How to Recover Compensation for Delayed Car Accident Injuries

Delayed injuries are not uncommon after car accidents. The adrenaline from the collision can mask pain and symptoms, making a victim believe initially that he or she is not injured. Then, hours or even days later, the victim may recognize injuries that were caused by the car accident. If you have delayed car accident injuries after a collision in Dallas, it is important to take certain steps to protect your right to recover financial compensation.

Common Delayed Car Accident Injuries

Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you could have many different types of injuries with delayed symptoms. However, certain injuries are more commonly diagnosed late after car accidents than others. A concussion, for example, often does not show symptoms immediately. Instead, you may notice subtle signs hours later or even the next day, such as brain fog, trouble concentrating and headaches. Common delayed car accident injuries include:

• Soft-tissue injuries
• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Disk ruptures or herniation
• Internal injuries or bleeding
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Emotional or psychological injuries

If you initially think that you are not injured but notice signs of a potential injury after a vehicle crash in Texas, you may still be eligible for financial compensation from the other driver’s insurance provider. It is important, however, to protect your rights by taking a few steps to prove that your injuries exist and that they are connected to the car accident.    

Wait to Answer Questions About Your Injuries

First, do not jeopardize your right to recover financial compensation by telling anyone that you are not injured in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. Although you may feel fine, keep in mind that you might have delayed injuries. Do not tell the other driver, the responding police officer or an insurance claims adjuster that you don’t have any injuries until you’ve seen a doctor. Instead, explain that you will be going to a hospital right away and will answer questions about your injuries later. Don’t sign anything given to you by the insurance claims adjuster, either. The other driver’s insurance company may contact you as soon as the day of the car accident and attempt to get you to sign a release of liability form. The insurance company may even offer you a type of settlement to convince you to sign. It is important, however, not to sign anything until you have been to a doctor and consulted an attorney.

Go to a Hospital in Dallas Immediately

Always go to a hospital immediately after an automobile accident. Going to see a doctor right away demonstrates that you were concerned that you had an injury from the car accident. A doctor can diagnose an injury even if you are not yet showing symptoms, using tests and x-rays. An early diagnosis can help you receive immediate medical care for an injury.

Gather Copies of Your Medical Records

You will need proof of medical evaluations, diagnosis and treatment to obtain compensation for a delayed car accident injury. Do your best to gather this evidence by requesting copies of your medical records and obtaining a letter from your doctor. Strong medical evidence proving that you suffered an injury in the auto accident can help your insurance claim.

Consult With an Attorney

Next, consult with a car accident attorney in Dallas for assistance with the claims process. An attorney will accurately evaluate the value of your injury claim and prevent an auto insurance company from taking advantage of you. Your lawyer can take over settlement negotiations on your behalf to argue for maximum financial compensation, even if you had a delayed injury.

File Before the Deadline

Finally, if you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused your car accident, make sure you file the paperwork before the deadline. In Texas, the statute of limitations (legal deadline for filing) is two years from the date that you discovered your injuries, in most cases. With only rare exceptions, if you fail to file by this deadline, you will give up the right to recover compensation.