If you’re in a car accident, you may or may not feel discomfort and pain afterward. But what happens if you experience delayed symptoms after a car accident? If this happens to you, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis.
If you don’t follow the right steps, you could give up your chance at a successful personal injury claim. Understanding what to do and where to find help will guide you in making informed decisions.
Commonly Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you might not initially feel pain, leading you to believe you weren’t injured. Unfortunately, delayed symptoms after a car accident can begin a month or so later.
You might notice:
- Headache
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Abdominal pain
- Emotional changes or trouble sleeping
Many people can still initially go about their daily lives. However, these signs could indicate more serious trauma. You might be facing:
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries
- A concussion
- Internal bleeding
- Blood clots
- Back injuries
- Emotional injuries, including PTSD
While studies of car crash deaths and rates show fewer fatalities than in previous years, many continue to sustain serious injuries each year in Indianapolis, IN.
Why Are Symptoms Delayed?
After a car accident, you might experience a rush of adrenaline, endorphins, and shock. This can lead to increased energy, strength, focus, and oxygen flow. It could also decrease pain and prevent you from experiencing the symptoms right away.
Over time, these effects will start to wear off, allowing your symptoms to surface.
What Should You Do If You Experience Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident?
If you start to experience delayed symptoms after a car accident, it’s important to take action. Failure to know the proper steps can mean you forfeit your chance at compensation.
See a Doctor
If you are in a car accident, you should see a doctor, even if you don’t feel pain. This can help uncover injuries you aren’t yet aware of. Your doctor can determine if you were injured during the accident, if it’s serious, and how to monitor your symptoms.
If you make an injury claim, being able to show that you saw a doctor promptly is critical. If you wait too long, your insurance adjuster can claim you weren’t really that injured because you would have sought treatment earlier.
Work With a Personal Injury Attorney in Indianapolis, IN
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you decide what the next step is when dealing with delayed symptoms after a car accident. They can advise you whether you should file a claim or settle. They can also help you build a strong case to fight for any compensation you’re eligible for.
Don’t Settle Immediately
After your accident, the insurance company may try to convince you to sign a release of liability and may even offer money to do so. Signing this release means you agree to a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Doing so waives your right to any additional claims.
Instead, wait to settle until after a doctor has evaluated you. You should also wait long enough for all injuries to become present. In Indianapolis, IN, you can file an injury claim up to two years after the accident.
If an injury appears later and you have already settled, you will not be able to ask for your treatment expenses to be covered. If your symptoms return after you settle, your attorney may be able to help if other legal options are available.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN
Delayed symptoms after a car accident can throw a wrench into your claim. Working with a personal injury lawyer ensures you take the right steps at the right time to have a better chance for a positive outcome. They can even help you manage an injury claim with medical treatment gaps.
The team at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys in Indianapolis, IN, is here to answer all your questions. If you were injured in a car accident, let us help you navigate your next steps. Give us a call at (866) 926-2414 to schedule your free consultation.