Even after major car accidents, injuries don’t always show up immediately – and when they do manifest late on, it can be surprising. Some injuries— often called delayed-onset or latent injuries —can take hours, days, or even weeks to make themselves known. What might feel like just a minor headache after a car accident could actually signal that deeper injuries are present, something serious like a traumatic brain injury (TBI). And even though they take longer to appear, it doesn’t mean they don’t carry the same risks. In fact, they may be even more dangerous.
car crash accident on the road
Personal injury law can get pretty complicated when symptoms don’t show up immediately. If you don’t know you have to go to the doctor, your compensation potential will be much lower than it would otherwise be. Today, we’ll review some common delayed-onset injuries and the risks they pose to your Florida personal injury case.
A Closer Look at Some Delayed-Onset / Lingering Injuries
Despite these injuries often starting subtly, making them easy to overlook, they can worsen and pose immense risks to injured Florida parties.
Whiplash: Whiplash is a common ailment after rear-end car accidents. But despite this widespread awareness, whiplash and its symptoms aren’t obvious; they often sneak up on you, showing up hours or even days later. This injury happens because of the rapid back-and-forth movement of your neck, and it’s not limited to read-end accidents. At first, you might just feel mild stiffness or have a slight headache, but it can evolve into severe neck pain, shoulder problems, or even dizziness. It’s very common for responding police officers or EMS workers to ask accident victims how they feel and, even if no current issues exist, push them to seek medical attention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs, which most people associate with concussions, are particularly tricky because their symptoms are often subtle and delayed. Even if you are aware of health risks and want immediate medical attention, receiving a proper diagnosis can still be hard. The CDC reports that TBIs account for nearly 70 thousand deaths per year. If you’ve been in a high-impact incident like a car crash here in Florida, don’t assume that feeling okay at first means there are no undying issues to worry about.
Internal Injuries: Many internal injuries are among the most dangerous because they don’t always produce visible symptoms right away. You might not realize anything is wrong until you start experiencing abdominal pain, swelling, or dizziness hours or even days later—a running pattern with these types of injuries.
Psychological Injuries: Not all injuries that present a clear danger to Florida injured parties are physical in nature. PTSD and anxiety conditions can take time to surface, especially after a particularly dangerous or life-changing accident. Conditions that cause you to suffer flashbacks, sleepless nights, or panic attacks are just as real as physical ones, and they can significantly impact your quality of life if left unaddressed.
Why You Need to Take Delayed Injuries Seriously
It’s apparent that leaving these injuries unchecked can be extremely dangerous, but beyond health concerns, it’s always prudent to seek medical attention to assist with later personal injury cases. Insurance companies, in order to pay less money and reduce liability, will do everything they can to argue that injuries aren’t related to the accident in question, especially if they weren’t documented right away. Proving the link between the accident and delayed symptoms requires thorough medical records, and if you only go to the doctor long after your accident, there may not be enough documentation to convince a jury, judge, or negotiating party.
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms after an accident, even if they seem minor, seek medical attention and talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Taking action sooner rather than later can protect your health and rights, helping you get the compensation you deserve for any lingering effects of the injury. Contact Probinsky & Cole today to schedule a consultation and review of your situation with our team of experienced Florida personal injury attorneys.
