What to Do When You Experience Delayed Pain After an Accident

You may not experience pain immediately after a car accident in West Virginia. Symptoms may take hours, days, or weeks to appear after a crash. This means delayed pain often becomes an area of confusion and concern, especially if you are unsure about whether it is related to your car accident. Understanding what to do when you experience delayed pain is critical for protecting your rights. 

Symptoms to Look Out for After a Charleston Car Accident

It is important to monitor your body closely after a car accident, whether you feel pain immediately or not. Many different injuries may not present symptoms right away. 

The most common symptoms of delayed pain can include:

  • Neck and back pain: Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents due to sudden head jerking. It may cause stiffness, soreness, or pain in the neck and back hours or days later.
  • Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines can signify a delayed concussion or neck injury. You may not feel them until a few days after your accident.
  • Shoulder pain: Pain or shoulder stiffness can develop due to muscle strain or ligament injuries. 
  • Dizziness or nausea: Feeling lightheaded or experiencing nausea could indicate a concussion or another head injury, even if you did not hit your head directly.
  • Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain may indicate internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
  • Stiffness in the legs or arms: Bruising, soreness, and swelling in the limbs after a crash may point to soft tissue injuries or fractures.

Be sure to see a doctor if you experience any delayed pain after an accident. A doctor can help determine the cause and whether it may be related to your crash.

Can You Receive Compensation for Delayed Pain and Injuries After a Car Accident?

Yes, you may be able to receive compensation for delayed pain after your car accident. Many personal injury claims involve delayed symptoms. You will just need to establish the pain is connected to the accident to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Documentation is often key to receiving compensation for delayed injuries. As soon as you notice pain or discomfort after an accident, you should:

  • Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor to document your injuries and pain. Even if the pain is mild, get checked to rule out potentially serious injuries. Make sure to mention that you are experiencing delayed pain and provide a detailed account of when your symptoms began.
  • Keep a record: Maintain detailed records of your symptoms, including when the pain started, how severe it is, and any treatments you have received. If possible, take pictures of visible injuries like bruising or swelling. This can be important evidence if pursuing a personal injury claim.
  • Follow medical advice: Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments. This shows that you are taking the necessary steps to recover and helps link your accident and injuries.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer: An experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and lead you through the claims process.

A Charleston, WV, car accident lawyer can help you calculate the compensation you may be entitled to for delayed pain and suffering

How Long After a Car Accident in West Virginia Can You Claim Injury Damages and File a Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in West Virginia is two years. This means you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for damages, regardless of when the pain or symptoms appear. 

This makes it important to seek medical attention and speak with a car accident lawyer when you notice symptoms, even if they occur after some time. The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a successful claim.

Experiencing Delayed Pain After a Car Accident? Contact a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Today

Delayed pain after a car accident is a real issue that should not be ignored. If you experience any injury symptoms after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately and consult a Charleston car accident lawyer to discuss your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for delayed pain, even if it did not appear immediately. 

Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.

Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314

(304) 346-5990

Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801

(304) 252-5990 

Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505

(304) 225-5990