What If I Told the Officer I Wasn’t Hurt After a Car Accident?
Delayed Pain After a Car Accident in New York City: What You Need to Know
Can You Still File a Claim If You Told the Officer You Weren’t Hurt?
After a car accident in New York City, it’s common to feel “fine” at first. In the chaos – sirens blaring, traffic piling up, adrenaline rushing – many accident victims honestly believe they’re uninjured and tell the responding NYPD officer “No” when asked about pain.
But hours or even days later, symptoms often appear. More than half of car crash victims experience delayed pain or injuries. Even if you initially said you weren’t hurt, you may still pursue a personal injury claim in New York. The law holds negligent drivers and their insurers accountable – not your first response at the accident scene.
Why Injuries After NYC Car Accidents Are Often Delayed
Hidden or delayed injuries are medically recognized and legally valid. Common reasons symptoms don’t show up right away include:
- Adrenaline and Shock: Mask pain and keep you focused during the accident.
- Inflammation: Swelling develops over hours or days, pressing on nerves.
- Progressive Conditions: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal injuries worsen gradually.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or bleeding may not show immediate signs.
- Emotional Trauma: PTSD, depression, and anxiety often develop weeks later.
Common Delayed Injuries After Car Accidents in NYC
Even “minor” collisions on the FDR, Cross Bronx Expressway, or local Harlem streets can cause serious hidden injuries, including:
- Whiplash & Neck Injuries – stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain
- Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – nausea, fatigue, memory loss, mood changes
- Spinal Damage – numbness, tingling, weakness, or mobility problems
- Internal Injuries & Bleeding – abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting
- Blood Clots / DVT – potentially leading to stroke or chest pain
- Soft Tissue Damage – soreness, limited range of motion
- Psychological Trauma – nightmares, flashbacks, emotional distress
Seek immediate medical care if you experience persistent headaches, dizziness, numbness, abdominal swelling, or sudden mood and behavior changes.
Why Prompt Medical Care Protects Your Health and Your Legal Rights
In New York City, insurers often argue that delayed pain isn’t related to the crash. Seeing a doctor right away helps you by:
- Detecting hidden injuries before they worsen
- Creating medical records linking your condition to the accident
- Preventing insurers from denying or minimizing your claim
Delaying treatment can harm both your health and your legal case.
Legal Rights After a Car Accident in New York
Even if you told an officer you weren’t hurt, you still have the right to file a claim – as long as you act before the statute of limitations expires:
- New York: 3 years from the accident date (shorter for claims against the City or MTA)
Damages You May Recover in NYC Car Accident Claims
- Medical bills (ER visits, rehab, medications, long-term care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
How a New York City Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced NYC personal injury attorney can:
- Gather medical records and evidence to prove delayed injuries
- Work with doctors and accident reconstruction experts
- Handle insurers who try to downplay or deny your claim
- File lawsuits, meet all deadlines, and pursue maximum compensation
Attempting to negotiate alone often results in lowball offers. With legal representation, you stand the best chance at full and fair recovery.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we fight exclusively for accident victims across New York City and Long Island.
- Local Offices: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, Nassau County
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Top-Rated Lawyers: Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers recognition
- Bilingual Services for NYC’s diverse communities
- Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews from satisfied clients
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation today.
The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay us unless we win. That’s our Fee Guarantee.
Bottom Line
Not feeling pain at the scene of a car accident doesn’t mean you weren’t injured. Delayed symptoms are common and often serious. Protect yourself by:
- Seeking medical care immediately
- Documenting your symptoms and treatment
- Consulting a trusted New York City car accident lawyer before dealing with insurers
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we make sure you don’t become a victim twice.