Car accidents are often overwhelming. In the moment, adrenaline takes over, and many people think they’re fine—even if they've just been through a serious collision. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to leave the scene without receiving medical treatment, only to feel pain or symptoms hours or even days later. So what happens then? Can you still get medical care even if you left the scene?

The short answer is yes—you absolutely can and should seek medical attention after leaving the scene of a car accident, even if some time has passed. But there are important legal and medical considerations to keep in mind, especially if you plan to pursue a personal injury claim.

We explain why delayed medical care is often necessary, how it affects your rights, and what steps to take to protect your health and your legal case in the following blog article.

Why People Delay Medical Treatment After an Accident

There are several reasons someone might leave the scene of an accident without going to the hospital or seeing a doctor right away:

• They feel fine at the moment due to adrenaline
• They want to get home to family or a safe place
• They are focused on dealing with vehicle damage or insurance
• They think the pain will go away on its own

However, some injuries—especially soft tissue injuries, internal damage, and concussions—may not show symptoms immediately. What seems like a minor ache can worsen overnight or the next day. Getting checked out by a medical professional, even after leaving the scene, is one of the most important steps you can take.

You Have the Right to Seek Medical Care Later

There is no legal requirement that says you must get medical care at the scene to be eligible for treatment or to pursue a claim later. In fact, it’s common for car accident victims to visit an urgent care clinic or their primary doctor later that day or in the following days.

Under New York’s no-fault insurance system, for example, it is the responsibility of your own auto insurance policy to cover medical expenses related to a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, in order to be covered, you must seek treatment within 30 days of the accident and file a no-fault application (NF-2 form) within that same timeframe.

The sooner you see a doctor, the better—not only for your health but also for your legal claim. Delays in treatment can make it harder to prove that your injuries were directly caused by the accident.

Documenting Medical Visits Is Key For Personal Injury Claims

When you seek treatment after an accident, be sure to:

• Tell the provider that your injuries were caused by a car accident
• Describe all symptoms, even if they seem minor
• Follow through with all recommended care, including follow-up appointments

Medical records serve as essential evidence in a personal injury case. They create a clear connection between the crash and your injuries and demonstrate that you took your recovery seriously.

What If You Didn't File a Police Report After a Car Accident?

Some people leave the scene of minor accidents without calling the police, especially if both parties agree to handle things privately. While not filing a police report isn’t illegal in every situation, it can complicate a future injury claim.

Some states require you to report an accident if there is property damage over $1,000 or if someone is injured. If you didn’t call the police but later realize you’ve been injured, you should:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• File a report with the DMV within 10 days of the accident
• Notify your insurance company about the crash

Even without a police report, you can still pursue a personal injury claim. But you will need to rely more heavily on medical records, photos, witness statements, and any other documentation you have.

Delayed Symptoms From Car Accidents Are Common—and Valid

Insurance adjusters often try to argue that if you didn’t seek immediate treatment, your injuries must not be serious. But that’s not how the human body works.

Common delayed symptoms include:

• Neck or back pain (often due to whiplash)
• Headaches or dizziness (possibly a sign of concussion)
• Abdominal pain (which could indicate internal injuries)
• Numbness or tingling

These symptoms can show up hours or days after a collision. What matters is that you seek care as soon as you recognize a problem and that you document it thoroughly.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you’re dealing with injuries after a car accident—even if you didn’t go to the hospital right away—you still have rights. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we help clients who’ve experienced delayed symptoms or postponed medical care. We understand that every accident is different, and timing doesn’t erase your right to compensation.

Our team can walk you through the steps to get medical bills covered, file insurance claims, and pursue fair compensation. Don’t assume you’re out of options just because you left the scene. Contact us today for a free consultation.