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How Long After a Car Crash Can Symptoms Appear?

In the first few moments after a car crash, you are disoriented and in shock and might not feel any pain. However, symptoms may appear days or even weeks after an accident in some cases. It’s important to always seek medical care right away after a crash.

Our experienced team of doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors are here to help you recover. Get the care you need at our injury center in Decatur or one of our other locations in Georgia.

Seek Medical Care Immediately After a Car Crash

After a car crash, you know that you need to assess the damage and exchange insurance information with the other driver. However, remember to prioritize your health and seek medical care immediately.

Even if you feel fine initially, it is essential to go to the nearest hospital or ER as soon as possible after an accident. They have the expertise to identify any hidden injuries that could worsen without proper treatment.

If you do not get diagnosed and receive emergency care quickly, you may put your life at risk. Adrenaline can numb pain, and some accident victims may not realize they are suffering from internal bleeding or organ damage.

You May Experience Symptoms Days or Weeks Later

Even if you feel fine immediately after a car wreck, you may start experiencing painful symptoms days or even weeks later.

The problem is that the longer you wait before you get treatment, the more severe these injuries become. And, once some time has passed after the accident, it is also difficult, from a legal point of view, to prove the accident caused your injuries.

The Most Common Delayed Car Accident Injuries

Some injuries are obvious immediately after a car accident. However, there are some cases where symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks later.

One common example is whiplash occurs when the head and neck are abruptly forced back and forth during impact. Symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness may not surface until days later. Other soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains can also manifest with delayed symptoms.

a car accident can result in delayed injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another type of injury that may have delayed symptoms. Symptoms like confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior might take days or weeks to become apparent.

Delayed back pain is common after an auto accident. The force of a collision can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs, or soft tissues in your back. You may experience pain radiating from your spine, muscle spasms, or difficulty standing or walking.

Waiting to See a Doctor Can Hurt Your Legal Claim

To win compensation in a car accident claim, your lawyer must prove that the accident caused your injuries and your resulting damages, such as medical bills, etc. By seeking medical care immediately following the accident, you are establishing a clear link between the crash and any injuries you may have sustained.

If you delay seeking medical treatment, the other driver’s insurance company will often try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. Additionally, delays in seeking treatment can be seen as an indication that your injuries were not serious enough to justify the amount you demand in your claim.

The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the easier it becomes for them to make these arguments, leaving you to cover medical expenses for your injuries out of your pocket.

Let Our Medical Team Help You Recover!

After any car accident, seeking medical care right after an accident is vital. Even if you feel okay initially, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify any hidden injuries and ensure timely treatment.

Once you get a complete diagnosis, the doctors at our Decatur injury center are ready to assist you on your path to recovery. We will create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes complete recovery and pain management. We also work with your lawyer so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Do not wait any longer! The best medical care for your accident injuries is just one phone call away: 1-800-HURT-911!