Being involved in a car accident in Littleton, Colorado is a frightening experience. In the immediate aftermath, many people assume they may have avoided serious injury if there are no visible wounds. However, not all injuries show symptoms immediately. In some cases, pain and other warning signs may not appear until hours or even days after a collision.
Why Injuries Can Have Delayed Symptoms After a Collision
After a motor vehicle accident, your body may experience shock or heightened stress. Adrenaline and endorphins can temporarily mask pain and inflammation associated with injuries under the skin. You may feel “fine” at the scene of the crash, even when injuries are developing.
Additionally, some injuries worsen gradually, with swelling, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage taking time to produce. In other cases, the force of a collision causes small injuries that become painful only after inflammation sets in. Therefore, it is not unusual for accident victims to feel normal immediately after a crash, only to experience significant pain or neurological symptoms days later.
What Injuries Present Delayed Symptoms
Several types of injuries are known for delayed onset symptoms after a car accident. Of course, most of these occur inside of the body or under the skin. They include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries may not appear until 24–72 hours after the collision as muscles and ligaments become inflamed.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may develop gradually, even without a direct blow to the head.
- Back injuries and herniated discs can worsen over time and lead to pain, stiffness, numbness, etc. later on.
- Internal bleeding or organ damage can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may emerge days or weeks after the accident.
These injuries can significantly impact your daily life and may require ongoing medical treatment if not addressed right away.
When You Should Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention after any car accident, even if you feel fine initially. Immediate evaluation helps uncover hidden injuries (if there are any) and creates an important medical record linking your condition to the crash.
You should seek medical care right away if you experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Headaches or dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Abdominal pain or unexplained bruising
- Sleep disturbances or mood changes
If symptoms appear days after the accident, do not ignore them or assume they will resolve on their own. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and make recovery more difficult. Additionally, insurance companies may accuse you of failing to mitigate your damages which can diminish your compensation in a personal injury claim in Littleton, Colorado.
When You Should Seek Legal Representation
If your delayed injuries lead to medical treatment, missed work, or lasting impairments, you may have a car accident claim. A personal injury case provides you with the opportunity to recover money for your economic damages, such as medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you are experiencing delayed injury symptoms after a car accident, consider consulting an experienced car accident lawyer for help understanding your rights. Contact Legal Help in Colorado to schedule a free consultation.