Minor Car Accident Symptoms – Legal Options to Take
You left the scene of the accident feeling that nothing was wrong with you, which means no bones were broken or bleeding and nothing but possibly feeling dazed.
The next day, when you awoke, something was going on inside you. Your neck is just stuck. Your head is beating. Your back hurts in a way it didn’t yesterday. And now you’re worried if this is from the accident. And if it does, are there still some other things that you can do?
Yes, there are. And your actions in the coming days will be more important than what others know.
When Can an Injury Show Up After An Auto Crash?
With most car accident injuries, you’re going to know that you’ve been hurt. Broken bones and cuts aren’t small or easy to ignore. But the presence or severity of some injuries might not be so obvious for a few hours, or even the next day. In general:
- Most signs of any injuries sustained due to a car accident become evident within 24 hours after the incident.
- Whiplash injuries and back pain could be more severe in the third to fifth days after the accident.
- Headaches and concussions usually show themselves after a week.
- Psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety will require weeks to show up.
- Persistent pain may manifest itself a month or so later.
You need to be observant of the symptoms presented by your body, and it is advisable to have a physical examination, regardless of whether you know that you have suffered any injury or not. Then you need to consult with a pedestrian injury lawyer to cover all expenses.
What Are Delayed Car Accident Injury Symptoms to Watch Out For?
The most common types of car accident injuries are listed below:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding, and
- Psychological issues (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Never ignore these injuries after an accident. Because if you ignore these injuries, you will face many health problems in the future, and we all know that if you have health, then you have everything.
Delayed Medical Treatment May Affect Your Personal Injury Case
To get compensation, you will have to prove that the injury was due to an accident. In the case of instant treatment, this will be easier to demonstrate. However, when delayed by weeks, the insurance company will argue that the injury has nothing to do with your accident.
In this situation, it’s important to remember the following points:
- If you are thinking of making a personal injury case, you require documentation of your injury.
- Your physician must give you an accurate diagnosis regarding your sickness.
- Even though there isn’t a defined period of time for this, the more that passes, the harder it will be for you to prove your injuries from the accident.
- Insurance companies are notorious for disputing and denying claims.
- It is important that you have medical documentation to make the most convincing case possible.
- Additionally, you will need medical bills showing expenses related to your accident.
- Medical expenses are usually part of the compensation in a personal injury case.
This being the case, it would be prudent for you to first seek help from a qualified personal injury lawyer since this way you can have your medical bills collected and the amount of compensation you should seek calculated.
When Do Injuries Become Visible?
The visibility of injuries depends on several factors; some injuries may show themselves after 24 to 48 hours, while some, such as PTSD, may show themselves after days or even weeks. Delays in seeking medical help may negatively impact your case.
You have to visit the doctor right after the accident occurs regardless of how good you feel because there are certain injuries that are difficult to detect.
How to Collect Evidence for the Accident Scene?
Evidence needs to be collected about the accident scene to meet the requirements of Cockayne Law. Photograph damage to vehicles, surrounding debris, and the general layout of the scene.
Also, make sure you obtain the police report, exchange witnesses’ contacts, and all relevant medical documents. This evidence will establish liability and highlight the overall effect the accident has on your lifestyle.
And write down all the details immediately after the accident occurs. For e
- What happened in the moments preceding the crash?
- Where have you been traveling from?
- What were the driving conditions like?
- What was your speed, and did you take notice of how the other vehicle had been operating?
Writing down all the above before it fades from your memory can serve as vital evidence if later called upon. All this can come in handy later and act as a personal reminder if your memory becomes blurry.
Report to the Insurance Company About the Accident
In Utah, you must report an accident to your insurance company, even if you weren’t at fault. When you call, provide them with the basic details of the accident and avoid giving any statements about fault.
If the other insurance company contacts you, it’s usually best to speak to your own insurance company or a lawyer before giving them any detailed information.
Don’t Handle Your Case Alone. Call Cockayne Law Now!
A sudden accident, slip, or even an attack from your own dog can land you in a world of pain, financial woes, and confusion about whom to consult. A veteran personal injury attorney from Utah will fill that void for you.
We gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements, then pressure adjusters until they pay the full value, whether your injury came from a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident.
The clients select Cockayne Law because they can interact directly with their known and reliable Utah personal injury lawyers from day one. They will always keep you informed, respond to your calls on the same day, and will only ask for payment when you have got your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What will happen if the accident is not reported within 24 hours?
If an accident is not reported within 24 hours, then one will be liable to pay heavy fines and may even end up in jail. Other than that, your driving license may be suspended as well. You will not get your claims honored either, since the accident will not be reported on time.
Q2. What is the time limit for reporting an accident?
Accidents should ideally be reported immediately. This is the timeframe taken into consideration most of the time in insurance and legislation.
Q3. Is it possible for an accident to lead to spinal stenosis?
Yes, a car accident can be one of the causes of spinal stenosis, narrowing the spinal canal because of trauma like fractures of the vertebrae, herniation of discs, and thickening of the ligaments.
Q4. Is it still possible for me to claim insurance after the late reporting of the accident?
It depends on your insurer and your situation. Legal guidance can help you deal with the claim process, even if reporting was delayed.
Q5. Is it worth claiming minor damage?
If the incident was just you (no one else involved) and any damage was very minor and will not cost more than the excess to put right, it may be better not to claim and foot the bill yourself.