Delayed Injuries After an Auto Accident
Typically, injuries from an auto accident are immediately apparent. The pain from typical auto accident injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, and burns, are usually immediately felt. But, sometimes the pain of an injury doesn’t manifest until days or even weeks the accident occurred.
Common “Delayed” Injuries After an Auto Accident
There are some injuries that often don’t develop noticeable symptoms right away. Some common “delayed” injuries include:
- Back and neck sprains. Serious back or neck injuries can cause immediate pain. However, it is quite common for some back and neck sprains to go unnoticed for days after an accident especially if the victim has additional traumatic injuries like broken bones in other parts of their body. Yet, despite the fact that these injuries may not be immediately noticed, they can still present a chronic problem that interferes with daily life and shouldn’t be dismissed.
- Concussions. The worst symptoms from head injuries may not become apparent for days or even weeks after an accident. Problems sleeping, memory loss, and an inability to concentrate are all common symptoms of a concussion that may not be readily apparent immediately following an accident. Sometimes, concussion victims just feel irritable. If you notice any of these symptoms following an auto accident, seek medical care right away.
- Bruising. It can often take a few days for bruises to appear following an accident. Deep injuries to bones may even take a week or more to show up on the surface. Although the underlying pain will be noticeable, the extent of injuries is sometimes not apparent until the bruising occurs.
What You Can Do if an Injury Manifests After an Accident
If your claim hasn’t been settled yet, you can still be compensated for delayed injuries. If you notice pain from a delayed injury, you should notify your insurance company and seek medical care without any further delay. Defendants to car accident claims will often argue that delayed injuries weren’t actually caused by the accident itself. However, the sooner you receive medical care, the less likely this argument will hold up. As long as you can provide medical evidence that the auto accident caused or most likely caused your injury, you should still be able to recover.
Unfortunately, if you have already signed a general release in exchange for a settlement, your claim is extinguished. This means that you cannot attempt to collect additional damages thereafter. Because delayed injuries are quite common, it is important not to rush into agreeing to a settlement following an accident. You should always try to have all of your medical issues documented and accounted for before agreeing to settle.
Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter for More Information
The Kennesaw, Georgia attorneys for car wrecks at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter are dedicated to seeking justice for accident victims throughout Georgia. We take cases on a contingency basis meaning that our clients do not pay any attorney fees unless and until we win the case. If you would like additional information regarding this issue, or if you would like to discuss your case, call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, at 833 – LEGALGA today for your free consultation.
