Immediately after a car accident, you should typically be able to assess whether you have suffered an injury. If you are lucky, you will only have minor cuts and scrapes, and a trip to the hospital might not be necessary. While you may be able to walk away from the accident seemingly unharmed, there is a possibility that you did sustain an injury – it just may not be obvious yet. It is possible for you to feel soreness and pain the day after your accident and experience the symptoms of your injury within days or weeks.
When this happens, you may be suffering from delayed injuries.
Common Symptoms Of A Delayed Injury
Following a car accident, your body often produces adrenaline, temporarily hiding body aches and pains. After a while – which can be anywhere from a few hours to a few days – you may experience some aches and pains, including headaches, pain in the shoulder or neck, back pain, numbness in your limbs, abdominal pain, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms may indicate that you have an injury that requires immediate treatment.
You must seek treatment before your symptoms get worse. A persistent headache may indicate a concussion or brain injury. Your back pain can be a sign of spinal damage and may progress, making movement difficult. If you experience flashbacks of the accident and an irrational fear of getting back on the road, you may be suffering from PTSD.
Seeking Treatment For Delayed Injuries
Ideally, you should go to the hospital immediately after an accident to prevent your injury from worsening and get the necessary treatment. If you cannot, it is best to seek treatment the moment you experience the symptoms of an injury. You may also want medical documentation for your injury, as this may be helpful if you file an injury claim.
Delayed injuries are not uncommon. It is wise to seek medical care if you believe you were fine immediately following the accident and later experience symptoms of an injury.
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Scott M. Blumen
Scott M. Blumen, Attorney at Law, APC offers personalized, results-focused legal help for injury and workers’ compensation cases in San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started is easy. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, car accident, construction accident, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Scott Blumen Law today. Call (619) 439-1837 to discuss your situation and receive an honest assessment of your legal options.
Since 1989, Scott Blumen has helped thousands of injured individuals throughout San Diego. He is known for providing honest legal advice, straightforward communication, and experienced representation in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law. As a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law, he offers knowledge that many firms cannot provide.
Many injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, Scott Blumen is prepared to advocate for your interests throughout the legal process and pursue the best possible outcome.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related losses. Every case is unique, and the available compensation depends on the facts of your claim.
California law places deadlines on filing both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. Missing these deadlines could affect your ability to recover compensation. Contact Scott Blumen as soon as possible after an accident to discuss the time limits that apply to your case.
Yes, in certain situations. While workers’ compensation covers most work-related injuries, you may also have a separate personal injury claim if a negligent third party contributed to your accident, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another driver. Scott Blumen has experience handling cases involving both types of claims.
Although you are not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation can be extremely beneficial if your claim is delayed, denied, your benefits are disputed, or your injury is serious. Scott Blumen is a Certified Legal Specialist in California Workers’ Compensation Law and has over 30 years of experience helping injured workers.
Your health should always come first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, report the accident if appropriate, gather photos and witness information when possible, and avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Prompt legal guidance can help protect your rights.
Scott Blumen represents clients in a variety of injury-related matters, including:
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Personal injury cases
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents
- Brain injuries
- Wrongful death cases
- Product liability claims
Most personal injury and workers’ compensation cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally do not pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf. During your consultation, Scott Blumen can explain how fees apply to your specific case.
The value of a case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, and how the injury has affected your daily life. Scott Blumen provides straightforward, honest assessments rather than unrealistic promises so you know what to realistically expect.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence or suffered an injury while performing your job, you may have a valid legal claim. Every situation is different, so the best way to determine your options is through a consultation. Call Scott Blumen Law at (619) 439-1837 to discuss your case and receive an honest evaluation.
