What Are Common Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident?

If you experience delayed symptoms weeks or even months after your car crash, seek medical attention and document your expenses.

While getting immediate medical attention after an auto accident can identify obvious physical symptoms like cuts, soft tissue damage, and broken bones, there are many delayed onset symptoms that are equally as dangerous. Common delayed symptoms after a car accident include whiplash, concussions, back pain, and internal bleeding. Psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, delayed shock, and PTSD, can also develop later.

If you experience delayed symptoms weeks or even months after your car crash, seek medical attention and document your expenses. For guidance and support on Long Island, our car accident law firm, Rosenberg and Gluck, L.L.P., can help you navigate the process of securing compensation for your injuries.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking motion. It is a common injury among car accident victims with symptoms that may not be immediately apparent. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms like neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness may appear days later and can lead to chronic issues if untreated.

Concussion

A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), can occur when the head is jolted or hit during an accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control, delayed pain with symptoms like neck pain, headaches, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise may not appear immediately after the accident.

Back Pain

Back trauma and spinal injuries such as herniated discs can have delayed symptoms. Pain may not be noticeable right away due to adrenaline and shock, but if untreated, spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, and long-term mobility problems.

Internal Bleeding

Internal injuries are dangerous since symptoms like abdominal pain, bruising, or dizziness may take time to appear. Signs of internal bleeding include swelling, fatigue, low blood pressure, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Emotional Issues and Delayed Shock

Car accidents can affect mental health, causing anxiety, depression, or driving phobias. These issues may take weeks or months to appear and can disrupt daily life. Delayed shock can cause rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or pale skin. Emotional signs include anxiety, confusion, irritability, or detachment. Sleep problems, nightmares, and fear of driving are also common psychological and stress symptoms.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another of the common delayed injury symptoms that can occur after a car accident. PTSD symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after the accident and can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

How Long After a Car Accident Can Symptoms Appear?

Injuries from car accidents can appear hours, weeks, or even months after traumatic events, with some like whiplash or concussions developing gradually. Monitor your body and seek medical treatment, even if you feel fine initially, as delayed symptoms may indicate serious issues.

Should I See a Doctor Even If I Don’t Feel Injured Immediately After the Accident?

See a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine, as some injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Early medical evaluation ensures proper treatment and helps document injuries for potential insurance or legal claims.

Delayed Symptoms May Indicate Serious Injury

Under New York’s no-fault system, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. If you have symptoms that appear later, this may be an indication that you have a serious injury and are entitled to pursue additional compensation beyond what’s covered by PIP.

Get Help from a Lawyer

Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is important to make sure you get full and fair compensation for your accident. Call today for a free consultation to discuss how your delayed symptoms may impact your case.