Car Accident Delayed Symptoms

After a car accident, some injuries are not immediately noticeable. This is why many car accident victims don’t discover the true extent of their injuries until much later.

It’s important to know that even if you don’t initially realize you’re injured, you still may be able to recover compensation.

In this quick guide, we’ll explore:

• The delayed symptoms you should be aware of after a car accident.
• How to protect your legal rights.
• How an attorney can help you recover compensation for delayed injuries.

Delayed Symptoms That Follow Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents don’t always leave visible evidence of harm. In fact, many injuries – such as whiplash and muscle strain – don’t show symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks later.

These are some of the most common delayed symptoms after a car accident:

• Headaches and Dizziness – Headaches and dizzy spells can be signs of whiplash, blood clots, concussion, and serious brain injury.
• Neck and Shoulder Pain – Whiplash, which is caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of a car accident, often produces neck and shoulder pain. Neck and shoulder pain can also be caused by spinal injuries.
• Back Pain – If you start developing back pain after a car accident, don’t just brush it off. You may have sustained a herniated disc, a spinal injury, or a pinched nerve, which usually requires surgery.

Because injury symptoms are often delayed, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention immediately following any accident, as a physician may be able to identify injuries you’re unaware of.

Can I Still Get Money If I Don’t Notice My Injury Right Away?

In many cases, you can still recover compensation after a car accident, even if you didn’t notice and treat your injuries right away. Once you’ve been treated for your injuries, you should contact an attorney soon, because there are strict deadlines for car accident claims.

In Missouri, you generally must file a claim within five years from the date of the accident. While this deadline is more generous than in some states, it’s important to act quickly.

First, seeking medical treatment right away documents that your injuries were related to the crash. Second, the sooner you take legal action, the sooner you can recover compensation to pay for your medical expenses and other losses.

My Pain After a Car Accident Was Delayed: What Now?

If you have delayed whiplash symptoms after a car accident, or other delayed signs of injury, follow these tips to protect your rights:

• Seek immediate medical treatment to document your injuries. Try to obtain a copy of your medical records, which can later be used to prove your injuries.
• Document all of your ongoing losses, including car repair estimates, medical expenses, and lost wages.
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can prepare your claim before the deadline expires and demand compensation on your behalf.

Contact the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at Sansone & Lauber Now for Help

Car accident injuries can completely upend your life, even if they seem minor at first. At Sansone & Lauber, our Missouri car accident lawyers can help. We’ll protect your rights and work toward securing the compensation you are rightfully owed.

To learn more, contact us and schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys in St. Louis, MO.