Protecting your health is your top priority after a car accident. Even if you feel fine or only have minor aches, it’s vital to see a doctor immediately. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not show up until days or even weeks after the collision. But is there a point when it’s too late to see a doctor? And if so, when is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident?
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Tampa car accident lawyers receive many questions along those lines. Here’s what you need to know. Waiting too long could not only worsen your injuries but also weaken any claim against the other driver. Here’s why prompt medical attention is crucial after a car accident and what you should do if you haven’t seen a doctor yet.
Why You Should Seek Urgent Care After a Car Accident
You should see a doctor immediately after a car accident because some injuries aren’t symptomatic until hours or days later. By seeing a doctor right away, you can catch hidden injuries early and start treatment, preventing them from getting worse.
Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention creates a clear record of your injuries, which is vital in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you delay treatment, making it harder to recover fair compensation. Seeing a doctor immediately protects your health and legal rights by creating documentation that connects your injury to your accident.
How Long Do You Have To See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
It’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. In general, you should see a doctor within 72 hours of the collision. Seeing a doctor immediately helps establish a clear link between the accident and any injuries you sustained. Waiting too long could give the insurer a reason to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident. They could deny your claim on that basis, making it harder to get the compensation you need.
Even if 72 hours have passed, it’s still critical to see a doctor as soon as you can. Getting checked out can help you identify issues that might not be immediately obvious. While it’s always best to seek treatment right away, don’t let the fear of it being “too late” stop you from seeing a doctor. Your health and legal rights are important, and getting a medical evaluation is a critical step in protecting both.
How Long After an Accident Can You Claim Injury?
You can claim injury after a car accident any time before the statute of limitations runs out. In Florida, the statute of limitations for car accidents (and other personal injury cases) allows two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, waiting too long to see a doctor or file a claim can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. Seeing a doctor immediately helps document your injuries and connects them directly to the accident. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to prove the accident caused your injuries, which can make it more difficult to recover compensation.
Common Delayed Injuries from Car Accidents
While many car accident injuries are immediately obvious, others can take hours or even days to show symptoms. These delayed injuries are often just as severe as those that are immediately noticeable, and ignoring them can lead to long-term health problems. Here are some delayed injuries to watch for after a collision.
- Whiplash – Whiplash occurs when the head and neck suddenly jolt back and forth. This injury is a common result of rear-end collisions. These injuries can damage the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck. Symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and headaches might not appear until a day or two after the accident. If left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term discomfort.
- Concussions – A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when the head is violently shaken or struck. Traumatic brain injuries often occur in car accidents. Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, confusion, or memory problems might not be immediately obvious. Delaying treatment for a concussion can increase the risk of more severe brain injuries, including cognitive impairments and long-lasting neurological issues.
- Internal Bleeding – Internal bleeding can occur when the body experiences a strong impact, such as hitting the steering wheel or dashboard during a car crash. Unlike external injuries, internal bleeding might not be immediately visible, and symptoms like deep bruising, abdominal pain, or dizziness might take time to develop. Without prompt medical attention, internal bleeding can become life-threatening, leading to organ damage or failure.
- Soft-Tissue Injuries – Soft-tissue injuries are harm inflicted on muscles, ligaments, or tendons, such as muscle sprains or strains. These injuries might not cause immediate pain or swelling, leading accident victims to believe they are unhurt. However, if left untreated, soft-tissue injuries can worsen over time, resulting in chronic pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
How We Can Help After a Tampa Car Accident
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand that life can get hectic after a car accident, and you might not have seen a doctor right away. Even if you delayed seeking medical attention, we can guide you through the challenges of pursuing compensation for your injuries. Our team will work closely with you to learn about your situation, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case for you.
We can take care of all the paperwork involved in an insurance claim or lawsuit and protect your rights along the way. If the insurance company tries to argue that your injuries aren’t serious because you didn’t see a doctor immediately, we’ll fight back on your behalf. We know how to handle these tactics and will work tirelessly to get you fair compensation.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing pain, we can help you recover the money you need to move forward. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Call (619) 233-5020 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
