It’s one of the most common types of car accidents: you’re stopped at a red light or in traffic, and suddenly you are jolted forward by a car hitting you from behind. The initial shock of a rear-end collision can be intense, but often, after the initial scare wears off, you might feel okay. You get out of the car, exchange information, and see that the damage to your vehicle is minimal. You might feel a little stiff or sore, but you chalk it up to the stress of the moment. You tell the other driver, “I’m fine.”
This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make.
In the hours, days, and even weeks following a rear-end collision, you may begin to experience a range of debilitating symptoms. These delayed injuries are incredibly common, and if you’ve already told the insurance company you’re “fine” or accepted a quick settlement, you may have forfeited your right to the compensation you desperately need. It’s a heartbreaking situation we see all too often. Here’s what you need to know about the hidden dangers of delayed symptoms.
Why Don’t I Feel Hurt Right Away?
The human body has a powerful, built-in defense mechanism. When you experience a traumatic event like a car accident, your body releases a flood of adrenaline. This “fight or flight” hormone is designed to help you survive a crisis. It increases your heart rate, sharpens your focus, and, most importantly, it masks pain.
This adrenaline rush can last for hours, making you feel perfectly fine when you are actually seriously injured. It’s only when the adrenaline wears off that the true extent of the damage begins to reveal itself.
Common Delayed-Symptom Injuries After a Rear-End Crash
Rear-end collisions are notorious for causing injuries that have delayed symptoms. The sudden backward-and-forward whipping motion of the head and neck can cause significant damage to the soft tissues, spine, and even the brain.
1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is the most common injury in a rear-end crash. It’s an injury to the soft tissues of the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms can take 24-48 hours or longer to appear and include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, and back
Insurance companies love to downplay whiplash, calling it a “minor” injury. But a severe whiplash injury can lead to chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, and a lifetime of medical treatment.
2. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
You don’t have to hit your head to suffer a concussion. The violent jarring motion of a rear-end crash can cause your brain to slam against the inside of your skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The symptoms can be subtle and may not be immediately obvious. They include:
- Headaches
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Memory problems
- Irritability and mood swings
- Sensitivity to light and noise
A concussion is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional problems.
3. Herniated Discs and Back Injuries
The force of a rear-end impact can put immense pressure on your spine, causing the discs that cushion your vertebrae to bulge, rupture, or herniate. This can lead to debilitating lower back pain, as well as pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down your legs (sciatica). These symptoms can develop over time as inflammation increases.
What You Must Do After a Rear-End Collision
Given the high potential for delayed injuries, there are two things you must do after any rear-end collision, no matter how minor it seems:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room, or see your primary care physician as soon as possible after the accident. A medical professional can diagnose hidden injuries and begin treatment right away. It is also critical for your legal claim, as it creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries. If you wait weeks to see a doctor, the insurance company will argue that your injuries must have been caused by something else.
2. Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Before you give a statement to any insurance company, you should speak with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your words against you. If you say “I’m fine,” they will use that to deny your claim later when you are in severe pain. An attorney will handle all communications with the insurer, protecting you from these traps.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: How long do I have to see a doctor after a car accident?
A: You should see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Q: The insurance company is pressuring me to sign a settlement. What should I do?
A: Do not sign anything until you have spoken with an attorney. A quick settlement offer is a red flag. It means the insurance company wants to close your case before you realize the true extent of your injuries and the potential cost of your future medical care.
Q: The damage to my car is very minor. Can I still have a serious injury?
A: Yes. Modern cars are designed to withstand low-speed impacts with minimal property damage. However, the force of that impact is still transferred to the occupants of the vehicle. There is no correlation between the amount of property damage and the severity of a person’s injuries.
Protect Yourself from the Hidden Dangers
The aftermath of a car accident is no time to take chances with your health or your financial future. The experienced and compassionate car accident attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler understand the science behind delayed-symptom injuries, and we know how to fight the insurance companies that try to dismiss them.
We invite you to visit our homepage to learn more about our firm. If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, please contact us at 608-784-4370 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the care you need and the compensation you deserve.”””