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Delayed Pain After an Accident  

David Lee Sellers, PA Nov. 30, 2022

Paramedic placing a cervical collar to an injured man from car accident.The initial trauma of a traffic accident can be an extremely painful experience. However, the full effects of an automobile accident may be felt days, weeks, or even months after the incident. In such cases, a personal injury claim can help alleviate the pain by ensuring victims get the medical attention they deserve. 

If you are experiencing delayed pain after an accident, contact the personal injury attorney at David Lee Sellers, PA, for clear legal advice on your next steps. Attorney David Lee Sellers has the practice, skills, and knowledge to fight for the compensation that you deserve. He proudly serves clients in Pensacola, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Milton, Florida. 

What Types of Injuries Can Lead to Delayed Pain? 

Delayed pain occurs when the full effects of an accident are felt well after the incident. Here are the injuries that typically lead to delayed pain: 

  • Head injuries such as a concussion, causing mild to severe headaches. 

  • Neck trauma such as whiplash. 

  • Back pain throughout the spine (lower back, shoulders, and neck). 

  • Back pain due to a herniated disc. 

  • Swelling throughout the body (arms, legs, and back). 

  • Numbness mainly in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs. 

  • Stiffness, particularly after sitting. 

Please note that it is common to miss pain symptoms immediately after the accident. Adrenaline and emotional distress can overtake the nervous system. As a result, accident victims may not notice any immediate symptoms. 

Additionally, accident victims may receive pain medication during an emergency room visit. Consequently, the pain may not appear until after the pain medication has worn off completely.  

Delayed Pain Symptoms to Monitor 

Here are key symptoms accident victims should monitor related to delayed pain after an accident: 

  • Frequent headaches, ranging from mild to severe. 

  • Blurry vision. 

  • Numbness or tingling in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. 

  • Stiffness in the neck, legs, lower back, or shoulders. 

  • Behavioral changes or mood swings. 

  • Trouble sleeping or inability to remain asleep (including nightmares). 

Please note that these symptoms may be indicative of a serious underlying condition. For instance, concussions are associated with headaches, blurry vision, and mood swings. Also, numbness, stiffness, and tingling in the neck and shoulder region are generally the result of whiplash. 

It is highly important to seek medical attention following a car accident. Accident victims should not hesitate to get treatment from their physician or visit the emergency room in Pensacola, Florida, and neighboring areas (Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Milton) if symptoms are serious. 

Can Accident Victims Still File a Personal Injury Claim If Pain Was Delayed? 

In short, yes. However, there is a catch. Please note that the time limit for filing a personal injury is four years in Florida. Consequently, the statute of limitations in Florida states that victims can still file a personal injury claim four years from the accident date. 

Accident victims should file a personal injury claim as soon as possible, especially if they have been seriously injured. Nevertheless, accident victims may want to wait a few weeks to determine if they experience delayed pain. In doing so, the claim can include delayed pain diagnosis and treatment to seek fair compensation for these injuries. 

Pursuing Compensation for Delayed Pain Injuries 

Auto insurance policies can pay out compensation for personal injuries. However, settling with an insurance company is a mistake too soon. It is essential for accident victims to seek medical attention immediately following an accident and then follow up. Following up days, weeks, and months after an accident can determine any delayed pain symptoms. Please remember that delayed pain may be a symptom of a more serious condition requiring long-term medical treatment. 

Please note that settling with an insurance company immediately after an accident means pursuing compensation for delayed pain injuries is impossible. Once victims have settled with an insurance company, the case is closed. Therefore, it is advisable to file a claim but wait before settling.  

A trusted personal injury attorney in Pensacola, Florida, can help accident victims determine the best course of action. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise accident victims on the right time to accent a compensation settlement. 

Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Florida 

Car accident victims pursuing compensation for delayed pain injuries in the Pensacola, Florida, area have trusted David Lee Sellers, PA, to assist them throughout the personal injury claim process. 

Reach out today to get a professional personal injury attorney that fights for accident victims’ right to fair compensation. Don’t live with pain. Get in touch with the right legal team today.