How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

Injuries often appear immediately after a car accident; however, some types of injuries may take hours, days, or weeks to manifest. Understanding how long after a car accident injuries can appear can help you make the right choices for your care.

Head injuries, neck and spinal injuries, and some internal injuries may take longer to appear after a car accident. Even if you think you feel fine, it is important to seek medical attention after your crash. Then, follow your doctor’s orders to minimize your risk. 

If you have been injured in a car crash, a Raleigh car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Our team has over 120 years of combined experience advocating for injured victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What are Delayed Injuries After a Car Crash?

Delayed injuries after a car crash are those that may not initially show symptoms but reveal themselves hours, days, or weeks after the accident. Andrenaline can mask pain after a crash, and some injuries simply don’t show symptoms immediately. 

Sometimes, these injuries can be very serious, and it is important to get medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries commonly associated with delayed symptoms include:

• Whiplash 
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Internal injuries
• Fractures 
• Soft tissue injuries
• Joint injuries
• Psychological issues

In the days and weeks after a car accident, it is important to monitor your condition and watch for signs of a delayed injury. Attend follow-up medical visits and report any new issues to your doctor. Catching your injury early can prevent long-term complications.

What Delayed Injury Symptoms Should You Look for?

It is important to remain vigilant after a car accident and keep an eye out for indicators of an undiagnosed injury. Some of the physical issues to watch for after an accident that could be symptoms of a delayed injury include:

• Neck and back pain could indicate whiplash or spinal injuries.
• Persistent headaches, lightheadedness, and difficulty concentrating could be signs of traumatic brain injury.
• Swelling, pain, or difficulty moving a joint may point to a sprain, strain, or fracture.
• Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen could suggest injuries to internal organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys.
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or hands may be signs of nerve damage or a herniated disc.
• Shortness of breath, pain, or pressure in the chest might mean a lung injury or rib fracture. 
• Blurred or double vision can be a sign of concussion or eye injury.
• Anxiety, depression, or difficulty focusing can be indicators of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Bruises or swelling that appear after the accident are often signs of soft tissue injuries but could indicate internal bleeding.

How Long Until a Head Injury Appears After a Car Crash?

Understanding how long after a car crash injuries can appear is even more important when it comes to head injuries. Some head injuries, if left unaddressed, can cause long-term damage. 

Common head injuries after an accident that sometimes do not show symptoms right away include:

• Intracranial Hematoma: Occurs when blood collects inside the skull, either from a blow or impact
• Contusion: A bruise on the brain that can cause swelling and bleeding
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Damage to the brain’s nerve fibers, often due to a sudden jolt
• Subdural Hematoma: A type of brain bleeding that can develop slowly

If you believe you’ve injured your head, it’s important to visit a doctor immediately, even if you don’t feel any symptoms initially. Delaying care can worsen the injury.

Can You Sue for Delayed Injuries After a Car Crash?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. That means you have three years to pursue a claim or legal action for your injuries. However, there are some exceptions to that rule.

One of the exceptions is the Discovery Rule. This dictates that the three-year statute of limitations does not start until you become aware of your injury. You have a total of 10 years from the date of the accident to file your claim. 

It is important to speak with a skilled attorney to understand your options and get advice on how to proceed. A lawyer can identify the liable parties, calculate the value of your claim, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Get Help if You are Injured in a Car Crash

How long it takes for an injury to appear after a car crash depends on a range of factors. Seeking care immediately after a crash can make sure your emergent medical issues are addressed, but an injury you weren’t aware of could appear hours, days, or weeks later. 

It is important to be watchful after an accident and look for signs that you may have an undiagnosed injury. See a doctor if you are not sure, as some injuries associated with delayed symptoms can be very serious.

You may be able to seek compensation even if you don’t notice your injury at the time of your accident. Our team at Whitley Law Firm has been helping injured victims like you since 1974. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.