California personal injury lawyers frequently handle cases involving car accidents. Whether it is an Uber collision, truck fatigue incident, or any other multi-vehicle crash, those involved may not notice injury symptoms right away. It is not unusual for symptoms to manifest after the fact, which is why it is crucial to seek medical attention soon after the incident regardless of whether symptoms are immediately present.
At the Law Office of John J. Perlstein, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys and Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have the necessary experience and expertise to handle a broad range of personal injury claims. These claims include truck accidents, car accidents, catastrophic injuries, and more.
When you need an advocate to fight for you, we are here. That said, your physical and mental well-being should always be a priority. This article aims to shed light on common delayed symptoms following a car accident so that you can become aware of any potential problems that may arise down the line.
How Long After a Car Accident Can Pain Occur?
Car accident symptoms can occur hours, days, weeks, or even months after the collision, depending on how severe it was. Certain types of damage or trauma have delayed or gradual onset, meaning the pain or injury will not immediately be noticeable or symptomatic.
Delayed symptoms might be present in tissue injuries, whiplash or neck pain, concussions and head injuries, internal harm, or psychological effects like emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Common Injuries With Delayed Symptoms
Many injuries take time to develop. If you do not experience symptoms at the accident scene or immediately after, pain may still develop later on. Below is a list of common injuries that present symptoms over time.
- Head and brain injuries, such as concussions
- Neck, shoulder, and back injuries, such as whiplash
- Spine injuries, such as herniated discs
- Internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage
- Psychological effects, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress
Car Accident Symptoms That May Be Delayed
It is important to be aware of the various delayed symptoms that can occur due to injuries resulting from a car crash. The comprehensive list below covers the most common after-car accident symptoms.
Pain and Soreness
Your muscles, joints, and soft tissues, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back, might start feeling sore and achy days after the accident. Specifically, whiplash is a common injury in car accidents that can lead to neck stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility.
Headaches, Dizziness, or Vision Impairment
Feeling more intense or persistent headaches after a car accident is common. Headaches can be a symptom of a brain or head injury, like a concussion. With traumatic brain injuries, you might also notice symptoms, such as dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, unusual sleep difficulty, confusion, memory loss, and more.
Numbness or Tingling
Delayed abnormal sensations, typically in the hands or feet, can be a result of a spinal cord injury, which can lead to paralysis or death. Other effects of spinal cord injuries include anxiety, difficulty breathing, impaired mobility, sexual dysfunction, and more.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Internal bleeding or organ damage might not be apparent right away. You may experience delayed symptoms like abdominal pain, swelling or tightness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, low blood pressure, weakness, and more.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury in California?
The statute of limitations, or the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit before losing your right to pursue a claim, varies by jurisdiction and the type of injury. In California, the statute of limitations for an injury sustained in a car accident, a slip-and-fall incident, or medical malpractice, is typically two years from the date of the injury.
The delayed discovery rule in California, however, can extend the statute of limitations in certain criminal cases. Such cases include when a plaintiff did not immediately discover or reasonably could not have discovered an injury or harm caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you experience delayed symptoms after a car accident, it is important to keep this rule in mind.
Since there can be exceptions and variations when it comes to the statute of limitations and the delayed discovery rule, it is crucial to consult a Los Angeles injury attorney or wrongful death attorney in Los Angeles to ensure you are guided in the right direction.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA
John J. Perlstein, one of the top personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for victims of car accidents and other personal injuries.
If you are having delayed symptoms from a car accident and need to file a personal injury claim, you can reach us at (213) 583-5786. Alternatively, complete the form on our website to schedule a free consultation with personal injury lawyers (Los Angeles and the surrounding area). This consultation will provide you with an opportunity to discuss your situation with us. We are here to help.