Car accidents are chaotic and often traumatic experiences for those involved. It is common for victims to experience spikes in adrenaline that can hide or mask the symptoms of an injury. It may take hours, days or even weeks for a victim to realize that he or she was injured in a crash. There are steps that you should take if you are diagnosed with delayed car accident injuries to improve your chances of a successful insurance claim.
Common Delayed Car Accident Injuries
The forces exerted upon the human body in a car accident can be immense. Even in a minor collision or “fender bender,” a victim could suffer hairline fractures, whiplash and other painful injuries. Many crash injuries are not immediately apparent. They take time to develop noticeable symptoms. Common examples include:
- Concussions and brain injuries: a victim may not notice a head or brain injury until it worsens enough to present symptoms, such as headaches, trouble sleeping, nausea, and changes in mood or behavior.
- Neck and back injuries: pain from an injury to the neck or back may not be noticed by a victim until the adrenaline from the crash has worn off. Examples include nerve damage, soft-tissue damage, whiplash, disk injuries and vertebral fractures.
- Internal injuries: organ damage, internal bleeding and other abdominal injuries can remain invisible until enough damage is caused to result in issues such as organ failure. These injuries can be fatal without immediate medical attention.
If you get into a car accident, assume you are injured until a doctor confirms otherwise. Even if you initially feel fine, you may have invisible injuries or injuries with delayed symptoms. Go to a hospital or doctor immediately after a crash for a full examination and tests to determine if you have been injured, such as x-rays.
How to Protect Your Right to Compensation for Delayed Injuries
In a car accident claim, an insurance company will search for any reason to deny or reduce a payout sent to a victim. This includes making allegations that the victim exacerbated or failed to mitigate his or her injuries by delaying medical care. Unfortunately, this is a common issue among crash victims with delayed car accident injuries. It is important to seek medical care in the hours after a car accident, even if you initially feel fine.
Before engaging in conversations with an insurance adjuster, consult with a Vancouver car accident attorney who can explain your rights and legal options to you. Your attorney can help you prove delayed injuries to an insurance provider, such as by hiring medical experts. Then, your lawyer can negotiate fair and full financial compensation from a car insurance carrier on your behalf. You can trust a lawyer to fight for maximum compensation for your delayed injuries, even if this means going to court. For more information about delayed car accident injuries, contact NW Injury Law Center.