Some common car accident injuries – like broken bones and lacerations – are immediately obvious. Others can go unnoticed at first, and in some cases, injury symptoms don't develop until much later on.
What if that happens to you? Can you still file an accident claim against the negligent driver and obtain compensation for your losses? Here's what you need to know to protect your legal rights.
Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience, and the stress of the situation can cause the body to produce adrenaline and endorphins. The release of these two chemicals creates a heightened level of energy that, for many people, temporarily masks the sensation of pain.
In addition, some injuries may seem minor at first, but as time goes on, the condition worsens. This can be the case not only for physical injuries, but also for emotional issues, as victims often don't realize how much mental strain they're under until long after an accident.
Even if you feel just fine right after a car crash, go see a doctor anyway. A medical professional can determine if you have any unnoticed car accident injuries and provide you with advice on warning signs to watch for in the upcoming days and weeks.
In the event you end up filing a car accident claim, documenting the fact that you pursued medical treatment within a reasonable amount of time can be crucial. Go to the doctor as soon as possible, or the insurance adjuster may argue that your injuries aren't all that serious.
After a car crash, the negligent driver's insurance company may offer you a settlement, but don't sign anything right away. You'll need to give your car accident injuries a chance to fully manifest, as once you sign a release, you won't be able to pursue compensation for additional medical treatment.
From a strategic standpoint, holding off on accepting a settlement makes sense. By doing so, all of your legal options are still on the table – and the fact that you could file an accident claim can give you more leverage with the insurance company. But, you don't want to wait until the last possible minute to bring a lawsuit. If you fail to meet all of the legal requirements in your accident claim and the statute of limitations expires, so does your ability to obtain compensation.
35 years of experience, we know how to maximize the value of your auto accident claim.
For a free, no-obligation consultation and expert advice on obtaining fair compensation for your car accident injuries, contact us today.