Injuries From Car Accidents That Don’t Appear Right Away
The personal injury attorneys at Alperstein & Diener protect the rights of accident victims who suffer from injuries that aren’t immediately apparent.
Car accidents are distressing and occasionally life-altering events, and there can be a great deal of force involved when two vehicles collide even in the smallest of fender-benders. Oftentimes, when individuals are involved in what they believe to be a minor car crash, they do not notice any injury symptoms right away. Whether it is from a rush of adrenaline or the distraction of dealing with vehicle damage, towing and paperwork, victims of minor accidents do not always address what could result in a devastating injury. Understanding the importance of monitoring injuries following an accident can go a long way in protecting both your physical wellbeing and legal rights.
Adrenaline
When you are injured in a car crash, much like when an athlete is injured during competition, your body will generate an enormous amount of adrenaline and endorphins. These chemicals have the ability to super-charge the body and make the average person more resistant to pain.
Feeling completely normal after an accident does not mean that you are definitely unharmed. Once the effect of these chemicals begins to subside, the pain from any injuries sustained will start to settle and become more apparent. Be sure to continuously monitor your health after a crash for a couple of days to see if any injuries surface.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Remember, not all car accident injuries are in the form of a broken bone. Injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments are considered soft tissue impairments. Even in the most minor of crashes, your body can be jolted around, which can cause these muscles to strain and stretch far beyond their limits, thus resulting in an injury. The most common type of soft tissue injury from a car accident is called whiplash.
Soft tissue injuries can take weeks to manifest and cause a great deal of discomfort. Reduced mobility, swelling and painful muscle knots are all signs of a soft tissue injury, so take note of these symptoms and receive medical attention at the first sign of discomfort.
See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Seeking an evaluation from a doctor soon after an accident is important for both health and legal reasons. Your doctor will provide the most accurate diagnosis to determine if you have sustained any immediate injuries and give you advice on self-monitoring for potential injuries.
Additionally, and equally as important, if you intend to make an injury claim, you must be able to document that you sought medical attention within a reasonable amount of time. If you do not visit your doctor following a crash, the insurance adjuster on your case may claim that the injuries weren’t severe enough to require compensation or even that they are entirely fabricated.
Never Settle Right Away
Once the tangible damage from the car accident is cleaned up, you may be contacted by the other party’s insurance company multiple times in an attempt to have you sign a release of any legal claims you may wish to pursue. You should wait to be fully evaluated by a medical professional before signing any type of release that an insurance adjuster puts before you. If you sign a release and later realize the full extent of an injury, you cannot go back and ask the insurance company to cover any medical expenses.
Consult with a reputable personal injury attorney if you have suffered a serious injury or believe you may be at risk to suffer any ailments following a car accident as he or she will outline a legal action plan and seek the compensation you may be entitled to.
For more information about the legal procedures associated with car accident injuries that don’t immediately appear or your individual circumstances, contact the personal injury attorneys at Alperstein & Diener.