Delayed Injuries after a Car Accident in Washington

Not every injury shows up right away after a car crash. In fact, some of the most serious injuries take hours or even days to appear. But by the time symptoms set in, you might be facing an uphill battle with the insurance company.

At Gilbert Law Firm, we help car accident victims in Spokane and throughout Washington protect their rights—even when injuries aren’t obvious at first. This blog covers what delayed injuries are, how they can affect your claim, and why it’s so important to take these symptoms seriously.

Delayed injuries are physical effects of a crash that don’t show immediate symptoms. These injuries might be masked by adrenaline, shock, or seem minor at first, but worsen over time.

Common delayed injuries include:

• Whiplash – Neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion may appear days later.
  
• Concussions and brain injuries – Headaches, dizziness, or memory issues can be signs of something more serious.
  
• Back and spinal injuries – Symptoms like numbness or pain in the back or limbs might not show up immediately.
  
• Soft tissue injuries – Bruises, sprains, or internal damage can take time to develop noticeable symptoms.
  
• Emotional trauma – Anxiety, PTSD, or sleep disturbances are also forms of delayed injury.

Washington is a fault-based state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages. But if your injury isn’t documented right away, the insurance company might argue it wasn’t caused by the crash. That’s where problems start.

Insurers often use these delays to:

• Deny your claim outright
• Minimize your payout
  
• Blame your injuries on something else
  
• Suggest you’re exaggerating your symptoms

If you’re feeling sore or “off” after a wreck in Spokane, don’t brush it off. Here’s what to do:

Even if it’s been a few days, get checked out by a doctor. They can help document the injury and tie it back to the crash.

Consistent medical care strengthens your claim. Skipping appointments or ignoring pain can hurt your case.

They may try to twist your words or use what you say against you. Always speak with a Spokane car accident attorney first.

Keep a written or digital record of pain levels, missed workdays, and how your daily activities are affected.

In Washington, you can recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (even if treatment started after a delay)
• Lost wages and future earnings
  
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing care or rehabilitation

But insurers will fight hard to avoid paying if they think your injuries “don’t count” because of the timing. That’s why it’s critical to work with a legal team that understands how these cases work.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Washington, even if your symptoms didn’t appear right away, you still have time to take legal action. The state’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. But waiting too long can seriously hurt your chances of recovering full compensation.

Why? Because insurance companies love delays. The longer you wait, the more likely they are to argue that:

• Your injuries weren’t caused by the accident
  
• Your symptoms aren’t as serious as you claim
  
• You didn’t take the crash seriously if you didn’t get help right away

When you act quickly, you protect your health and your case. Early medical treatment, accident documentation, and legal guidance all help prove that your injuries are real and related to the crash, even if they showed up days or weeks later.

Don’t let a hidden deadline cost you your recovery. If you’re feeling the effects of a delayed injury, talk to a Spokane car accident attorney as soon as possible. We can help you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and take action before time runs out.

You don’t have to suffer in silence just because your injury didn’t show up right away. At Gilbert Law Firm, we know how insurance companies operate, and we know how to push back. We help clients in Spokane and across Washington get the medical care and compensation they deserve, even when the symptoms take time to appear.

If you’re dealing with a delayed injury after a car accident, don’t wait. Call (509) 321-0750 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.