It’s important to recognize that not all injuries resulting from a car crash are immediately apparent. Even if you feel fine or experience only minor discomfort at the accident scene, it's critical to seek immediate medical attention. Many severe conditions manifest later, but when you have a thorough medical exam after the collision, you ensure injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. 
Another essential consideration: if after a Pennsylvania car accident, you have delayed injuries that present further symptoms, you may need documentation from your initial exam to file a claim against the negligent driver. So be certain to contact a Philadelphia car accident attorney who can ensure your legal rights and compensation stay protected.
Types of Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident
There are several reasons why car accident injuries and pain may not be apparent immediately after a car accident. The adrenaline rush and initial shock experienced during the incident can temporarily mask pain or other symptoms. In fact, depending on the type of injury, some may not become evident until hours or even days after the accident. Here are some examples of late-appearing injuries.
Whiplash
This is a common injury in car wrecks, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the head is forcefully jerked back and forth, causing strain and damage to the neck muscles and ligaments.
Concussions
Head injuries like concussions may not be noticeable right away, but can cause delayed symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
Internal injuries
Internal injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately apparent, but symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, or dizziness may develop over time.
Back and spinal injuries
It’s also not uncommon for back and spinal injuries to present days or weeks after an accident. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or numbness.
Recovering Compensation for Delayed Injuries
One of the challenges in recovering fair compensation for delayed injuries is that insurance companies may attempt to attribute them to other causes or argue that they’re unrelated to the car accident. An insurance adjuster might argue that the injuries are pre-existing or resulted from a subsequent incident. These assumptions make it difficult to obtain the necessary medical treatment and fair compensation you deserve.
One way to ensure you receive rightful treatment and expense coverage is to work with an experienced attorney specializing in car accidents and personal injury law. A skilled attorney understands the complexities of cases like these, including the potential for car accident delayed injuries. They’ll work to establish a clear link between the accident and your delayed injuries, and build a strong case by doing the following:
- Gather valuable evidence
- Consult with medical professionals
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Be prepared to take your case to trial
By involving an attorney early on, you increase your chances of obtaining the necessary medical care and recovering fair compensation for your injuries. Damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket costs