How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to understand that injuries don’t always manifest immediately. In fact, the question “How long after a car accident can injuries appear?” is a common one that many accident victims have. The truth is, the timeline for injury symptom onset can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Some injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, may take days or even weeks to fully develop. More serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries, can also have delayed symptoms that don’t show up until well after the initial accident.
Knowing what to look for and how long it can take for car accident injuries to appear is crucial for protecting your health and your rights to compensation. Since 2011, our Richmond car accident lawyers have helped clients like you through the process of documenting injuries and pursuing a claim. Learn from the frequently asked questions below.
How Common Are Delayed Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can often lead to delayed injury symptoms, with studies showing that as many as half of all accident victims experience symptoms that don’t appear until days or weeks later. This is because the adrenaline rush and shock of the accident can mask pain and other warning signs initially.
Additionally, some injuries like soft tissue damage and traumatic brain injuries may not present obvious symptoms right away. A Richmond personal injury lawyer may have connections with medical professionals who can collaborate with them directly regarding your injuries, medical bills, and more to make filing your personal injury claim go smoothly.
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What Are the Most Common Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident?
The most common delayed injury symptoms after a car accident include whiplash, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries like organ damage or bleeding.
- Whiplash, for example, can take several days to manifest as neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
- Traumatic brain injuries may only reveal symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues later on.
- Internal injuries can be particularly dangerous, as they may not be detected right away.
Seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial to identify and treat these types of delayed injuries before they worsen.
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Will Car Insurance Companies Acknowledge if My Car Accident Injuries Take a Long Time to Appear?
Car insurance providers are aware that delayed injury symptoms are common after auto accidents. Whiplash symptoms may begin within 24 hours, but can also appear days or weeks later. Car accident victims usually need a lawyer to be vigilant on their behalf following a collision so that insurers can’t take advantage of them with a lowball offer.
Insurance companies may try to dispute delayed injury claims for a few reasons:
- Causation: They may argue the delayed symptoms are not directly related to the accident, especially if there is a gap in medical treatment.
- Pre-existing conditions: If you had any prior injuries or medical issues, insurers may try to attribute the new symptoms to those pre-existing problems.
- Documentation: Lack of prompt medical evaluation and thorough documentation of the accident and injuries can weaken your claim.
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When Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
It’s recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t feel immediate pain or symptoms. This is because some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not present obvious symptoms right away. Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify and treat underlying injuries before they worsen.
Accident victims should seek medical care if they experience any unusual symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem at the time. Documenting the medical evaluation and any treatment received can also be crucial evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim later on.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Car Accident Injury?
The timeline for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident can vary depending on the state, but in Virginia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations.
However, it’s important to note that the sooner you file a claim, the better, as evidence and witness testimonies can become more challenging to obtain over time. Additionally, some instances may have shorter deadlines, such as if a government entity is involved. Consulting with a Richmond personal injury lawyer will ensure that you file your claim on time.
What Should You Do If Delayed Symptoms Appear After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the length of time it takes for injuries to appear may vary so drastically that waiting could put your life in danger. Regardless of whether you are experiencing delayed symptoms or not- seek urgent medical attention following an accident. Any delayed symptoms that you suffer can still be used towards your case if reported within a reasonable time frame.
If you experience any new or worsening symptoms after a car accident, such as neck or back pain, or any unusual physical or cognitive changes, report them to your physician right away. Contact a car accident lawyer in Richmond after receiving medical care to discuss your injuries and other damages for an accurate evaluation of the worth of your personal injury claim.
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