Yes, you can still file a car accident claim even if you didn’t feel pain at the time. Many serious injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage—don’t show symptoms right away. Waiting too long to report the accident or see a doctor could hurt your case or delay your benefits.
At Donahoe Kearney, we’ve helped people across the DMV who thought they were “fine” at first—until the pain caught up with them days or even weeks later. If you were seriously hurt in a car accident, you may still be able to file a claim—even if some time has passed. But don’t wait too long.
In most car accident cases in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim. That’s called the statute of limitations. But there’s another issue that could hurt your case: a gap in medical treatment. Insurance companies look for any excuse to say your injury wasn’t caused by the accident.
After an accident, adrenaline can mask your pain. You might feel fine at first—but that doesn’t mean you are. It’s common for symptoms like back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, or even internal injuries to show up days—or even weeks—after a crash.
This delay in symptoms can lead people to skip the ER or wait too long to get checked out, which creates a gap in treatment that insurance companies will use to deny or minimize your claim.
Go to the emergency room or your doctor right away, even if you don’t think it’s serious. If pain starts later, don’t ignore it. Keep getting treatment and make sure it’s all documented.
Your medical records are some of the most important evidence in a car accident case. They help show that your injuries were caused by the crash.
Even if the accident seems minor or you feel okay, always exchange insurance information. This is especially important if you’re a pedestrian—there might not be car damage, but your body could still be injured.
Later, when you go to the doctor, they may ask if your injury is accident-related. Having everything on file helps you protect your rights and prepare for a possible claim.
Some car accident claims are simple. Others? Not so much. Here’s when it makes sense to talk to a lawyer:
You’re seeing multiple doctors or specialists
There are different insurance policies involved
You’ve missed a lot of work and lost income
You’re dealing with a serious or permanent injury
The insurance company is offering less than you need
At Donahoe Kearney, we help people who are seriously hurt in car accidents get the medical care and compensation they need to move forward. We handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Call us at 202-393-3320 or you can click here to schedule a free, confidential consultation.