Getting hit by a car is a terrifying experience, but if you walk away feeling fine, you may wonder if you need medical attention or legal help. The truth is, not all injuries show up right away—adrenaline can mask pain, and conditions like whiplash or internal bleeding may take days to appear.
Ignoring a car accident, even when you feel fine, can have serious consequences. Delayed injuries could lead to costly medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health issues. If you fail to document your condition early, insurance companies may use this against you to deny compensation.
Hidden injuries can surface days after an accident. Our Abilene car accident lawyers are ready to fight for your compensation—call now at 325-225-0953 or book a free consultation.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Car Accident – Even If You Feel Fine
Even if you feel okay after being hit by a car, that doesn’t mean you’re unharmed. Adrenaline and shock can temporarily block pain, causing you to overlook injuries that may develop over time.
Some injuries—like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding—may not cause symptoms for hours or even days. If left untreated, these conditions could worsen and lead to serious health complications.
Common Delayed-Onset Injuries After a Car Accident:
- Whiplash: Neck stiffness, headaches, and dizziness may appear days later.
- Concussions & Brain Injuries: Symptoms like confusion, nausea, and memory problems can take time to surface.
- Internal Bleeding: Bruising, fainting, or abdominal pain may indicate a hidden injury.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments or muscle damage might not cause pain immediately.
If you don’t seek medical attention right away, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. This could result in a lower settlement or even a denied claim.
Statute of Limitations for Texas Pedestrian Accidents
In Texas, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, applies to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages related to the accident
If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation altogether. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first, failing to act quickly can cost you thousands in medical bills and lost wages down the road.
Common Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident
After getting hit by a car, you might feel fine at first. However, some injuries don’t appear immediately—they can take hours, days, or even weeks to develop. Knowing what to watch for can help you recognize potential problems before they become serious.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage
Whiplash is one of the most common delayed injuries after an accident. If you’ve suffered a neck or back injury in a car accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you’re entitled to. Learn more in our guide on the average settlement for car accident back and neck injuries. Symptoms may not appear for days and can include:
- Stiffness or pain in the neck and shoulders
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Difficulty moving your neck
If you start noticing these signs, don’t ignore them. Apply ice to reduce swelling and see a doctor to prevent long-term complications.
Learn more about potential compensation in our guide to average whiplash settlements.
Internal Bleeding
Unlike cuts or bruises, internal bleeding isn’t always visible right away. It can be life-threatening if left untreated, so pay attention to warning signs like:
- Deep purple bruising that spreads over time
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately. Internal bleeding can worsen quickly and may require surgery or other urgent medical treatment.
Concussions & Brain Injuries
A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur even without hitting your head. The force of impact alone can shake the brain inside the skull, leading to symptoms such as:
- Headaches that get worse over time
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Changes in mood, like irritability or depression
If you notice these symptoms in the hours or days after an accident, avoid physical activity and seek medical evaluation. Concussions can worsen if untreated, leading to long-term cognitive issues.
Spinal Injuries & Nerve Damage
Your spine absorbs a lot of force in a pedestrian accident, and injuries may not be immediately obvious. Signs of spinal or nerve damage include:
- Persistent back pain or stiffness
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Spinal injuries require immediate medical attention. The sooner they are diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery and avoiding permanent damage.
If you experience any of these delayed symptoms, don’t ignore them. Seeking medical care promptly can make a critical difference in your recovery.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Car in Texas
Being struck by a vehicle is a traumatic experience, but taking the right steps after an accident is crucial to protecting your legal rights. If you’re unsure what to do next, check out our detailed guide on what to do after a car accident that wasn’t your fault.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Even if you feel fine, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. A medical exam creates a record of your condition, which can be important if symptoms develop later.
Step 2: Document Everything
After an accident, details can become blurry. Gather as much evidence as possible, including:
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries
- Contact information for the driver, witnesses, and responding officers
- Copies of medical reports, receipts, and treatment plans
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Step 3: Report the Accident
Under Texas law, you must report an accident to law enforcement if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can serve as crucial evidence when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims.
If the driver left the scene without stopping, report the hit-and-run immediately. Texas takes hit-and-run accidents seriously, and reporting promptly increases the chances of finding the responsible driver.
Step 4: Contact our Lawyer for Legal Guidance
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims—especially if you didn’t report injuries right away. Our experienced car accident attorney will:
- Ensure you get the medical care you need
- Handle insurance negotiations to secure a fair settlement
- Collect evidence to prove liability
- Fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
If you were hit by a car in Texas, don’t wait to take action. Speaking with our lawyer early will help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer After Getting Hit by a Car in Texas?
If you were hit by a car in Texas, you might be wondering whether you need legal representation. While some minor accidents can be handled independently, others require our experienced attorney to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
When You Can Handle a Claim Alone
In cases where the injuries are minor, liability is clear, and the insurance company is cooperative, you may not need a lawyer. Situations where you might manage your claim independently include:
- The driver admitted fault, and their insurance is covering your medical bills.
- You only suffered minor bruises or scrapes, requiring little to no medical treatment.
- There are no long-term injuries, lost wages, or disputes over damages.
If you decide to handle your claim alone, document everything carefully and don’t accept a settlement without ensuring it fully covers your expenses.
When You NEED a Lawyer
For more complex cases, hiring our lawyer can be the difference between getting what you deserve and walking away with far less than you need. You should strongly consider legal representation if:
- Fault is disputed – If the driver claims you were at fault, proving liability can be challenging without legal expertise.
- Your injuries are serious – If you need surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or suffer permanent disabilities, our lawyer can calculate future damages.
- The insurance company offers a low settlement or denies your claim – Insurers are notorious for minimizing payouts, but an attorney can push back.
- The accident involved a hit-and-run or uninsured driver – Navigating Texas laws in these cases is difficult without legal guidance.
How our Lawyer Helps Your Case
Our skilled personal injury attorney will handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Here’s how they help:
- Investigating the accident – Gathering evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports to prove fault.
- Handling negotiations – Insurance companies often try to lowball victims, but lawyers ensure you get a fair settlement.
- Calculating damages – Factoring in medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs to determine what you’re truly owed.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary – If the insurance company refuses to settle fairly, our attorney will take the case to court.
Don’t risk getting less than you deserve—consulting our lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been hit by a car, you may be eligible for compensation to cover both economic and non-economic damages. Texas law allows accident victims to recover financial losses and additional compensation for their pain and suffering.
Medical Expenses
From emergency care to long-term rehabilitation, you shouldn’t have to pay for medical bills caused by someone else’s negligence. Compensation can cover:
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Doctor visits and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
Lost Wages & Future Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost income, including:
- Wages lost while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Compensation for career changes due to disabilities
Pain and Suffering
Texas law recognizes that not all damages are financial. Victims of pedestrian accidents can recover compensation for:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to lasting injuries
Punitive Damages in Texas
In cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, such as a drunk driving accident, Texas courts may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault driver and serve as a warning against similar misconduct.
Contact Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were hit by a car in Texas, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Lorfing Law, we fight for injured victims and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Whether your injuries seem minor now or you’re dealing with serious medical complications, our team is ready to guide you through the legal process.
Call us now at 325-225-0953 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and protect your rights.
