Accidents can be particularly jarring and traumatic, particularly car accidents. Following a collision, people can experience a “fight or flight” response, which floods the body with adrenaline. This response prepares your body for movement while suppressing the pain signals from your body. Even hours after the incident, your body could still be protecting you from pain signals designed to draw your attention to a harmed portion of your bones or tissues.

Delayed symptoms are especially prevalent in soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash. Whiplash is an injury to the neck and upper back muscles that results from the sudden forward and backward motion of the head and neck during a collision. These types of injuries usually result in pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion, but they may not manifest until weeks after the date of injury. There also may be more serious spinal injuries that are not diagnosed immediately after the accident. Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, can also have delayed symptoms.

Even in a minor collision, it’s essential to visit the doctor as soon as possible. A full medical evaluation after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights for compensation. Seeing a doctor shortly after your accident can be crucial to the success of your claim. The longer you wait to seek medical attention the more likely an insurance company will question the cause of your injuries.

While delayed injuries may complicate your personal injury claim, you still might be entitled to compensation with the help of a skilled Walnut Creek personal injury attorney.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence or carelessness of another person, call Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today. Our attorneys and staff are welcoming and professional, and we pride ourselves on providing our community with compassionate, trusted, and reliable legal advocacy. Let us see how we can help.

Contact us at (925) 275-5592 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.