I Was in a Car Accident a Year Ago, and Now I Have Pain

Traumatic events can leave lingering effects including some that don’t always show up right away. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to walk away from a car accident feeling relatively fine, only to develop worsening pain months or even a year later.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you do still have options. Here’s what to know.

If your accident was about a year ago and you're just now experiencing pain, you likely still have legal options. Texas law gives injured drivers two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim — which means your window may still be open. Delayed symptoms like neck pain, headaches, and nerve issues are well-documented after car accidents, and a skilled personal injury attorney can help you connect the medical dots and build a strong case even when time has passed.

Can a Car Accident Cause Pain Months or Years Later?

After an accident, adrenaline, shock, and the stress of a crash can mask injuries at the scene. Moreover, many injuries, even minor ones, can worsen over time. Some conditions, like soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, or spinal issues, may take weeks to appear. In other cases, a minor injury may gradually become more serious over time. Examples of delayed symptoms include:

• Neck or back pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Numbness or tingling
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced range of motion

Will Insurance Question a Delayed Injury Claim?

When symptoms appear long after a crash, connecting the dots between the injury and the accident can be more challenging. Not surprisingly, insurance companies often question delayed claims and may argue that the injury is unrelated to the accident or the condition developed from another cause.

This doesn’t mean your claim is invalid, but it does mean documentation, medical, and legal support become even more important.

What To Do if You’re Experiencing Delayed Pain

If you’re noticing new or worsening symptoms, taking action now matters. Start by:

• Seeking medical evaluation as soon as possible
• Explaining your accident history to your healthcare provider
• Following through with recommended treatment
• Documenting your symptoms, including when they began and how they’ve progressed

Even if time has passed, a medical professional can help determine whether your symptoms are consistent with accident-related injuries.

Do You Still Have Time to File a Claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, per TX Civ Prac & Rem Code § 16.003 (2025).

That means if your accident happened about a year ago, you may still have time to pursue a claim, but the window is closing.

Waiting too long can make it more difficult to gather evidence, connect medical records, and build a strong case. Acting sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference.

Injured in a Texas Car Accident? McKinney Vos Can Help.

Delayed pain after a car accident in Austin don’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation, but they can make the case more complex. This is why early legal guidance — even after time has passed — can be especially valuable. A personal injury attorney can help evaluate your situation and determine what options are still available.

At McKinney Vos PLLC, we help injured Texans evaluate delayed injury claims and understand their legal options. If you’re dealing with new or worsening symptoms after an accident, we’re here to help you make sense of what comes next. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Jessica McKinney is a personal injury attorney and co-founder of McKinney Vos PLLC in Austin, Texas. She has resolved over 1,000 cases across Central Texas, handling car accidents, truck crashes, DWI collisions, motorcycle accidents, dog attacks, slip and fall cases, and wrongful death claims.