What to Know About Delayed Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries - The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, LLC. | The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, LLC.
Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

What to Know About Delayed Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

If you were in a minor car accident, you might not think much about it if your car has no damage and you feel fine. However, weeks later, you might notice an ache that wasn’t there before. You’re sure that this is from your motor vehicle accident, but you’re not sure if you can still pursue compensation.

A car accident attorney can help you through your next steps. You can collect compensation for unseen delayed injuries, but it can be more difficult to prove.

Why Are Accident Injuries Delayed?

You might believe you didn’t suffer injuries if you aren’t in immediate pain following your car accident. However, some injuries don’t become apparent until weeks, or even months, after your collision. 

When you’re in a stressful situation like a car accident, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins act as natural painkillers and can mask your pain, causing your injuries to go unacknowledged. This state of shock prevents car accident victims from seeking proper medical care, which causes further complications. 

As endorphins leave your body, you’ll start to feel pain days later. Some injuries may seem minor at the time, but develop over weeks and become more severe. Post-accident medical issues often last longer than a quick evaluation after your accident.

As soon as you notice an injury, visit your doctor and contact a delayed injury accident attorney who can help you through the injury claims process to seek compensation. Finding the right legal counsel for delayed injuries is essential, as the longer it’s been since the accident, the harder it will be to prove your case. 

Examples of Delayed Injuries 

Many types of injuries can appear long after your accident.

Head Injuries 

If you’re experiencing a headache in the weeks following your accident, don’t ignore it. It could indicate a traumatic brain injury. Left untreated, traumatic brain injuries cause blood clots, nerve damage, strokes, and psychological issues. 

Muscle and Limb Injuries

If you notice any soreness in your muscles or limbs after your accident, contact a doctor. You may have torn ligaments, dislocations, or fractures. Watch for any swelling or stiffness in your muscles after the collision. 

Back and Spine Injuries

Back injuries can worsen drastically over time. If you feel any back pain, seek medical attention before it can escalate. Without treatment, back injuries make it difficult for you to stand and walk. 

Emotional Trauma 

Car accidents are traumatic events. Aside from physical injuries, you may sustain emotional trauma. The initial shock of the accident may mask the emotional damage as it does your physical pain. However, you may struggle with PTSD, anxiety, or depression later. 

Can You Sue for a Delayed Motor Vehicle Accident Injury?

Yes, you can still seek accident injury compensation if:

  • You didn’t sign a release form for a settlement offer
  • You can prove your delayed injuries are related to the accident
  • You can prove the liability of the other driver
  • You are filing within the statute of limitations 

An insurance adjuster may call soon after your accident. Don’t accept their offer until you’re certain of the value of your case. If the offer is too low, you can seek compensation through a personal injury claim instead. Your lawyer can help you prove that your injuries started after the accident.

Suffering From Delayed Car Accident Injuries? Contact Skilled Accident Attorneys

If you’re suffering from delayed car accident injuries, don’t do it in silence. An experienced delayed injury accident attorney from The Law Offices of Kevin J. Roach, LLC can help. Contact us at 636-242-6428 for a free consultation.