ClickCease

How long after a car accident can injuries appear?

how long after a car accident can injuries appear

Car accidents can be traumatic, but not all injuries immediately appear. It’s common for some injuries to take hours, days, or even weeks to become noticeable. At Smith Jordan Law, clients often ask, “How long after a car accident can injuries appear?” Understanding the delayed onset of certain injuries is important for your health and legal rights. In this guide, our Greenville car accident lawyers explain why injuries might take time to appear, common delayed injuries, and what steps you should take if you’re hurt.

Why do injuries sometimes take time to appear?

After a car accident, your body’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in. This natural stress reaction releases adrenaline and endorphins, temporarily calming pain. You may not notice symptoms until your body calms down, sometimes hours or days later. Additionally, some injuries, like internal damage or soft tissue injuries, may not show symptoms until swelling or inflammation worsens.  Further, you may focus on one injury that is extremely obvious or painful, and not notice another injury until the more obvious or painful injury has started healing.

Common injuries with delayed symptoms

Delayed injuries are more common than many people think. Here are some examples of injuries that may take time to appear.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. It occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and back. Symptoms, such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches, may take a day or two to develop as inflammation builds up.

Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or sudden movement. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory issues might not appear immediately after the accident.

Back injuries

Back injuries, including herniated discs or soft tissue damage, may not be obvious right away. Pain, stiffness, or numbness in the back and legs could show up days later as the injury worsens.

Internal injuries

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, or unusual bruising may take hours or longer to surface.

Psychological trauma

Emotional effects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also develop over time. These may not become apparent until weeks after the accident.

Why it’s important to seek medical attention quickly

Even if you feel fine immediately after a car accident, seeing a doctor is crucial. Medical professionals can detect injuries you might not notice, ensuring you get the necessary care. Prompt medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which is vital if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

In South Carolina, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. However, delays in seeking medical care could make it harder to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.

What to do if you notice injuries days or weeks later

If symptoms appear days or weeks after a car accident, take these steps:

  1. See a doctor immediately: Even delayed symptoms need prompt medical attention. Inform your doctor that the symptoms could be related to a recent car accident.
  2. Document everything: Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical visits, and any treatments. This information can help link your injuries to the accident.
  3. Contact Smith Jordan Law: Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

How Smith Jordan Law can help

Delayed injuries can complicate a car accident case, especially if insurance companies question the connection between the accident and your symptoms. At Smith Jordan Law, we’re here to protect your rights. We’ll work with medical experts, review your case, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the process.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

Not sure what your next step should be?

Not sure what your
next step should be?

Let us help you!

We’ll learn more about your case and will help you decide the next course of action.
Call us
We look forward to discussing your case