Our experienced Rhode Island car accident attorneys have helped countless clients with claims for late-appearing car accident injuries. Learn the common types of delayed-onset injuries, their potential impact on your health and legal claim, and how to protect your rights and well-being.
Common Delayed-Onset Car Accident Injuries
Not all car accident injuries are immediately evident. Some may take days, weeks, or even months to manifest. These late-appearing injuries can be just as severe as those that show up immediately and often require prompt medical attention. Some common delayed-onset car accident injuries include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision. Symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness may not appear until several days after the accident. Untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications.
Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head is jolted or struck during a crash. Symptoms such as headaches, confusion, memory problems, and mood changes may not be immediately noticeable. Delayed concussion symptoms can be serious and require prompt medical evaluation.
Back Injuries
Back injuries like herniated discs, sprains, and soft tissue damage may not cause pain immediately after an accident. However, as inflammation and muscle stiffness set in, accident victims may begin to experience severe back pain, limited mobility, and even radiating pain or numbness in the extremities.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries are often life-threatening, but you may not experience symptoms right away. Delayed symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue could indicate a serious internal injury that requires emergency medical care.
Medical Implications of Delayed Injury Symptoms
Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Delaying treatment can not only jeopardize your health but also make it more challenging to establish a connection between your injuries and the accident.
If you experience delayed symptoms:
- Schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible
- Inform your doctor about your recent car accident and any new symptoms
- Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical visits, and any impact on your daily life
Remember, some serious injuries may not be detectable without professional medical assessment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your prognosis and prevent complications.
Legal Implications of Late-Appearing Accident Injuries
Delayed injury symptoms can also complicate the legal aspects of your car accident claim. Insurance companies may be skeptical of injuries that aren't reported immediately, and they may try to argue that your symptoms are unrelated to the accident.
To protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim:
- Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if you don't initially suspect an injury.
- Contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
- Avoid signing settlement agreements or releasing your medical records to the insurance company without consulting your attorney.
- Document any accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Don’t discuss your accident or injuries on social media or with others, as your statements could be used against you.
An experienced Rhode Island car accident lawyer can gather the necessary evidence to support your case and advocate for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Protecting Your Health and Your Rights
Late-appearing car accident injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. If you've been involved in a car accident, don't ignore delayed symptoms or assume it's too late to seek help.
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our compassionate Rhode Island car accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the resources you need to heal. We’ll use our knowledge and experience to help you pursue the best possible outcome.