Experiencing a delayed injury in a truck accident in WA can come with complications when you are pursuing compensation. Medical evidence is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a truck accident case, which is why delayed injuries can create issues.
If you have had symptoms appear later after a truck crash, you need to hire a truck accident injury lawyer in Camas, WA. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident attorneys has extensive experience handling truck accident cases, including truck crashes where injuries were not immediate.
Keep reading to find out what to do if you experience a personal injury with a delayed diagnosis and how you can still pursue compensation.
Why is Medical Evidence Important in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Victims of truck accidents are entitled to truck accident compensation in Washington, which can help them recover from injuries and property damage. But what happens if you have a delayed injury after a truck accident in WA?
In the majority of truck accident cases, the victim is filing a lawsuit due to injuries. This is because injuries are very common in these types of accidents since commercial trucks are so large and are capable of doing a significant amount of damage. Because of this, medical evidence will most likely be the backbone of your lawsuit, outlining how much of a settlement you should get.
Medical evidence is so useful because it helps to put a dollar amount on your suffering. You can use things like diagnosis, treatment costs, and doctor’s receipts to outline how much your injury has already cost you and how much it is estimated to cost you in the future. This can help you get enough compensation to cover things like loss of income, time off work, etc.
Scenarios When Medical Treatment May be Delayed
It can be hard to understand why someone may not immediately get medical treatment after a truck accident. However, there are several scenarios where you may not realize that you are injured directly after the accident has occurred. That is why it is strongly recommended that you always get immediate medical care, even if you seem uninjured at first.
Here are some common examples of when you may experience delayed symptoms:
- Head injuries: Any type of head injury can easily go unnoticed for several days or weeks. These are often serious injuries and can come with life-altering complications if not treated as soon as possible. The most common type of head injury in truck accidents are concussions.
- Whiplash: This is by far the most common truck accident injury and can easily go unnoticed for the first couple of days. Although not incredibly serious, whiplash can lead to things like chronic pain and nerve problems.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries are a good example of why you should always get medical care after a truck accident. This can include things like organ damage and internal bleeding, which won’t present symptoms for at least a few days after the accident.
- Spinal injuries: Even if you feel a bit of discomfort or pain after a truck accident, you may not realize the severity of the damage that has been done. Spinal injuries are common and can be the result of fractures, herniated discs, nerve damage, or soft tissue damage.
Besides getting medical attention, another thing you need to do after a truck accident is hire a truck accident injury lawyer in Camas, WA. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of filing a lawsuit if you experience delayed symptoms.
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit For Delayed Injuries
The good news is that even when truck crash injuries are not immediate, you are still entitled to file a lawsuit to receive compensation. When you file a no immediate treatment personal injury claim, there are a few things to be aware of. In this type of situation, you need to provide extensive documentation regarding the type of diagnosis you have, when the injuries occurred, and how this has impacted you.
You will need to go above and beyond when it comes to proving that the injuries are the result of the truck accident and are completely legitimate. To do this, you need a diagnosis from a medical professional, treatment documentation, and personal records of your symptoms.
It can also be helpful to get an expert to testify regarding the severity and legitimacy of your injuries and why they weren’t immediately noticeable.
When you experience delayed injuries, you also need to remember that Washington has a statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits. The statute of limitations is three years from the date of the crash, so you need to act quickly if your symptoms are delayed.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Experiencing a delayed injury after a truck accident in WA can have a life-altering impact, which is why you should always pursue compensation. Although filing a claim after delayed treatment can come with certain challenges, it is still possible to get the compensation you are entitled to.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced commercial truck accident attorneys are committed to defending the downtrodden and providing Washington residents with the representation they need. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Will I be denied compensation if I didn’t go to the ER right away?
Not necessarily, but not seeking immediate medical attention can damage your lawsuit and make it more difficult to prove the extent of your injuries.
How can I prove my injuries are from the truck accident?
A medical professional can help you prove what caused your injuries and their severity. You could also use expert testimony from a medical expert as a way of supporting your medical documentation and diagnosis.
Can I still file a claim even if I feel fine at first?
Yes, you have the right to file a truck accident claim, even if you do not notice any injuries at first. You can do this for minor injuries, such as back pain, or for property damage.