When Is It Too Late to Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?

Most people recognize the importance of seeking medical attention after sustaining an injury in a car accident. However, because some crash-related injuries are not immediately apparent, going to the doctor is simply not a priority for many car accident victims. Even those who have sustained noticeable harm might not realize that the timing of their initial hospital visit is critical for both their health and their potential compensation claim. With all this in mind, when is it too late to go to the doctor after a car accident?

The answer to this question will depend on unique aspects of your case, such as the nature of the collision and the severity of your injuries. However, here are the general points you should consider about the timing of seeking medical or urgent care after a car accident.

Why Is Swift Medical Treatment Essential?

You should always seek medical treatment after a car accident, even if you do not believe you have come to any harm. Insurance companies are notorious for finding ways to avoid paying claims and waiting too long to seek medical attention can allow them to argue that your injuries are not connected to the crash. Going to see a doctor as soon as possible after a traffic collision is crucial for optimizing your medical prognosis. Moreover, doing so will create medical records establishing a strong link between the crash and your injuries. With this evidence on your side, you can feel more confident in the robustness of your claim.

What Types of Car Accident Injuries May Have Hidden Symptoms?

Some injuries are immediately apparent after a car accident, especially when there is visible swelling, bleeding, or other external trauma. However, many injuries may remain hidden for days or weeks after an automobile collision. Delayed symptoms are sometimes due to the pain-masking effects of a post-accident adrenaline rush, but other causes may contribute in some circumstances.

Injuries that accident victims might not notice right away include the following:

• Whiplash – Some accidents can cause sudden back-and-forth motion of the head, leading to straining or tearing of the soft tissues within the neck. However, many whiplash sufferers do not experience the associated pain, stiffness, or limited mobility until a few days or possibly weeks after the event.
• Mild traumatic brain injury and concussion – While a head injury might be evident if there is external trauma, brain tissue itself does not have pain receptors. Confusion, nausea, behavioral changes, and other symptoms of TBI and concussion may take a few days to manifest.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage – Vital organs tend to have fewer pain receptors than other parts of the body. As such, injuries to the liver, kidneys, or pancreas may go undetected until they become life-threatening.
• Nerve damage – Injuries to certain nerves can interrupt your capacity to feel pain. However, they may impair other bodily functions over time.

The tremendous force a body undergoes can cause these and other injuries, even in seemingly minor accidents. Because you can never be sure you have escaped harm entirely, you should always see a licensed medical professional after being involved in any traffic collision. They can conduct scans and tests to detect injuries before you realize you have them. In some cases, this early detection can be lifesaving.

Should I See a Doctor Even If Weeks or Months Have Passed Since the Accident?

From a healthcare perspective, it is never too late to seek medical attention for accident-related injuries. While sooner is generally better, getting help for an injury weeks or months after a crash can still bolster your chances of recovery in the long run. Your doctor may be able to prescribe physical therapy, surgery, or a pain relief program that can significantly improve your quality of life.

Furthermore, if you work with a skilled Maryland car accident attorney, they can work to mitigate the delay’s adverse impacts on your compensation claim. In some cases, your lawyer can seek the assistance of an accident reconstructionist and a medical expert to demonstrate how and why your injuries could only have resulted from the collision in question.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit in Maryland?

From a claims perspective, Maryland’s personal injury statute of limitations is one of the most significant legal considerations affecting how long you have to see a doctor after a car accident. Under state law, an injury victim generally has a maximum of three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you fail to act within the required timeframe, the court may bar you from exercising your right to hold the at-fault party accountable. While exceptions may apply under limited circumstances, this strict three-year deadline means that you have limited time to gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate why you should receive compensation for your losses. The earlier you can begin collecting evidence, including medical records linking your injuries to the accident, the stronger your case will be.

Contact CHASENBOSCOLO Today for a Free Consultation

Whether your accident-related injuries occurred recently or some time ago, knowing what steps to take to protect yourself and your rights can be confusing. When you work with an experienced Maryland car accident attorney, you can get the legal insights you need to make informed decisions and the advocacy you require to secure the results you deserve.

At CHASENBOSCOLO, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car crash can be. Our seasoned attorneys are here to guide you on the path toward a brighter future. We began fighting for injured individuals across the DMV in 1986, and we have recovered over $750 million on their behalf since then. We are passionate about taking care of our clients, and we are ready to do everything we can to recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (301) 220-0050 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.