What to Do If you Didn’t Notice Your Injuries Till Long After a Car Accident
Most people think after any injuries from a car accident will be obvious. However, it’s common to feel 100% fine after a crash. Adrenaline is rushing and can mask the pain. You might assume you don’t have injuries and that medical attention is unnecessary.
There are other possible reasons you don’t seek immediate help. Car crashes are stressful — maybe you panicked and went straight home afterward. Or you might avoid medical care due to a fear of doctors or worries about the cost. Stigma can also be a barrier to getting mental health help in particular.
Regardless of your case, injuries from an accident will eventually catch up to you. And when they do, you might feel it is too late for legal recourse.
However, know you can still take action if you find yourself with delayed injuries.
What Types of Injuries Can Go Unnoticed?
While something like a broken leg is visible almost immediately, other injuries are more subtle. These may not be obvious till hours, days, or even months later. But just because an injury seems subtle doesn’t mean it’s minor. Even life-threatening conditions can be hard to spot after an accident. That’s why it is crucial to seek medical attention after an accident — regardless of how you may feel.
Types of car accident injuries that might show up later include:
- Traumatic brain injury, i.e. concussions
- Whiplash
- Back pain
- Soft-tissue damage
- Emotional pain and suffering, i.e. PTSD
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Infections
What to Do When You Notice Injuries Later
Here are steps you can take when you realize you’ve been injured:
Medical Evaluation
Ideally, you should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately after a crash. But if you were not, receiving proper care at any point is crucial. Doctors can diagnose you, provide treatment, and potentially save your life. Don’t continue to wait.
Doctors also have the experience to know if your injury is indeed a result of the accident. Their input will be helpful for pursuing a claim. You must show the crash was the source of your injuries to receive compensation for damages.
Contact a Lawyer
Do not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer, even if it is a while after the accident. However, be aware of the Texas statute of limitations for personal injury cases. You have a two-year window after an accident to file a personal injury claim.
You should contact a lawyer the moment you notice you have an injury. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove that the injury directly resulted from the crash. Evidence may be lost or difficult to obtain. Wait any longer, and you might miss the two-year window entirely.
Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Yourself
After finding out you did sustain an injury, insurance companies will rush to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
Remember, they are in business to make money, so they don’t have your best interests in mind. Both the other driver’s company and your own company may pressure you to settle quickly.
You should not jump at their first offer—chances are the amount is insultingly low. Signing a release or accepting a settlement amount will revoke your right to take legal action against the other driver. This means you won’t receive compensation for late-onset injuries.
That is why working with a lawyer is vital. Your attorney can advise you on what to do so you don’t fall for unfair insurance practices. They will fight for higher compensation, and work with your doctors to collect evidence of your damages.
I Was Injured. Now What?
The last thing you want after an injury is to be taken advantage of by insurance companies. That’s why you should seek out an experienced personal injury attorney to help with your case. Even if your accident happened a while back, a Texas personal injury lawyer can help you through this difficult process. They will collect evidence, guide you through complicated legal matters, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you get what you deserve.
Wondering the Worth of Your Personal Injury Case?
After a personal injury accident, your top priority should be recovering. Not trying to figure out which damages you may be eligible for and determining the value of your claim on your own. Consult a Texas personal injury lawyer from Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers.
Contact The Law Giant immediately to find out how much your personal injury claim is worth. You can count on us to investigate your situation and ensure you secure the fair compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial evaluation of your case, contact us today at (866) 435-5219.
