On your seemingly typical drive to work one morning, you get into a sudden car accident caused by another driver’s carelessness. Sure, the crash causes your head and neck to go back and forth, and your car sustains a little damage, but otherwise, you feel okay. You exchange information with the driver who caused the accident, file a police report, and go about your day.
However, fast-forward to a few weeks later, you are starting to experience some pain. Sometimes pain related to an injury is delayed days or weeks following a motor vehicle crash. Watch for a few symptoms to protect your best interests in Florida.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries With Delayed Symptoms
Types of physical injuries
- Neck pain: If you have pain in your shoulders or neck, you are likely experiencing whiplash. However, it is possible you may be experiencing a spinal injury as well, for instance, a herniated disk, which can be debilitating.
- Back pain: Pain in your back, especially in the lower area, might also point to whiplash. However, you may, again, be suffering from a herniated disk. Back pain may also signal a soft-tissue injury, such as muscle damage or a sprain. If you also have numbness or tingling, pinched nerves might be the culprit.
- Headaches: If you are still suffering from a headache for days or weeks, you may have suffered severe whiplash, a neck injury, concussion, or brain injury from the car accident. You might even have a blood clot. If you notice any TBI symptoms, such as delayed headaches, confusion, or mood changes, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care to protect your health and a potential brain injury claim.
- Abdominal pain: If you have pain in the abdominal area, this may be a sign of internal bleeding, which can also cause deep bruising, headaches, or dizziness. In this case, seeking immediate medical attention is paramount, as internal injuries to your soft tissue can be serious or even fatal if you do not seek treatment.
Emotional injuries
In addition to facing physical injuries following your car accident, you may find yourself dealing with emotional pain and suffering. For instance, you might have post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety as a result of the accident itself, your physical injuries or a combination of the two. Injuries to the brain might also lead to personality changes or emotional pain.
What To Do If You’ve Suffered Delayed-Onset Injuries In a Florida Car Accident
Unfortunately, the delayed injuries you suffered following a car accident in Florida can negatively impact your life by keeping you from being able to work, or by resulting in hefty medical costs. However, as long as you have not signed a liability release with the insurance company of the driver who caused your accident, it is not too late to seek monetary compensation, which can help you to address your injuries. Florida’s PIP rules make prompt treatment critical, and our lawyers can protect your claim when symptoms surface late.
Contact our Melbourne car accident lawyers for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
