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Delayed Pain After an Accident: What to Do

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Delayed Pain After an Accident: What to Do

When you’ve been in a car accident and suffered no apparent physical injuries, you may assume that you’re fine and only need to worry about getting your vehicle fixed. That is, until you start feeling severe pain hours, days, or even weeks later. This delayed pain is more common than you might think, and it can be a sign of serious injury. 

If you’re experiencing delayed pain after a motor vehicle accident, there are steps you should immediately take to seek a medical evaluation and financial compensation for any medical bills and lost wages. In this blog, we’ll discuss what to do if you notice pain after an accident, how to obtain treatment, and what an Oklahoma car accident lawyer can do to help you obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Why Does Delayed Pain Happen?

Delayed pain can occur for various reasons. After an auto accident, your body is often in a state of shock, and adrenaline can mask the pain. It’s only after your system starts to calm down that you might begin to notice aches, soreness, or more severe symptoms. This pain can be a sign of injuries that weren’t immediately apparent, such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or even internal injuries. It’s essential to take any delayed pain seriously, as ignoring it can lead to long-term health problems.

Common Types of Injuries with Delayed Symptoms

Some accident injuries can develop slowly and may not show signs until days or even weeks later. Recognizing them and seeking timely medical attention is critical for your health and well-being. Below are some common injuries with delayed symptoms that you should be aware of after an accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when your head is suddenly jolted back and forth, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Common symptoms, which might not appear until a few days after the accident, can include neck pain, neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even blurred vision.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises, often don’t cause immediate pain. These injuries can result in swelling, stiffness, and discomfort that develop over time. They’re common in car accidents due to the force of impact on the body.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and spinal injuries can range from mild to severe and might not be noticeable right away. Herniated discs, spinal misalignments, and muscle strains can all cause delayed pain in the back, which might radiate down the legs or cause numbness.

Head Injuries

Even if you didn’t hit your head during the accident, the force of the collision can cause your brain to move inside your skull, leading to a concussion or other traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and memory problems may not appear immediately but can develop over the next few days or weeks.

Internal Injuries and Bleeding

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are particularly dangerous because they often don’t present symptoms right away. If you experience chest pain, stomach pain, swelling, or unusual bruising after an accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, so it’s critical to take any delayed injury symptoms seriously.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can develop after an accident due to injuries to the blood vessels or prolonged immobility. A clot that forms in a deep vein, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can be particularly dangerous if it travels to the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of blood clots may include swelling, redness, blood in urine, and pain in the affected area (often the legs). If you notice any of these issues, seek medical help right away.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Not all injuries from an accident are physical. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a car accident. Symptoms of PTSD might include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and mood swings, and they may not surface until some time after the incident. It’s important to recognize these symptoms and seek professional help if you believe you may be experiencing PTSD.

What to Do If You Experience Delayed Pain

If you start to notice chronic pain after an accident, take the following steps to protect your well-being and get your personal injury claim started.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Don’t ignore any pain or discomfort that arises after an accident. Even if you feel the pain is minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical professionals can assess your condition, diagnose any injuries, and begin treatment right away. Early diagnosis is important not only for your health but also for documenting your injuries if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.

Document Your Symptoms

Keep a detailed record of your injury symptoms, including when they started, how they’ve progressed, and how they affect your daily life. This documentation can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies or in court. Write down any medical treatments you receive, medications prescribed, and any follow-up appointments. This information will help establish a clear link between the accident and your severe injuries.

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

After seeking medical attention, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan. This might include taking prescribed medications, attending physical therapy sessions, or following specific care instructions at home. Adhering to your treatment plan not only helps with your recovery but also shows that you’re taking your injuries seriously if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Report Your Injuries to Your Insurance Company

As soon as you’re able, report your injuries to your insurance company. In Oklahoma, you typically have a limited time to file a claim after an accident, so it’s essential to notify your insurer as soon as you become aware of your injuries. Be detailed in your report (but be careful not to state or imply that you contributed to the accident) and provide any medical documentation you have.

When dealing with insurance adjusters, be cautious about providing statements without consulting with a lawyer. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement. A personal injury lawyer can help you communicate with the insurance carrier and make sure you’re treated fairly.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re experiencing delayed pain after an accident, it’s a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney, especially if your injuries are serious or if you’re facing significant medical expenses. In Oklahoma, personal injury laws can be complex, and a lawyer can help you by filing an accident claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for your injuries.

An experienced attorney can also advise you on how to protect your rights and what to do if the insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement. They can represent you in court if necessary and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.

Avoid Settling Too Quickly

It’s natural to want to resolve your case quickly, especially if you’re dealing with medical care bills and other expenses. However, settling too soon can be a mistake if you haven’t fully understood the extent of your injuries. Delayed pain and symptoms can take time to manifest, and settling early may prevent you from receiving compensation for these issues later on. Your lawyer can help you evaluate an offer and negotiate for a fair settlement that accounts for the full scope of all traumatic injuries.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Oklahoma law has a specific time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing personal injury claims. The timeline is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit if you’ve been injured. However, if you discover your injuries after some time has passed, the clock may start ticking from the date you became aware of the injury. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as you notice symptoms to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.

At Carr & Carr, we believe that you deserve fair compensation for your injuries, and we’re committed to helping you achieve that. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses related to your accident, we’re here to support you.

Don’t Wait to Take Action- Speak to an Oklahoma Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’re dealing with delayed pain after an accident in Oklahoma, Carr & Carr is here to help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the challenges you’re facing and can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. We can help you with every step of your case, from documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. For more information or to schedule your free initial consultation, call our law firm at 918-201-0423.

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