If you’ve been in an accident, you may feel fortunate to walk away without any obvious injuries. However, it’s not uncommon for pain and other symptoms to appear hours or even days after the accident. This delayed pain can be a signal of a serious injury, and ignoring these symptoms can put your claim and any potential injury claim at risk.
In this post, Alex Yadgarov & Associates will step into the shoes of a Queens car accident lawyer and explain what you need to know if you experience delayed symptoms.
Why Does Pain Sometimes Appear After an Accident?
Many accident victims are unpleasantly surprised when pain appears long after an accident. The delayed pain is because your body’s natural stress response system releases adrenaline and endorphins. These chemicals work by reducing pain and increasing alertness. As the effects of the hormones wear off, the symptoms become more noticeable.
Inflammation is also another delayed symptom. Soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, and even head injuries will not cause significant discomfort until the swelling progressively increases over the following days.
What Should You Do If You Develop Delayed Pain?
When you start experiencing delayed pain, take the following steps.
- Seek medical attention – After an accident, get yourself properly checked out by a medical professional. It will protect your health and create a documentary record that can help with your compensation claim.
- Tell the doctor about the accident – Inform the doctor or medical professional treating you when and how the accident happened and when symptoms started.
- Follow the recommended treatment plan – The treatment plan can include prescriptions, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and other care. You need to follow it consistently and ensure that there are no significant gaps.
- Keep medical records – Save your bills, prescriptions, diagnosis reports, and appointment cards. These can be used as medical evidence when claiming compensation.
- Document your symptoms – A simple log of your pains, limited mobility, and how symptoms affect your daily routine can show how an injury progressed over time.
What Are Common Symptoms That Appear Later?
Some of the most common later-stage symptoms include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Backpain
- Headaches
- Muscle soreness
- Numbness or tingling
- Dizziness or other concerning symptoms
- Difficulty with normal movements
Can Delayed Pain Affect a New York Car Accident Claim?
In New York, you can claim compensation for the injuries suffered during an accident. Since the pain is delayed, insurance companies will argue that the pain is not connected to the accident.
As such, you will most likely need to present supporting evidence to establish the connection between the accident and delayed symptoms. For this, you need medical evidence. Also keep in mind that the compensation will depend on a case-by-case basis.
What If You Initially Told Everyone You Were Fine?
It’s common for people to say “I’m fine” right after an accident. They often say this before they realize the extent of their injuries. If this has happened to you, don’t downplay your symptoms when they appear.
Be open and honest with your doctor—it could literally save your life. Tell your doctor when the pain started, keep an accurate record of the events, and do not exaggerate or speculate about your injuries.
At the same time, we, as your accident lawyer in New York, will advise you not to give any recorded statements. When you give a recorded statement, insurance companies will try to restrict you to that description. When that happens, you may not be able to claim proper compensation, especially if your condition deteriorates later.
When Should You Contact an Accident Lawyer in New York?
You should get in touch with a Brooklyn car accident lawyer when:
- The accident caused significant or persistent pain.
- The other driver disputes responsibility.
- The insurer questions the connection between the injury and the accident.
- You have missed work, and the symptoms affect everyday activities.
Conclusion
Delayed pain after an accident should not be ignored. Get proper medical attention, document your symptoms, and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. It will protect your health and your ability to claim compensation.
If you’re looking for legal assistance, Alex Yadgarov & Associates is here to help. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation.
