816-326-2968Even if you have suffered an injury in a car accident, it is not always apparent immediately. The rush of the accident, and the chemical changes to your body that it causes, may keep you from knowing that you suffered an injury at the scene.
In general, adrenaline causes your body to go into self-preservation mode and it will do everything possible to protect itself from the initial impact. The shock of the car accident may keep you from feeling some of the effects, even though the damage has been done to your body.
Some injuries may take days or weeks to begin showing symptoms, even though the damage was done initially at the time of the accident. You may not know that you suffered an injury at the scene of the accident, but things may not seem quite right. You may notice your condition deteriorating within a couple of days or weeks.
If you have begun suffering from delayed car accident injuries, Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We represent accident victims and their families.
Common Examples of Delayed Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries that may not be known to you right away include:
- Whiplash: The impact of the accident may cause your head to snap forward while your body remains still. The injury can cause severe damage to your neck and back. You may even suffer a brain injury when your brain crashes against your skull.
- Internal injuries: The trauma of the accident can cause damage to your organs or internal bleeding. Even though you suffered an injury, you do not know it at the time of the accident.
- Soft tissue injuries: These can be damage to your tendons and ligaments. Since they are not broken bones, you may not immediately notice the injuries.
These injuries can worsen over time if they are not promptly treated. If you have suffered internal injuries, your life may even be in danger.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible After a Car Accident
You should get medical treatment right after a car accident if you even think that there is a possibility that you may have suffered an injury. Many people hesitate to go to the doctor for whatever reason. In this case, your long-term health can be at risk. It is good news if you go to a doctor after a car accident and get a clean bill of health. It is certainly better than potentially harming your health by trying to tough it out or convincing yourself that you are OK.
Not only will delaying medical care harm your health, but it can also hurt your legal situation. What you do to better your situation can impact how much compensation you will receive.
Delaying Medical Care Can Affect Your Car Accident Compensation
You will not be denied compensation just because you did not notice your injuries right after the accident. It is entirely understandable that some injuries do not present symptoms right away. You will be held accountable for not doing everything possible to get your condition diagnosed and treated.
If the severity of your condition can be blamed on delaying treatment, you may be unable to receive the full amount of financial compensation to which you will otherwise be entitled. In addition, the insurance company can question whether your injuries resulted from your accident the longer you wait to receive treatment.
What You Need to Do After a Car Accident
In a personal injury case, you are obligated to do everything possible to mitigate your damages. From your perspective, that means:
- Seeking out medical care as soon as you may experience a symptom
- Continuing to see doctors to treat your condition
- Following the doctor’s care recommendation and taking your prescriptions as necessary
The insurance company is going to review your medical records to see when you sought medical care and whether you followed the doctor’s recommendations. They will try to penalize you if you do not, claiming that your delay in getting care was partially to blame for your condition.
You Need Full Medical Treatment Before You Can Start the Legal Process
Your medical records will form a large part of the basis of your claim. You need to prove your injuries, and your lost wages and pain and suffering depend primarily on your medical diagnosis. In addition, you will also need a complete diagnosis of your condition before you can seek financial compensation.
Finally, you need to wait until you reach the point of maximum medical improvement to file a claim. You cannot progress to this point unless you have seen a doctor and received treatment for your injuries.
Contact a Liberty, Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Today
In addition to getting medical help after a car accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, can guide you through the legal process as you seek full financial compensation for your car accident injuries.
To learn more about what our attorneys can do for you, call us at (816) 479-5898 or send us a message online to discuss your case.
Car Accident Injury FAQs
What happens if the insurance company tries to assign some of the blame to me?
You do not have to accept their characterization if it is incorrect. You can sue the responsible driver and have the jury decide how much you can get in damages.
Who pays my medical bills before my case is settled?
You are responsible for the portion of your medical bills that are not covered by personal injury protection or your health insurance.
What medical bills are covered in a car accident claim?
Your past and future medical bills are covered as part of your car accident claim.