There are certain steps to take after a small accident in Vancouver, WA, even if you don’t feel like you have been injured. Low-impact car accident injuries can be significant and may not present themselves until several weeks or months later.
If you are experiencing delayed symptoms after a crash in Vancouver, Washington, you need to hire an auto accident attorney to represent your claim. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident lawyers has handled hundreds of soft tissue injury claims in Washington and can provide you with the legal representation and minor car accident legal advice you need to move forward.
Keep reading to learn more about the most common low-impact car accident injuries and how to file an insurance claim after a minor crash.
Low-Impact Car Accident Injuries
If you don’t have any immediate symptoms after a car accident, you may think that you have escaped unscathed. But the reality is that there are many low-impact car accident injuries that can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life.
Car collisions are incredibly forceful, even if they are technically considered to be minor. Understanding what injuries to look for and how to document medical evidence will be essential for protecting your right to receive compensation even for mild collisions.
Here are some common low-impact injuries you should be aware of:
- Whiplash: Although whiplash is a very common car accident injury and is often quite mild, whiplash can also be very severe. If it is significant and left untreated, whiplash could result in chronic problems, such as permanent nerve damage.
- Soft tissue injuries: The force of even the mildest car accident can result in extensive soft tissue injuries that may not be immediately noticeable. This includes things like tendon, muscle, or ligament injuries that can lead to ongoing health problems and chronic pain.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Brain injuries are another type of car accident injury that can take quite a while to become noticeable, but can have a huge impact on your life. Even a minor accident can result in concussions, skull fractures, or hematomas.
Delayed Symptoms After a Crash in Vancouver, WA
Now that you know what injuries a mild accident can result in, what are the delayed symptoms to watch out for? Delayed injuries can create some issues when you are filing a claim, but this doesn’t necessarily prevent you from getting compensation. However, it is always best to act as quickly as possible and to know what symptoms could be concerning.
Here are some symptoms that you should never ignore if you have been in a car accident:
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Lower or upper back pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Hearing or vision changes
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or any other unusual health issues after a car accident, you need to hire a personal injury attorney in Vancouver, WA. Delayed injuries can be serious and can lead to a variety of medical expenses. Because of this, you want to act quickly and file a claim for any accident-related back pain or other type of related injury.
Documenting Injuries After an Accident: What You Need to Know
One of the most crucial steps of filing an insurance claim after a minor crash is to build up documentation regarding your injuries. Although it is important to indicate who was at fault, you also need to be able to prove that you are entitled to a certain amount of compensation due to your damages.
It is always recommended that you get medical attention directly after the collision, either by calling an ambulance, visiting the hospital, or seeing your doctor. Getting a car crash medical evaluation will create a paper trail documenting your injuries or any other negative changes to your health.
Throughout this process, you need to follow the directions your medical provider gives you and hold onto any doctor’s notes, bills, or receipts.
Legal Steps For Car Accident Claims in Vancouver
After being involved in a minor car accident in Vancouver, Washington, one of the most important steps you need to take is to notify your insurance provider. You are legally obligated to do this within a specific time frame, depending on the details of your policy.
It can also be helpful to document evidence at the scene of the collision through things like photos, video, and witness testimonies. An additional step to take later on is to hire legal representation so that you will not be trying to negotiate on your own behalf.
A car accident attorney will help you fill out your claim, document liability and injuries, and negotiate on a settlement.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Low-impact car accident injuries can come with serious consequences, especially if they lead to ongoing medical problems. That is why it is essential that you hire a personal injury attorney in Vancouver, WA, and file a claim to get the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our car accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping car accident victims get the compensation they are entitled to. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Can a minor car accident really cause serious injuries?
Even the most minor car accident can result in significant injuries, depending on the nature of the accident and the individual. For instance, children and the elderly are more likely to be seriously injured.
What if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?
You can still file a claim for a minor car accident even if you did not go to the hospital right away. However, you will need to be evaluated by a medical professional and gather as much medical documentation so that you can prove the extent of your injuries.
How do I prove my injury was caused by the accident?
A car crash medical evaluation should be able to determine the nature of your injuries and what caused them.
