If you have been involved in a car accident in Camas, WA, it may be the case that you have sustained some bodily injuries. However, these injuries may not show up till much later, so you need to be aware of the delayed car accident symptoms you may experience.
If you have sustained soft tissue damage after an accident in Camas, you need to hire a Camas auto accident lawyer to represent your case. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident lawyers has handled hundreds of car accident cases across Washington and can help you navigate the complexities of delayed injury cases.
Keep reading to find out the most common late-appearing injuries after auto accidents and how you can deal with insurance for delayed claims.
Why Some Car Accident Injuries Show Up Later
Most people assume that any type of auto accident injury will be immediately noticeable, but the reality is that some injury signs appear much later. There are usually two reasons why this would occur: the injury is more complex, or the adrenaline simply wore off, and you felt the full effects of your injury.
Adrenaline creates a flight or fight response in the body and often imitates a type of natural pain relief. Because of this, you may not feel any pain or discomfort for several hours or days after the accident has occurred, even for more serious injuries. On the other hand, complex injuries, such as internal bleeding or nerve damage, can normally take longer to become noticeable.
Because of these reasons, Washington law recognizes delayed injury claims for victims of car accidents.
Common Delayed Injuries After a Car Collision
Because delayed car accident injuries are so common, this is something you need to be aware of if you have been involved in a collision. Not only is it essential for your well-being to get the medical care you need, but it can also have a big impact on your ability to get a settlement.
Here are some of the most common delayed injuries and the symptoms to watch out for:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a very common injury that results from the sudden impact of a car accident. Whiplash can range in severity, and the whiplash symptoms after a collision usually include pain, stiffness, and mild swelling.
- Soft tissue injuries: Collisions can often result in damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can also result in nerve damage. Delayed symptoms often include soreness, restricted mobility, and swelling.
- Spinal injuries: Depending on the type of car accident, spinal injuries are quite common and often present delayed symptoms. These injuries can include things like concussions or herniated discs and often result in back pain, headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
- Internal bleeding: Despite the fact that internal bleeding is a serious medical concern, it may not be immediately noticeable. Some signs of internal bleeding include fatigue, nausea, swelling, and bruises.
How Delayed Injuries Impact Car Accident Claims
If you realize that you have delayed injuries after a car accident, this can negatively impact your claim. Although this does not remove your right to receive compensation, it can make it more difficult when it comes to dealing with the insurance companies.
The insurance provider may try to make it seem as though your injury is not directly related to the car accident. Or they may try to offer you a low settlement amount instead of giving you the amount you are entitled to.
Because of this, you need to take the additional step of hiring an auto accident attorney to represent you when you file your claim. They will handle negotiation and will ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process. An attorney can also help you locate evidence you will need to prove how your injuries occurred, their severity, and who was at fault for the accident.
What to Do to Protect Your Right to Compensation
Even if you do not immediately feel as though you have been injured after a collision, there are certain steps you should take regardless. Following the correct steps after a car accident protects your rights and ensures you can get the compensation you deserve if injuries become noticeable later on.
- Get medical care: Getting a medical evaluation after an accident is essential for creating documentation regarding your injuries. Even if you do not feel as though you are injured, you need to see a doctor after the car crash for a general physical examination. This can help to identify any serious health issues that may not be immediately noticeable, such as a concussion or internal bleeding.
- Follow medical advice: Depending on what your doctor says, you also need to follow their treatment advice. Having proof that you have followed the advice of medical professionals can support your claim, especially if you have medical bills you need to cover.
- Medical documentation: You also need to hang onto any type of medical documentation regarding the car accident. This could include things like doctors notes, diagnosis, x-rays, and medical receipts.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Sustaining a personal injury after a car accident can come with life-altering repercussions depending on the extent of the injury. Especially when it comes to delayed auto accident injuries, you may face certain challenges when filing a claim to get compensation.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our car accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our Camas, Washington, clients get the compensation they are entitled to. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 3607371478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
How long after a car accident can injuries appear?
Generally speaking, car accident injuries can appear anywhere between hours, days, or weeks after the accident has occurred.
Can I still file a claim if symptoms show up late?
You still have the right to file a claim even if your symptoms are delayed, you just need to make sure you provide plenty of documentation to prove that the injuries are related to the accident.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim outright and refuses to provide compensation, you can take them to court.
