Anderson Injury Lawyers | April 3, 2025 | Personal Injury
You’ve been in an accident. Maybe it was a car crash, a slip and fall, or some other sudden event. At first, you felt okay; maybe shaken up, but not in serious pain.
Now, a day or two later, the pain kicks in.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Delayed pain after an accident is common, and it can signal a serious injury. Knowing what to do next is key to protecting your health and your legal rights.
Why Pain Might Not Show Up Right Away
After an accident, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins. These “fight or flight” chemicals can mask pain and make you feel better than you really are. In fact, endorphins are called the body’s painkiller because they block nerves from receiving pain signals.
In the heat of the moment, this rush of hormones helps you react quickly and respond to what may be a dangerous situation. Hours later, once these neurotransmitters wear off, the pain may suddenly become obvious.
Some injuries also take time to develop. Swelling, inflammation, and internal damage aren’t always immediate. Pain and other symptoms may appear hours or days later as swelling and inflammation take effect. That’s why it’s important not to ignore the pain that starts after an accident.
Common Injuries With Delayed Symptoms
Not all injuries show up right away. Common injuries that involve delayed symptoms include:
- Whiplash: Neck pain or stiffness may not develop for 24 to 48 hours. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end crashes.
- Concussions: Headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or nausea can develop slowly.
- Back injuries: Herniated discs, strains, and other injuries may cause pain, tingling, or weakness that creeps in over time.
- Internal injuries: Pain in your abdomen, chest, or side could be a sign of internal bleeding or organ damage. Symptoms may develop over a period of days as the bleeding continues.
- Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, sprains, and strains may not hurt much at first but worsen over time.
If you notice pain, swelling, headaches, or numbness days after your accident, don’t ignore it.
What To Do if You Start Feeling Pain Later
Here are the steps to take as soon as you notice pain or other symptoms.
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
Even if it’s been a few days, don’t wait any longer. See a doctor or go to the emergency room if the pain is severe. Getting a medical evaluation is important for your health to make sure any injuries are diagnosed and treated. It also creates a medical record linking your injury to the accident.
2. Follow All Medical Advice
Stick to your treatment plan. If your doctor orders rest, physical therapy, or medication, follow those instructions closely. Missing appointments or ignoring medical advice can hurt both your recovery and any legal claim you may have for damages.
3. Document Everything
Keep track of your symptoms: when they started, how they’ve changed, and how they affect your daily life. Write everything down or use a note-taking app. This documentation can be helpful evidence later.
4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies may try to downplay delayed pain. They might argue that if you were really hurt, you would have said something sooner. Don’t fall for this.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without speaking to a lawyer first.
5. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurance company, and negotiate on your behalf. Your attorney will make sure you’re treated fairly by insurance companies.
Why Delayed Pain Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
Insurance companies often use delays in reporting injuries or seeking treatment to argue that the accident didn’t cause them. If you wait too long or don’t take your pain seriously, it can make it harder to prove your case. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for a free consultation today so that you can learn about what you should do next.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
