Not all injuries show up right away after a car accident. Some take time—days, weeks, or even months—to fully appear. If you’re just now noticing pain or other symptoms long after your crash, you’re not alone. Delayed injuries are common, and they can still entitle you to compensation under Louisiana law.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we regularly help clients who discover serious conditions after the dust has settled. Led by attorney John Radziewicz, our firm is here to guide you through what to do if you realize, too late, that you were hurt more than you thought. From navigating tight deadlines to fighting for full compensation, we’re ready to protect your health, your finances, and your future, no matter when your symptoms begin.
Why Do Some Car Accident Injuries Take Time to Appear?
When you’re in a crash, your body floods with adrenaline. That fight-or-flight response can mask pain and injury for hours, or much longer. In some cases, internal injuries or neurological trauma simply take time to develop.
Common delayed injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion may emerge days after the impact.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Headaches, memory loss, dizziness, and personality changes can creep up gradually.
- Spinal injuries: Herniated discs or nerve damage may not become obvious until inflammation builds.
- Emotional trauma: Conditions like PTSD or anxiety often develop after the initial shock has worn off.
Even subtle signs, like difficulty sleeping, concentration problems, or persistent fatigue, can be linked to an injury. Don’t ignore them.
What to Do If You Notice Symptoms After the Accident
If weeks or months have passed and you’re just now connecting the dots between your symptoms and your accident, here’s what you should do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
A doctor can evaluate your condition, document your symptoms, and link them to the crash. Medical records are key evidence in proving your case.
2. Start a Symptom Journal
Write down when symptoms began, how they affect your daily life, and any treatments you’ve undergone. These details can make a big difference in insurance negotiations or court.
3. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Even if it’s been a while since the crash, legal guidance can protect your rights. A personal injury attorney can determine if your case qualifies for the discovery rule, assess your medical records, and advocate for full compensation.
4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies often try to downplay delayed injuries. Don’t accept a low settlement or make recorded statements without legal advice.
Can You Still File a Claim for Injuries Discovered Later?
Yes, but timing is critical. Louisiana’s statute of limitations for most car accidents is two years from the date of the accident (La. Civ. Code Art. 3492). This means you generally have one year to file a lawsuit for injuries related to the crash.
But what if your injury wasn’t diagnosed until months later?
That’s where the “discovery rule” comes in. If you couldn’t have reasonably known about your injury until after the one-year deadline, your attorney may be able to argue for an extension. This is rare, and only applies in exceptional cases, so it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as symptoms appear.
What Happens If You Already Settled?
If you signed a settlement agreement, often called a “Release of Liability,” you’ve likely waived your right to file additional claims for that same accident. In rare cases, your attorney may be able to reopen your case if:
- The other party committed fraud or withheld information
- New evidence has emerged
- A clerical error affected the outcome
Still, the best way to protect your future is to avoid settling too early. A good attorney, like our legal advocates at Crescent City Personal Injury, will factor in future medical care, ongoing pain, and any psychological impacts before advising you to settle.
Why Delayed Injury Cases Need Strong Legal Advocacy
When you realize your injury didn’t heal, or didn’t show up, until long after the crash, you may feel like you missed your chance. But you still have options.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we don’t just file claims, we tell your story. We dig deep to connect the dots, consult medical professionals, and build the case you deserve. Whether your pain started the day of the accident or months later, our job is to make sure the legal system sees the full picture.
Contact Our Louisiana Car Accident Lawyers at Crescent City Personal Injury Today
Your health is the top priority. Your future is worth protecting. And your pain is real, even if it took time to surface.
If you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms after a car crash in Louisiana, don’t wait. Contact us today at 504-608-0084 for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you need to heal.