Delayed Pain After an Accident

According to statistics from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), there were approximately 331,796 traffic accidents statewide in 2020, causing 124,493 injuries. A person involved in a vehicle crash may sustain minor or severe injuries. In some cases, the injuries and pain may be delayed, or the symptoms may take an extended period to manifest. It’s an unfortunate reality that failure to seek immediate medical treatment may cause serious long-term pain, medical complications, and other health issues. 

Attorney Walter Gabriel is ready to represent clients throughout Georgia in their accident cases. As a Georgia personal injury attorney, Mr. Gabriel can evaluate all of the facts of your personal situation and make sure you’re treated properly for your delayed pain. Additionally, Attorney Gabriel can help file your personal injury claims and negotiate a fair financial settlement with the insurer. The firm proudly serves clients throughout Atlanta, Alexandria, and Dunwoody, Georgia. 

Injuries That May Result in Delayed Pain

After a traffic crash, some individuals can come out of their vehicles unscathed and without sustaining any injury. Generally, it is not uncommon for people who feel fine or unhurt after the crash to delay or overlook getting medical treatment. 

Unknown to these individuals, their injuries and symptoms may be only delayed. It might take numerous days, weeks, or even months after the accident for injuries to manifest. This is known as delayed pain or delayed symptoms. Below are some vehicle accident injuries that may cause delayed pain: 

• Abdominal pain from internal bleeding 

• Back pain 

• Back injuries 

• Spinal injuries 

• Whiplash 

• Neck pain 

• Concussions   

To find any delayed pain or injury, you need to seek prompt medical attention after the accident. Observe any signs and symptoms which indicate you might have a delayed injury. 

Delayed Symptoms To Watch For

After a motor vehicle accident, you should watch out for the following signs and symptoms of delayed pain: 

• Neck pain and stiffness 

• Dizziness 

• Numbness and tingling sensation 

• Confusion 

• Changes in sleep pattern 

• Ringing in the ears 

• Behavioral changes 

• Slurred speech 

• Sensitivity to light 

• Persistent headache 

• Vomiting and nausea 

• Continuous shoulder pain 

Treat your delayed injuries as soon as possible to avoid severe pain, health problems, and other medical complications. A trusted Georgia car accident lawyer can enlighten you about the next steps to take and guide you through the claims process. 

Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia, including auto accidents, is two (2) years since the accident or injury. This means that the plaintiff must bring a civil action to seek financial compensation for their injuries within two years from the date of the injury or accident. 

Don’t Settle With the Insurance Company Too Quickly   

Upon filing your injury claims, the insurance provider might propose a settlement offer. Except in very rare cases, you should never accept the insurer’s first settlement offer. Generally, trying to recover financial compensation for your delayed pain or injuries can involve several complexities. You should only consider accepting the insurer’s offer once you have reached MMI or full recovery. 

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the stage at which further improvements in your health condition may no longer be feasible. An experienced physician can examine your health situation, conduct different diagnoses, scans, and tests, and offer you the required medical treatments. 

Be sure to adhere to your doctor’s instructions and recommendations and take sufficient time to recover fully. Once you have reached full recovery or MMI, your legal counsel can calculate your full settlement amount, help file your claim, and pursue the maximum available financial compensation for your injuries and damages. 

Speak to an Experienced Attorney After Your Accident 

Being involved in any kind of accident can be a difficult experience and can affect you physically, financially, and mentally. Thankfully, Georgia laws allow accident victims to seek compensation for their injuries through a claim or lawsuit. Various issues often arise when you need to file claims for delayed pain or injury after the accident. That’s why consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. 

Attorney Walter Gabriel has the resources to advocate for your best interests and help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Using his in-depth legal understanding, Attorney Gabriel can walk you through the procedures involved in filing claims and pursuing damages. In addition, he will be by your side every step of the way. 

No one should have to go through the personal injury process alone—especially if pain shows up weeks or months after the initial incident. If you were injured in a negligent accident and you’re experiencing delayed pain, contact The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC today to schedule a simple one-on-one consultation. Attorney Walter Gabriel can offer you the personalized legal guidance and compassionate representation you need in order to move forward.