Not all accident injuries are absolutely clear cut and can be characterized in a way that must immediately be accounted for in an insurance claim. There is the chance that the physical damage may be a soft tissue injury, which doesn't always manifest in a timely manner. For situations such as these, although complicated, there are ways to manage this dilemma. Explained here are approaches to handling an accident injury that shows up too late.
Procedure for When Accident Injuries Don't Show Up Immediately
How Does This Occur
In the case of a car accident, the body is exposed to high levels of stress hormones which have the ability to suppress the feeling of pain after the biochemicals have been released. This can hide the injury beyond days or weeks. Hormones such as adrenaline and endorphins both play a part in this. Adrenaline can mask pain sensation, while endorphins work similar to opioids and have the ability to block chemical pain signaling in the body. What complicates matters further is when there is a soft tissue injury; in this case, you feel nothing at first after the accident but days or months later, there is noticeable pain.
Soft Tissue and Concussion Injuries
Injuries that often result in concussions, traumatic brain damage, or soft tissue injury include whiplash, collisions, and even minor bumps. Stress-induced hormones can at first make you think nothing is wrong. However, if it is a soft tissue injury, it may be a hidden injury. Soft tissue injuries can take days to weeks to show up.
See a Doctor
Although you may see a doctor weeks later, the documentation of any accident injury is crucial to the success of a personal injury claim. There may be attempts to dismiss this, for example insurers will state that it's not a serious injury if you didn't immediately seek medical evaluation. The defendant might point out that a speedy diagnosis should have been managed more carefully. However, you still have the right to claim damage compensation despite these arguments.
Don't Settle Right Away
Don't be distracted by offers and sums of money to prevent you from filing another claim. Often, car insurance companies might try to have you sign a release or provide other offers. Wait until you're sure all injuries have exposed themselves, and you can consult with a doctor on the length of time this may require. Once you sign a release, you can never go back and file a complaint. Whatever compensation you agreed to is the only amount you can receive once that's been signed. Make sure you are very thorough in discovering all of the injuries you have, which include getting medical help and x-rays.
Additional Information for Delayed Accident Injuries
In the case of an accident injury that didn't show up until much later, professional lawyers have many strategies and tactics for getting around the arguments provided by insurers and defendants. If you require more help understanding how to manage this problem click here. Resourceful information will be provided to further guide you in the compensation of personal injury.
