How Do I Deal With Injuries That Show Up Long After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can be physically and emotionally traumatic. Sometimes, injuries from these accidents don’t show up immediately. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to feel okay at the scene, only to experience pain and other symptoms days, weeks, or even months later. If you’re dealing with injuries that have appeared long after a car accident, it’s important to know your rights and understand the steps you can take to protect yourself and your health.
Understanding Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you might not feel any immediate pain, which is common. The adrenaline rush during a crash can temporarily mask symptoms. It can also mask injuries, like soft tissue damage, which might not be obvious right away.
Common delayed injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Back Injuries
- Spine Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Psychological Effects
Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, can worsen over time or may take days or even weeks to fully manifest.
Why Injuries Appear Later
There are several reasons why injuries might not show up immediately after an accident:
- Adrenaline: After a car accident, your body releases adrenaline, temporarily numbing pain and making it difficult to assess injuries immediately.
- Delayed Symptoms: Certain injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, may take time to develop symptoms, such as pain or stiffness.
- Shock: In some cases, the body enters a state of shock, which can mask the symptoms of severe injuries, especially internal ones.
- Psychological Factors: The mental and emotional shock of an accident can also delay the recognition of physical symptoms. This is the body’s response to trauma, affecting how pain is perceived.
It’s important to be aware of these factors and not dismiss any discomfort, even if it doesn’t surface immediately after the crash.
Steps to Take If You Experience Delayed Injuries
If you begin experiencing pain or symptoms long after a car accident, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel the symptoms are minor, getting a professional evaluation is important. Delayed injuries, especially internal or soft tissue injuries, can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Document Your Symptoms. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms. Make sure to include when they started, their intensity, and how they impact your daily life.
- Follow Up With Medical Treatment. Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Missing appointments or failing to follow prescribed treatments could hurt your case when it comes time to pursue compensation.
- Inform Your Lawyer. If you’re working with an attorney, inform them immediately if new symptoms or injuries emerge after the accident. Your lawyer will need this information to update your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and determine the best course of action moving forward.
- Continue to Keep Records. Continue to document your medical treatments, any missed work, and other losses related to your injury.
Following these steps is key to maintaining good health and building a strong personal injury case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Alabama?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years or risk losing your ability to pursue compensation. If your injury symptoms appear later, filing within the required time frame is still essential.
Contact the Alabama Car Accident Attorneys at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas.
We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Hunstville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73050852442579, -86.5863926515444
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.373594220209505, -86.3092041262694