If you were involved in a car accident in Illinois, you may have walked away thinking you’re not seriously injured. However, as the days pass, pain starts to appear.
Your neck feels stiff. Your lower back aches. Headaches make it hard to concentrate. Delayed pain is unsettling, especially if you already told an insurance company you were okay. Now, you’re worried that you waited too long or that no one will take your claim seriously.
The fact is that delayed symptoms after a crash are extremely common. Our experienced Rockford car accident lawyer explains why pain may not appear immediately and how to protect your rights to compensation.
Common Causes of Delayed Pain After Rockford Car Accidents
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports nearly 1,500 people are injured due to car accidents in Winnebago County each year. Even a seemingly minor crash in Rockford can cause serious harm, but you may not notice any symptoms until days or weeks afterward.
Your body reacts to trauma in stages. Immediately after a crash, adrenaline can block pain signals. As your body calms down, injuries become more noticeable. Many accident-related injuries do not show symptoms right away, including:
- Soft tissue injuries;
- Whiplash, and other back or neck pain;
- Concussions and other head or brain injuries;
- Nerve injuries that cause tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Delayed pain does not mean your injury is minor. It often means your body is finally reacting to trauma that was hidden at first.
How To Protect Your Rights in an Illinois Car Accident Claim When Pain Is Delayed
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that even a minor crash or fender bender can leave victims suffering injuries that require tens of thousands of dollars in medical care. If you notice delayed pain due to a Rockford car accident, take quick action to protect your health and your rights in an injury claim:
- Visit your doctor immediately, share all symptoms, and explain that they were caused by a car accident and when it occurred.
- Follow their treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Adhere to any work or activity restrictions while you recover.
- Keep a record of symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
Getting prompt medical treatment helps document your injuries and link them to your accident. Without this connection, insurance companies often argue that something else caused your pain.
Delayed Pain Due To A Crash? Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Rockford Car Accident Lawyer Today
Delayed pain and other symptoms are common after car accidents in Illinois. Insurance companies know this, but still use it as an excuse to deny or downplay claims. At Tuite Law, we have over 60 years of experience dealing with insurers and fight to get you the compensation you need to cover medical costs, missed earnings, and other losses.
If pain appears days after your accident, trust your instincts and take action. Call Tuite Law at (815) 965-5777 to request a consultation with our experienced Rockford car accident lawyer.
