If you are still in pain weeks after a car accident in Pittsburgh, you are not alone, and you are not imagining things. Delayed symptoms are common, and they may signal injuries that are more serious than they first appeared. But waiting too long to speak with a lawyer can affect your rights, your recovery, and your ability to hold the at-fault party accountable.
At Tarasi & Tarasi, I understand what you may be going through. Some people hope the pain will go away. Others are busy juggling work, family, or medical appointments. It is easy to put off making that first call. But if your pain is still lingering or getting worse, this is the time to protect yourself.
This article explains why pain can appear long after a crash, what Pennsylvania law says about these kinds of cases, and how to take the right next steps before your time to act runs out.
Why Pain Does Not Always Show Up Right Away
After a collision, your body releases chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. These natural responses can mask pain for hours, days, or even longer. Once those effects wear off, your body may begin to show signs of injury that were not obvious right away.
Some of the most common delayed symptoms after a car accident include:
- Neck and upper back pain from whiplash or muscle strain
- Headaches that could indicate a concussion or other brain injury
- Shoulder, hip, or joint discomfort caused by soft tissue injuries
- Numbness or tingling related to pinched nerves or disc damage
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or managing emotions
Even if your car accident seemed minor, these symptoms can signal underlying injuries. If they are interfering with your ability to work, drive, or care for yourself, they should not be ignored.
Can You Still File a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. In Pennsylvania, you can still file a personal injury claim if your symptoms developed or worsened over time. That said, the timing of your actions is important, especially when it comes to legal deadlines and insurance claims.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This deadline applies even if your symptoms did not appear right away. If you wait too long to file, the court may dismiss your case, and you could lose the ability to recover compensation.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters often use delays to question the seriousness or cause of your injury. They may argue that:
- Your symptoms were not caused by the accident
- You had a preexisting condition
- You failed to seek medical care in a timely way
That is why it is important to take action once you begin experiencing pain. A clear medical record and early legal guidance can help protect your claim and push back against these common arguments.
What Insurance Companies Will Not Tell You
When you are in pain and unsure of what to do next, an early settlement offer may seem like a good solution. But insurance companies are not on your side. They are trying to settle your claim for the least amount possible, and once you accept an offer, you cannot go back and ask for more.
In many delayed injury cases, insurers:
- Rush to settle before you fully understand your injury
- Deny or minimize claims that are not supported by immediate documentation
- Use gaps in treatment as a reason to reduce payouts
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can take control of your case and avoid signing away your rights without realizing it.
Examples of Delayed Injury Cases I Commonly See
At Tarasi & Tarasi, I help people across Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Beaver County, Washington County, Westmoreland County, and Lawrence County who are still in pain after a crash. Many of them delayed seeking legal help because they did not realize how serious their injuries were until weeks later.
I have seen situations like:
- A woman injured in a rear-end crash who noticed worsening back pain two weeks later when she returned to her physically demanding job.
- A man from Beaver County who dismissed his shoulder pain until he could no longer lift or reach without discomfort.
- A passenger injured in a side-impact collision who began experiencing headaches and sensitivity to light days after the accident.
- A man who developed anxiety and sleep problems after a crash that seemed minor at first, and who was later diagnosed with crash-related PTSD.
Each of these individuals had a valid injury claim, but they needed help connecting the dots between the crash and the symptoms that emerged over time. Speaking with a lawyer helped them take action before their legal options expired.
These representative scenarios reflect the types of delayed injury cases we encounter and do not describe actual clients or cases.
What You Should Do If You Are Still in Pain
If you are still dealing with pain weeks after your car accident, here are some steps you can take now to protect yourself:
- Visit a doctor or specialist as soon as possible, even if you have already had a check-up.
- Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect your life.
- Avoid discussing your injuries with the insurance company until you have legal advice.
- Call a personal injury lawyer who understands delayed symptom cases in Pennsylvania.
Acting now does not mean filing a lawsuit tomorrow. It simply means gathering information and getting answers so you are not caught off guard later.
Talk to a Pittsburgh Injury Lawyer Who Understands What You Are Going Through
At Tarasi & Tarasi, I know how overwhelming it can be to realize you are still in pain weeks after a crash. You may feel unsure about what steps to take or whether your claim is still valid. I am here to help you figure that out.
I offer free consultations to individuals injured in car accidents throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. If I take your case, you do not pay unless I recover compensation for you.
This is your health and your future. You deserve answers. Contact Tarasi & Tarasi today to talk through your options with a firm that has served Pennsylvania clients for more than 50 years.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice about your situation, please consult a licensed attorney.
