What If I Felt Fine After the Accident but Started Hurting Days Later?

Experiencing pain or other symptoms days after a car accident is not uncommon. Arizona law recognizes that some injuries may not present immediately, and you have the right to seek compensation for these delayed injuries.

Understanding Delayed Injury Symptoms

After a car accident, your body may release adrenaline, which can mask pain and other symptoms. Once this effect subsides, injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may become apparent. It’s crucial to monitor your health closely in the days following an accident and seek medical attention if new symptoms arise.

Recent Case in Phoenix

In a recent case in Phoenix, a driver involved in a rear-end collision felt fine immediately after the accident but began experiencing severe neck pain and headaches three days later. Medical evaluation revealed a whiplash injury, a common delayed symptom following such accidents. This case underscores the importance of seeking medical attention even if you feel uninjured initially.

Arizona Law and Your Rights

Under Arizona law, you have the right to pursue compensation for injuries resulting from a car accident, even if symptoms appear days later. The state’s personal injury laws are designed to protect victims who experience delayed symptoms, ensuring they can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Statute of Limitations

Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (A.R.S. § 12-542). However, if injuries are discovered later, the clock may start from the date the injury was or should have been discovered. It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

What To Do Next

If you begin experiencing symptoms days after an accident, take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately to document your injuries.

2. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses.

3. Consult with experienced personal injury attorneys to discuss your case and legal options.

At Hirsch Talcott, our team, including attorney Jack Hirsch, a Certified Specialist in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death, and attorney Chelsie Talcott, a former Maricopa County Deputy Public Defender, is dedicated to advocating for injured Arizonans. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Learn more about our fee structure here.

For more information on our services, visit our personal injury attorneys page. To understand why injured Arizonans choose us, see why injured Arizonans choose us. To hear from our satisfied clients, read what our clients say.

Don’t let delayed symptoms prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact Hirsch Talcott today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Where to get help

If this situation applies to you, Hirsch Talcott offers a free consultation — speak with a Phoenix wrongful death lawyer to understand your options.