In many cases, drivers are fortunate enough to walk away from a crash without any immediate, debilitating injuries. It's dangerous to assume that there's no need to see a doctor after a crash. This is risky because many injuries take several days to start showing symptoms. Waiting too long to see a doctor can allow your injury to get worse and hurt your chances of recovering damages.
The Indiana car accident attorneys at Boughter Sinak discuss the most common crash-related injuries that cause delayed symptoms and why you should always get medical attention after a crash. If you have any questions regarding your claim, our attorneys can help.
Common injuries that produce delayed symptoms
The most common crash-related injuries that cause delayed symptoms include:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is caused by a rapid back-and-forth whip-like motion of the head, which damages the soft tissue in the neck. This type of injury is most commonly caused by rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness; tingling in the limbs; pain in the upper back and shoulders; headaches; dizziness; and fatigue.
- Concussion. A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow or violent shaking. This type of injury causes cognitive and physical symptoms such as headaches; nausea; vomiting; fatigue; blurred vision; confusion; disorientation; loss of memory; mood changes; and ringing in ears.
- Spinal injuries. Spinal injuries may occur when the vertebrae or discs in the spine become damaged or dislodged. Herniated discs or fractured vertebrae often cause severe back pain; burning and tingling in the lower extremities; sciatica (nerve pain that radiates down the leg); and loss of bladder or bowel function.
- Internal injuries. The liver, kidneys, heart, or spleen can become damaged due to crash impact. People who sustain internal injuries should seek prompt medical treatment, since these injuries can sometimes be life-threatening.
- Soft tissue injuries. Injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can result in a great deal of pain within hours or days after a crash. Swelling, bruising, inflammation, and loss of mobility often accompany soft tissue injuries.
How insurance companies use delayed medical treatment to hurt your claim
It's important that you take your claim seriously from the start. The insurance company that represents the at-fault driver will look for any reason to downplay or deny compensation. If you delayed your medical attention, they will likely argue that you're exaggerating or faking your injuries.
When you see your doctor, you should receive an accurate diagnosis and documentation of your medical evaluation. This will act as supporting evidence in your claim, showing that you received prompt medical attention and are being treated for your injuries.
Let your attorney deal with the other driver's insurance company for you. You only need to talk to your own insurance company when reporting your crash. Even then, you should only stick to the basic facts. You don't have to speak to the other driver's insurance company at all. They will record your statements and leverage them against your claim.
The legal team at Boughter Sinak will conduct a full investigation into your crash and prove that the other driver was negligent. We'll also fight tirelessly to help you recover every dollar owed to you in damages. Our law offices are located in Fort Wayne and South Bend. Contact us online to set up your free case evaluation.