Handling Delayed Symptoms After a Brockton Car Accident

When you think about a car accident, you probably imagine broken bones, cuts, and bruises that show up right away. However, not all injuries are obvious right in the moment. In fact, some of the most serious injuries can take hours, days, or even weeks to appear. This is why it’s so important to know what to watch out for, and what to do if you start feeling pain or discomfort after the accident.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, our Brockton car accident lawyers have helped many clients who didn’t feel injured at the scene but later developed serious symptoms. If you or a loved one has been in an accident and are now experiencing delayed symptoms, we can help you figure out what to do next – medically, legally, and financially.

Why don’t some car accident injuries show up right away?

It might seem odd that you can walk away from a car crash feeling fine, only to wake up the next morning in pain. However, this is more common than you might think. Here’s why.

• Right after an accident, your body floods with adrenaline. This “fight or flight” response helps you stay alert in a crisis, but it can also block pain signals. You might not notice any injuries because your brain is focused on survival.
• Things like sprains, strains, and muscle injuries often develop slowly. You might feel just a little sore at first, and only later realize how serious it really is.
• Swelling can take hours or days to fully set in. This is especially true with injuries like whiplash or a herniated disc.
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) don’t always cause symptoms right away. Symptoms of TBI can be delayed, especially in cases where there is no loss of consciousness.

What are some common delayed symptoms after a Brockton car accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, here are some symptoms you should pay attention to, even if they show up later.

• Neck or shoulder pain is often a sign of whiplash, one of the most common delayed injuries. It can take a few days to show up, and sometimes longer.
• A headache that appears after an accident could be a sign of a concussion, whiplash, or even a blood clot. Don’t ignore it. Get it checked out right away.
• Pain in your lower or upper back could mean a herniated disc, soft tissue damage, or spinal injury.
• Abdominal pain or swelling could be a sign of internal bleeding, which is extremely dangerous. If you notice this, seek emergency medical care immediately.
• A numbness or “pins and needles” feeling could point to nerve damage or a spinal injury.
• Irritability, trouble concentrating, or feeling “off” could be symptoms of a brain injury.
• Problems sleeping or feeling unusually tired can also indicate a concussion or stress-related trauma.

What should I do if I notice delayed symptoms after a car accident?

If you begin to notice symptoms after your car accident, whether it’s hours or days later, don’t ignore them. Here’s what you should do.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms feel minor, it’s important to get checked out. Some injuries can get worse if left untreated. A doctor can also properly document your symptoms, which will be important for any legal claim you may make later.
• Follow through with your treatment plan. Go to all appointments, take any prescribed medication, and follow your doctor’s advice. This shows that you’re taking your injury seriously, which can help strengthen your legal case.
• Keep a journal of your symptoms, doctor visits, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. Take photos of any bruises, swelling, or other visible signs of injury. The more information you have, the better.
• Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone. Insurance companies may try to contact you quickly after an accident, often way before any delayed symptoms show up. If you give a recorded statement saying you’re “fine,” it could seriously hurt your case. Before speaking to the insurance company, talk to an experienced Brockton car accident lawyer like those at the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan.

Why do I need a car accident lawyer?

Delayed injuries can make your case more complicated. You may face challenges from the other driver’s insurance company, who might argue that your symptoms aren’t related to the accident, you waited too long to seek treatment, or you’re exaggerating your injuries.

Our qualified car accident lawyers can help protect your rights and make sure you secure fair compensation. We’re prepared to gather medical records, speak with experts, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we’ve helped injured drivers in Brockton and across Massachusetts for over 35 years. We understand how delayed symptoms work and how to build a strong case, even when the injuries don’t show up right away.

Can delayed symptoms affect my compensation?

If your injuries are serious, they may affect your ability to work, take care of your family, and enjoy your life the way you used to. That means you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

However, you only get one chance to settle your case. If you accept a quick insurance payout and new symptoms appear later, you can’t go back and ask for more money. That’s why it’s so important to wait until your symptoms are fully understood, get expert medical evaluations, and talk to a Brockton car accident lawyer before agreeing to anything.

Frequently asked questions about delayed symptoms

Can I still file a personal injury claim if my symptoms didn’t show up right away?

Yes. Here in Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But don’t wait too long. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Will the insurance company believe my injuries are real?

They might try to deny or downplay your claim, especially if you didn’t go to the doctor right away. That’s why it’s important to have medical documentation and an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

What if I already told the insurance company I felt fine?

It happens. The good news is that a statement like that won’t end your case, especially if you seek medical care soon after and your doctor links your symptoms to the crash. Our car accident lawyers can help explain the situation and fight for your rights.

At the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we’re here to support you after a car accident — whether your symptoms are immediate or delayed. We offer free consultations, and we don’t charge a fee unless we win your case. Don’t go through this alone. If you’re dealing with delayed symptoms after a car crash, let our experienced Brockton car accident lawyers guide you every step of the way. Call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.