Personal Injury Attorneys
Dover and Portsmouth, NH
(603) 742-2332 (603) 742-2332
Call For a Consultation

Why don't I feel pain immediately after a crash?

New Hampshire auto accident attorney

Whether you were involved in a traffic collision or other catastrophe, you likely sustained an injury. Even if you feel perfectly fine, injury symptoms may take days to manifest.

There is one problem with minor injuries. Those who sustain them often don't act until it's too late. If you think you're OK after a crash, think again. Delaying medical treatment can hurt your car accident claim. Here's why.

Adrenaline masks pain

The body has a way of tricking us into feeling like we're not hurt. It releases adrenaline when a crash or other traumatic accident occurs, according to CNN. The stress we feel in these situations could mask the pain of an injury for several hours, even days. This is referred to as "stress-induced analgesia."

Motorists often sustain whiplash, mild traumatic brain injuries, and concussions in crashes. These injuries often take several days to produce symptoms. Even mild hairline fractures or sprains can be masked by adrenaline.

Once these injuries fully manifest, they can impact your ability to go to work, engage in activities you enjoy, and perform daily tasks (such as carrying groceries or mowing your lawn).

Why should I seek immediate medical attention?

Even if you feel well enough to go about your day after a crash, you should still seek immediate medical attention. Doing so can benefit you in the following ways:

  • Your doctor may catch the injury early on and provide treatment before it worsens.
  • Having a medical evaluation on record may be helpful when pursuing a car accident claim.
  • Insurance companies can't use your delayed medical attention as an excuse to downplay your claim.

The statute of limitations and personal injury claims in New Hampshire

Under §508:4, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is generally three years. Despite having three years to file a claim, we recommend doing so as soon as possible.

The sooner you act, the easier it will be for your attorney to help you obtain a fair settlement.

It's critical that you speak to an attorney after meeting with your doctor. Your medical care may be costly and extensive, even for an injury that is seemingly minor.

An experienced car accident attorney at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. can place an accurate value on your claim and negotiate with the at-fault driver's insurance company for a settlement.

Our law firm serves clients across the state of New Hampshire. Contact us online or call 800-371-3228 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

Category: Posts

255 Washington St. Dover, NH 03820

603-742-2332 603-742-2332
Get Directions

500 Market St, Suite A-2
Portsmouth, NH 03801

603-507-6417 603-507-6417
Get Directions