In severe auto accidents, injuries tend to manifest instantly, and victims are taken to the hospital for treatment and monitoring. Those who have not sustained any injuries are requested to see a doctor for other tests but can also go home if they don’t see the need to see a medical specialist.

Over the years, studies have shown that car accidents frequently cause delayed injuries, symptoms, and pain. Therefore, following a road accident, you must be vigilant and monitor your body for delayed pain.

Keep reading to learn more about delayed pain after a car accident and how you can go about it.

How Long Does It Take for Car Accident Pain to Appear?

There’s always an expectation that pain, injuries, and anguish will appear several minutes and hours after an accident. Some people experience it instantly and will be moved out of the wreckage showing pain and discomfort. However, for a majority of people, this might take some time. The enormous surge of endorphins and adrenaline during an accident can mask feelings of pain for several hours.

Importantly, it’s worth noting that people react differently to trauma and stress. Also, researchers have not deduced why some people report immediate pain and suffering while others wait days to report the same. That’s why you need to monitor your body after an accident and report possible discomfort and pain to your doctor.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Delayed Pain After a Car Accident?

As discussed above, physical pain might not manifest immediately after an accident. It could take hours, days, weeks, and even months. However, this does not mean you should ignore and move back to your daily chores. You need to take some time off and monitor your body for possible delayed pain and injuries. Specifically, these are some of the common symptoms of delayed pain that you should monitor:

• Regular headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Behavioral changes
• Numbness and tingling
• Abnormal sleep patterns
• Back or neck pain

You need to see a medical specialist when you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, even if it’s mild. You should not pay too much attention to discovering whether it’s related to the accident. Addressing these symptoms early will help detect the source of the problem and provide the necessary treatment.

Common Delayed Injuries After an Auto Accident

These are some of the injuries that can develop for hours, weeks, or even months after an accident.

1. Concussion

Over the years, the definition of a concussion has changed. It isn’t just a knock on the head. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another head injury.

Concussions often occur from car accidents, as your head can snap forward and hit the steering wheel or dashboard. An auto accident can also cause your head to be jarred from side to side.

2. Whiplash

With whiplash, your head is quickly forced forward and backward (or vice versa). This whipping action can damage your neck’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash can also cause damage to the discs in your spine, as well as the nerves that run through your spine.

This accident tends to delay the onset of symptoms, as it can take time for the inflammation to develop.

3. Herniated disc

A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc ruptures through a tear in the outer layer. This can happen due to a sudden impact or force, such as a car accident.

Symptoms may not appear immediately, as it takes time for the disc to herniate. However, once it does, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.

4. Fractured bones

A fracture is a break in the bone. A bone can be fractured in a car accident if there is a direct impact on the bone, such as from a seat belt or airbag, or if the bone is crushed. A fracture can also occur if the force of the accident is enough to cause the bone to break.

Symptoms of a fracture include delayed pain, swelling, and bruising.

5. Traumatic brain injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a blow or jolt to the head that can disrupt the brain’s normal function. A TBI can range from mild, such as a concussion, to severe, such as a skull fracture.

Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI. Symptoms of a TBI can appear immediately or may not be evident until days or weeks after the accident.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for Delayed Pain?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition after experiencing delayed pain, you might wonder if you can file a personal injury claim. After all, the pain you’re experiencing is genuine and negatively affecting your life and work.

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the cause of your delayed pain and the state in which you live. In general, it is possible to file a personal injury claim for delayed pain if you can prove that someone else’s negligence caused your pain.

To file a personal injury claim for delayed pain, you need several supporting documents, such as medical records and doctor’s notes. You’ll also need to prove that the other party was at fault for your injuries. This can be done through eyewitness testimony, video footage, or police reports.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today for Delayed Pain Claims

If you were involved in a car accident and you’ve felt delayed pain after some weeks or months, be sure to receive proper treatment. Then, work swiftly to file a personal injury claim. If you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, they can manage your claim for compensation on your behalf.

At LA Century Law, we can assist you in filing a personal injury claim and fighting for your rights from insurance companies. Our team of experienced lawyers understands what it takes to win a personal injury claim, and they’re ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Car Accident Pain FAQs

What causes delayed accident pain?

There are many possible causes of delayed pain. It may be due to inflammation, nerve damage, or scarring. It can also be caused by psychological factors such as stress or anxiety.

How is delayed pain treated?

Delayed pain is often treated with a combination of medication and physical therapy. Pain medication can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues around the area of pain.