Some car accident victims do not realize that not all injuries manifest immediately after a collision. Delayed injuries can significantly impact your health and your ability to seek compensation.
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Below, our Charleston car accident lawyers discusses what delayed injuries could happen after a car crash and how delayed injuries can affect your claim. Also, we address how proving delayed injuries can help strengthen your claim.
If you have been injured in a car crash, seek medical attention right away and legal counsel from a trusted attorney. At Roden Law, we are here to help you understand the next steps to take in the legal process.
Request your FREE case review today: 1-844-RESULTS.
What are Delayed Injuries After a Car Crash
Delayed injuries are medical conditions that do not present symptoms immediately after a car accident. These injuries can emerge hours, days or even weeks after a collision. The human body’s complex response to trauma along with adrenaline and shock, can mask pain and other injury symptoms.
Common delayed injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries that develop gradually
- Soft tissue damage in muscles and ligaments
- Whiplash-related to neck and spine complications
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Psychological trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Concussions and delayed neurological symptoms
- Herniated discs that worsen over time
The absence of immediate pain does not mean you are uninjured. Professional medical diagnostic tests are crucial to rule out any serious medical conditions. Even if you feel fine initially, it is a good idea to seek medical attention immediately.
How Delayed Injuries Affect Your Car Crash Claim
Delayed injuries can significantly complicate the legal process of seeking compensation. Insurance companies often scrutinize claims where injuries are not immediately reported or documented. This makes understanding and properly addressing delayed injuries critical to protecting your legal rights.
Key factors you should know about delayed injuries and filing claims include:
- Medical documentation becomes paramount in proving your injuries
- Waiting too long to seek medical treatment can weaken your claim
- Insurance adjusters may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident
- South Carolina’s statute of limitations requires timely filing with complete medical evidence.
- Financial compensation depends on detailed medical evidence
Proving Delayed Injuries for Your Claim
Successfully documenting delayed injuries requires taking the appropriate steps. It is important to file your claim with a licensed attorney that have experience with car accident cases because they can help you throughout the legal process.
Some of the ways that you can strengthen your case if you have delayed injuries may involve:
- Requesting Medical Records: If you go to the doctor and find out that you have injuries, get a copy of your medical records. Documents created close to the accident date serve as crucial evidence.
- Documenting Medical Bills and Treatment: Keep a paper trail of your doctor appointments, prescriptions and any treatment related to your accident injuries. Preserve all medical bills, diagnostic reports and physician notes.
- Follow Complete Treatment Plans: Adhere strictly to your healthcare provider’s recommended treatment plan. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to challenge the severity of your injuries.
- Keep a Personal Injury Journal: Record daily pain levels, medical treatments, emotional impacts and how injuries affect your work and personal life. Detailed documentation provides powerful narrative evidence.
- Consult Medical Specialists: Some injuries require specialized medical expertise. Neurologists, orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists can provide detailed assessments that strengthen your claim.
What Are the Long-Term Health Effects of Delayed Injuries?
Delayed injuries can have lasting impact beyond immediate medical concerns. Many victims underestimate the potential long-term health and financial consequences of seemingly minor post-accident symptoms.
Some car crash victims may ignore injuries, assuming they will resolve with the treatment they are already receiving from their doctor. However, this assumption can result in delayed injuries going untreated. If you notice any new symptoms while being treated for existing car crash injuries, be sure to inform your doctor. They may need to create a new treatment plan or adjust your current one.
Chronic pain, neurological complications and psychological trauma can develop months or even years after a car crash. These conditions may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, significantly disrupting your personal and professional life. Additionally, some delayed injuries can lead to permanent disability, affecting your future earning capacity and overall quality of life.
Proactively documenting medical interactions, tracking symptom progression and working with medical professionals can help you receive appropriate care and support for a full recovery.
Call Roden Law After a Charleston Car Accident
Do not let delayed injuries, compromise your legal rights or financial recovery. Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Time is critical in car accident claims. South Carolina’s statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Delaying medical treatment or legal action could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.
Contact Roden Law today for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs or fees for our services. We will review your case, explain your legal options and help you take the first steps toward seeking compensation.
Speak to one of our attorneys today: 1-844-RESULTS.