Why You Should See a Doctor Even if You Feel Fine After a Crash

 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Car Accidents

The shock of a car accident will send a rush of adrenaline through your body. That hormone can block pain receptors for several hours. You may not even know you are hurt until the next day. Failing to see a doctor can delay your recovery and make it harder to prove your injuries later. If you suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, an experienced Howard County, MD car accident lawyer can help. At Serafini Law, we speak up for clients and fight to protect their right to fair compensation.

Can You Be Injured After a Car Crash and Not Know Right Away?

Many car accident victims experience hidden or delayed injuries. Some conditions can take time to show clear symptoms. Even a minor collision can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

According to Md. Code, Transportation § 20-107, drivers must report accidents that result in injury or death to law enforcement. Even if you do not feel hurt, a doctor can detect internal injuries, swelling, or head trauma that you may not yet notice. Early treatment prevents complications and creates medical documentation that you can use later for your claim.

Some examples of injuries that may not appear immediately but still require prompt care include:

• Whiplash: This injury involves micro tears in the soft tissue of the neck. It can cause stiffness, headaches, and neck pain that begin several days after the crash.

• Concussion: This is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects how your brain functions. You may experience dizziness, confusion, or sensitivity to light that develops slowly.

• Internal bleeding: This occurs when you have bleeding inside the body caused by damaged organs or blood vessels. You might feel faint or notice abdominal pain hours after the accident.

• Back or spinal injuries: Among the most serious injuries are damage to the vertebrae, discs, or nerves in the spine. Numbness, tingling, or weakness may appear later as swelling increases.

What Happens if You Wait Too Long To Get Medical Care?

Under Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5-101, you generally have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, that timeline can be misleading. Filing your claim as soon as possible gives you a stronger chance of reaching a fair settlement. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. Insurance adjusters often use treatment delays to question your credibility or reduce your payout. When you hire an attorney, they handle nearly everything for you, including communication with the insurer.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Ellicott City, MD Car Accident Attorney

Getting checked by a doctor after a crash protects your health and your legal rights. Even if you feel fine, you should speak with an experienced Howard County, MD car accident lawyer about your case.

With more than 12 years of experience, Attorney Andrew A. Serafini, Jr. gives every case personal attention and treats clients with care and respect. You can count on him to be supportive with you and aggressive with insurance companies. Call Serafini Law today at 240-744-1600 to schedule your free consultation and start building a strong claim. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees unless we win.