Delayed Car Accident Injuries: What Happens If Symptoms Show Up Days Later?

After a car accident, you may expect to know immediately if you have been injured. However, that is not always the case. Some symptoms can develop hours or even days after a collision.

The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms associated with whiplash often begin within days of an injury, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that some symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion may not appear until hours or days after an injury.

If you begin experiencing pain or other symptoms after leaving the scene of an accident, the fact that they did not appear immediately does not necessarily mean they should be ignored. Knowing what to do next can be important for both your health and any potential personal injury claim.

Why Can Car Accident Symptoms Be Delayed?

Every accident and injury is different. Depending on the circumstances, symptoms associated with certain injuries may not be noticeable immediately following a collision.

For example, whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder or upper back pain, dizziness, and other symptoms that may develop within days of an injury. Concussion symptoms can also be subtle or delayed and may include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in sleep.

Experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a particular injury. A qualified medical professional is best positioned to evaluate your symptoms and determine what care may be appropriate.

Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms

It can be tempting to dismiss soreness or discomfort after an accident, especially if you initially felt fine. However, new or worsening symptoms deserve attention.

If symptoms develop after a collision, consider seeking appropriate medical care and telling your healthcare provider when the accident occurred, when you first noticed your symptoms, and how those symptoms have changed.

Certain symptoms following a head injury may require emergency medical attention. The CDC identifies danger signs such as a worsening headache that does not go away, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, unusual behavior, increasing confusion, weakness or numbness, or loss of consciousness.

Document Your Symptoms and Medical Care

Good documentation can be useful if an injury becomes part of a personal injury claim.

Keep records of your medical appointments, diagnoses, treatment recommendations, prescriptions, and other information related to your care. You may also want to keep notes about when your symptoms began and whether they have affected your ability to work or complete normal daily activities.

If you have expenses related to the accident or your medical care, keep those records organized as well.

These records do not guarantee the outcome of a claim, but they may help establish a clearer timeline of what occurred following the accident.

Be Careful When Discussing Your Injuries with an Insurance Company

An insurance company may request information about your injuries and medical treatment as it evaluates a claim. According to the State Bar of Wisconsin, insurance adjusters may gather and review information such as medical treatment records, medical expenses, wage loss, and evidence of permanent impairment when evaluating an injury claim.

If your symptoms are still developing, be careful about making assumptions about your condition or stating that you are uninjured simply because you felt relatively well immediately after the collision.

You can provide accurate information about what you know while avoiding speculation about a diagnosis, recovery time, or the long-term effects of an injury that have not yet been determined.

Can Delayed Symptoms Affect a Personal Injury Claim?

The timing of symptoms may be one of many factors considered when evaluating a personal injury claim. Each case is different, and the circumstances of the accident, medical evidence, treatment history, insurance coverage, responsibility for the collision, and other facts may all be relevant. 

There are also deadlines for bringing personal injury claims. The State Bar of Wisconsin notes that the time available to take legal action can vary depending on who or what entity caused the injury, making it important not to assume that the same deadline applies to every case.

Having symptoms appear after an accident does not, by itself, determine whether someone has a successful personal injury claim. Likewise, a delay in symptoms does not necessarily answer whether an injury is related to a particular accident. Those questions depend on the facts and evidence involved.

Understanding Your Options After a Car Accident

The days following a car accident can bring unexpected questions, especially when pain or other symptoms were not apparent immediately after the collision.

Pay attention to how you feel, seek appropriate medical attention when needed, and keep records related to the accident and your care. If you have questions about how delayed car accident injuries could affect a potential claim, speaking with an attorney can help you better understand how Wisconsin law may apply to your individual circumstances.

At Di Renzo & Bomier, we help individuals throughout Northeast Wisconsin understand their options following car accidents and other personal injuries. Every situation is different, and no particular result can be promised.

If you have questions about an injury following a car accident, our team is available to discuss your situation and help you understand your options.

We’re Here For You.