What to Do When You Experience Delayed Pain After an Accident
Not all injuries from car accidents are immediately obvious. In many cases, pain and other symptoms can appear hours, days, or even weeks after the crash. If you’re in a motor vehicle accident in Denver, Colorado, knowing what to do about delayed pain is crucial. This helps protect your health, finances, and legal rights.
Understanding Delayed Pain After an Accident
Delayed pain is a common occurrence following a car accident. The shock and adrenaline from the crash can hide pain and injuries. Symptoms often show up once your body relaxes.
Additionally, some injuries develop gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. Common delayed injuries include:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety
Always seek medical help after an accident. Delayed pain can occur, even if you feel fine at first. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding complications.
What to Do if You Experience Pain After an Accident
If you feel pain or symptoms after an accident, it’s important to act quickly. Steps that you should take include:
- See a doctor as soon as possible to evaluate your symptoms.
- Inform your doctor that you were recently in an accident and describe all new symptoms.
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments.
- Document your symptoms, medical treatment, and how the injury affects your daily life.
These steps link your accident to your delayed injuries. This connection is key for getting compensation.
How Delayed Pain Can Affect Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
In Colorado, personal injury victims can file a lawsuit within two years. If it’s a motor vehicle accident, they have three years. However, insurance companies often challenge claims involving delayed pain, arguing that the injuries are unrelated or exaggerated. Protecting your right to compensation requires:
- Prompt medical attention to create a paper trail linking your injuries to the accident
- Avoiding social media posts that may minimize or contradict your injury claim
- Consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling delayed injury claims
Taking these precautions can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Common Tactics Insurers Use Against Delayed Injury Claims
Insurance companies are skilled at disputing delayed pain claims. Some common strategies they may use include:
- Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident
- Claiming your delay in seeking treatment shows your injuries are not serious
- Offering a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known
Being aware of these tactics allows you to prepare and avoid accepting an unfair settlement.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After an Accident
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your damages will be reduced by 20%. Understanding these rules is important when pursuing a personal injury claim after experiencing delayed pain.
Protect Your Health and Legal Rights if You Experience Delayed Pain After an Accident
If you experience delayed pain after an accident in Denver, acting quickly can protect both your health and your right to compensation. Seek medical care, document your symptoms, and consult an attorney if necessary. By taking these steps, you can strengthen your claim and ensure you receive the support you need for your recovery.
Contact our Denver Personal Injury Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver personal injury lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO