Car Accident Injuries That Don’t Show Up Right Away

When it comes to car accidents, not all injuries are immediately obvious. Some symptoms can take hours, days, or even weeks to appear. At Zaber Law, we understand that delayed injuries can significantly impact recovery, daily life, and potential personal injury claims. 

Here’s what you need to know about common injuries that might not show up right away and how to protect your health and legal rights.

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when your head and neck are jerked suddenly, straining the muscles and ligaments. While some people may feel pain right away, others might not notice symptoms until a day or two later. Common signs include neck stiffness, headaches, and even dizziness.

Example: Sarah was in a minor fender bender, and she felt fine right after the accident. But two days later, she woke up with a stiff neck and headaches that didn’t go away. This delayed onset of symptoms is typical with whiplash, and her doctor confirmed the diagnosis.

2. Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head. Even in low-speed accidents, the impact can lead to a concussion. Symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, nausea, and fatigue – but they may take hours or even days to fully manifest.

Example: After a side-impact collision, Jake felt a bit shaken but didn’t experience any immediate head pain. The next day, however, he started feeling lightheaded and had trouble concentrating. He saw his doctor and was diagnosed with a mild concussion.

3. Back and Spinal Injuries

Back injuries, including herniated discs, muscle strains, or soft tissue injuries, may not always show up right after a crash. Pain, numbness, or tingling can develop over time as inflammation sets in or muscle strain worsens.

Example: Maria didn’t notice any pain right after her accident, but about a week later, she felt a sharp pain in her lower back that spread down her legs. It turned out to be a herniated disc caused by the accident, which needed physical therapy for recovery.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting from the sudden force of a car accident. These injuries can be slow to develop, showing up as soreness or stiffness later.

Example: John was hit from behind at a stoplight. He felt okay, but three days later, he noticed pain in his shoulders and upper back. His doctor confirmed he had soft tissue injuries from the accident, and he needed therapy to help relieve the discomfort.

5. Psychological Trauma

Emotional trauma is another type of injury that may not present itself immediately. It’s common for car accident victims to experience anxiety, flashbacks, or even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) days or weeks after the incident.

Example: Emily didn’t realize the emotional impact her car accident had on her until a week later when she started avoiding driving altogether. She sought help from a therapist who diagnosed her with mild PTSD, showing that even mental health injuries can be directly linked to accidents.

Why Immediate Medical Attention is Important

Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor after an accident. They can perform evaluations that detect injuries early, and this documentation will also help support any legal claims later.

Protecting Your Rights with Delayed Injuries

At Zaber Law, we understand that delayed injuries can complicate insurance claims. That’s why we work closely with our clients, gathering documentation, medical records, and expert opinions to ensure that all injuries, even those with delayed symptoms, are taken into account in their personal injury claim.

If you’ve been in a car accident, be mindful of symptoms that may develop over time. Early medical intervention and proper legal support can help you get the care you need and secure fair compensation for all injuries sustained. Contact Zaber Law today to discuss your case and learn more about your options.