If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may not think you need a lawyer to handle your insurance claim and negotiations, even if the accident seemed minor. However, hiring a team of premier personal injury attorneys who specialize in complex car accidents can make a significant difference in your case.
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Why Some Injuries Aren’t Immediately Noticeable
Some people assume that they’ll feel the effects of an injury immediately following a car accident. However, this isn’t always the case. Many victims of crashes don’t feel significant pain until days or weeks later. It’s vital to understand how and why delayed injuries occur to protect your health and legal rights following a car accident.
When you’re involved in an accident, chemicals that mask pain, like endorphins and adrenaline, may prevent you from feeling the effects of severe injuries until they wear off. It’s possible to wake up the morning following the accident with severe pain, muscle stiffness, or headaches you didn’t feel at the time of the incident. The most common types of injuries in side-impact or rear-end collisions cause symptoms that develop over time, with increased swelling, pain, and inflammation.
Common Injuries That May Exhibit Delayed Symptoms
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are often accompanied by symptoms that include headaches, dizziness, confusion, irritability, and problems focusing, which may initially seem minor and become more severe over time. Whiplash is one of the most common delayed injuries that may not be noticeable immediately. Shoulder pain and problems with range of motion are common. Victims may not lose consciousness and may develop additional symptoms, including light sensitivity, problems concentrating, and brain fog.
Internal injuries following an accident often don’t exhibit symptoms immediately, and may include trauma or severe bruising to internal organs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, or pain that gradually worsens. Soft tissue injuries to tendons, ligaments, and tears to the muscles may cause more severe pain when swelling develops. Spine and back injuries, including nerve compression, herniated discs, and strains to soft tissue, often don’t cause severe pain until inflammation develops. Damage to the organs or internal bruising may not cause symptoms for several hours.
Actions To Take When You Have Pain After a Car Accident
If you feel any pain following a car accident, it’s important to get immediate medical attention. You may not have experienced any pain at the time of the accident. However, any new pain should be checked out by a medical professional. Accurate documentation is vital to your health and a personal injury claim. You should always see a doctor immediately. Don’t wait for days or weeks to get a medical evaluation. One of the most common arguments insurance companies make following a car accident is that if an injury wasn’t reported at the time of the incident, it isn’t serious. An insurance company could make the case that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. This argument isn’t medically accurate.
It’s essential to follow the treatment plan that your doctor recommends. Keeping appointments and staying on your treatment plan will indicate that your injuries are valid and related to the accident. Documentation of your symptoms, pain levels, any physical limitations, and effects on your daily life and routine can be valuable information that may be used in court later.
How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
An experienced car accident lawyer will investigate all the relevant evidence, including any video footage, witness statements, and police reports. Your lawyer works closely with experts to determine the cause of the accident.
An insurance company may offer you a settlement lower than the amount you’re entitled to. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your pain, to cover medical bills, and for lost wages.
Filing claims can be stressful, especially when there are deadlines to meet. Your lawyer will handle all the legal documentation, ensure the legal paperwork is filled out properly, and filed on time.
If the negotiations aren’t productive and your lawyer must file a lawsuit, your case goes to court, and your lawyer will present legal arguments and evidence to get you compensation.
In many cases, hiring an accident injury lawyer is worth it for several reasons. The goal of an insurance company is to pay out the minimum to car accident victims. Experienced personal injury lawyers know the tactics insurance companies use and make sure you accept an offer that’s fair. Your lawyer assesses lost income, property damage, medical expenses, and pain and suffering to ensure your settlement is fair.
Personal injury laws can be confusing for anyone who doesn’t practice law. Your lawyer understands your state’s laws and ensures your legal rights are protected.
You should never ignore pain that starts days or weeks after an accident, and never assume it’s too late to file a claim. Many car accident victims experience pain and other delayed symptoms following a crash. It’s vital to seek immediate medical care and the advice of a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, which can have a significant effect on the outcome of your case. Hiring an injury lawyer to handle your case means you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer focuses on getting you a fair settlement for your injuries.
