Why Delayed Pain After a Car Accident Could Be Serious

Colburn Law

Posted in Personal Injury on September 15, 2021

Car accidents can result in severe, painful injuries that require extensive medical care and lengthy recovery times. Some injuries are apparent immediately after the collision, such as broken bones or deep lacerations. Other symptoms, however, may not appear for days or even weeks following a collision. 

Delayed pain can be caused by shock, internal damage, or underlying injuries. This type of injury can lead to serious and dangerous complications and may impact your ability to recover compensation. After any type of car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe that you are uninjured. For more information about your case, reach out to our experienced personal injury lawyers in Seattle today.

Common Types of Delayed Pain

A car accident can be a very scary and traumatic event. In order to help you cope with the danger, the brain releases adrenaline, endorphins, and other hormones. As a result, you may not feel the symptoms of your injuries until days after your collision—but delayed pain could be a sign of a very serious medical condition, such as internal organ damage or brain trauma.

Common types of delayed pain include the following.

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Headaches
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Stiffness in the upper back
• Back pain
• Numbness in the limbs

You may also experience psychological symptoms, such as changes in behavior or post-traumatic stress disorder. Shortness of breath, fainting, and dizziness are also common. 

The Dangers of Delayed Pain After a Car Accident

Without prompt medical treatment, the source of your delayed pain could lead to life-threatening complications and permanent disability. Your injuries may become much more severe than if you had sought medical attention after the crash. If you begin experiencing delayed pain after your collision, it is important to go to the hospital immediately.

Delayed pain not only has implications on your health—it could impact your ability to recover compensation. Washington is a fault accident state, meaning that the at-fault driver in your case is financially liable for your damages. To secure compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver was responsible for your collision.

Your medical records will be a very important part of your case. If you fail to seek medical attention immediately after your accident, however, the insurance company may begin to scrutinize your claim. The adjuster assigned to your case may believe that your injuries were not serious enough to warrant medical attention, and your delayed pain symptoms were caused by something else other than the car accident. 

Additionally, if you provide a statement about your injuries to the insurance adjuster and later discover new information, your chances of a fair settlement may become smaller. The adjuster may use inconsistencies between your statements as justification to deny or reduce your claim. If you provide inaccurate information about your injuries, you may receive a smaller settlement than what you need to recover. In some cases, the adjuster may deny your claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Washington

If you are involved in a Washington car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel hurt. Visit a hospital as soon as you can and save all records related to your injuries and treatment.

After receiving medical care, contact a Seattle car accident lawyer to discuss your case and legal options. Your attorney can help you understand your potential avenues to compensation and secure the settlement you need.