All car accidents are traumatic. However, some are more traumatic than others. Some accidents can cause severe harm to your body, but you probably would not notice it right away as there won’t be any external signs. Late appearing injuries after a car accident is a common phenomenon and happen to many people. Therefore, you are not alone. 

While the late discovery of injuries can affect your insurance claim and your lawsuit, there are a few steps you can take to avoid losing compensation and protect your rights. To avoid making any wrong moves, we suggest you consult with a Lehi, UT car accident lawyer in case your injuries are not visible after an accident. 

Why are my injuries taking time to show up?

When a car accident occurs, there are often signs of injuries that we seem to overlook. These happen for two main reasons. 

When you experience a car accident, your body experiences it too and goes through a state of shock. When this happens, the injured area of your body becomes numb with the shock and is unable to feel pain. When your body is unable to feel pain, you are likely to assume that you are unaffected by the mishap. This happens due to the release of hormones such as adrenaline and endorphins in your body. However, when these chemicals wear off, you start feeling the pain. 

Another reason is that the injury may not be clearly visible after the accident, but its symptoms may start showing. Sometimes these symptoms are so basic that you do not associate them with a car accident. For example, an internal injury may be causing your headache. But, if headaches are a common occurrence for you, you may not pay heed to them and assume that they are normal. 

What to do if my injuries do not show up right away?

Even if you feel minor pain or no pain at all, it is always a wise choice to see a doctor and get a full-body check-up. Some injuries cannot be identified without the help of a professional eye. A doctor can help check for internal injuries as well and suggest you to look out for symptoms of possible health conditions. 

Moreover, seeking medical help immediately after the accident can help you document your injuries which can serve as evidence while filing for a compensation claim. Not visiting the doctor after an accident may cause the insurance company to think that you were either not hurt severely or careless about your well-being. Both of these points can significantly affect your compensation.