Immediately after a car accident, you might feel fine. No pain, no bruises — just adrenaline. But not all injuries show up right away. Delayed injuries are common and can seriously impact your health and legal claim.
Common Delayed Symptoms:
- Whiplash: Neck pain may appear 12–48 hours later
- Back pain: Could indicate spinal injury or herniated disc
- Headaches: May be a sign of concussion
- Numbness or tingling: Could suggest nerve damage
- Mood swings or sleep trouble: Signs of PTSD or TBI
Why Do Injuries Show Up Late?
- Adrenaline masks pain
- Inflammation builds over time
- Micro-tears in muscles worsen with movement
Legal Risk of Delayed Reporting:
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t accident-related if you wait too long to seek care.
What to Do:
- Visit a doctor even if you feel fine
- Get follow-up care
- Keep medical records and track symptoms
- Contact a lawyer early
Tip: Always report any symptom changes to your doctor. Your health — and your case — depend on it.