It is never too late to go to the doctor after a car accident; however, it is smart to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Avoiding a trip to the doctor can worsen medical issues and complicate any legal claims you may have.
Some injuries have delayed symptoms that don’t appear for days or weeks after your car accident. Sometimes, what you think is simple soreness after a crash could be an indicator of something serious. Even when you feel okay, a trip to the doctor is worth it.
If you have been in a car crash, a Seattle car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve. We’ve recovered over $100 million for injured accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and discuss your case.
Why It Is Important to See a Doctor After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important for several reasons, the first and most important being your health.
Just because you feel okay after an accident doesn’t mean you are. Adrenaline can mask pain, and you could mistake signs of an injury in the days after your crash for soreness. Some injuries have delayed symptoms that won’t appear until days or weeks after your crash.
Preserving your legal standing is another reason to see a doctor. If you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation. Your medical records and your attention to your healthcare needs serve as proof in your compensation claim.
Insurance Company Settlements
When you are in a car accident, a representative of the at-fault party’s insurance company may reach out with a settlement offer. Often, the amount they are offering is much less than what your claim is worth, but even if it is fair, you should not accept it without talking to a lawyer.
Delayed symptoms following your accident are a major reason why. Usually, accepting a settlement offer means waiving your rights to future claims for the same accident. So, if you discover a month later that you have a serious injury, you might be out of luck.
Always consult with an attorney before making any major decisions regarding insurance companies to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident
Delayed symptoms are those that appear hours, days, or even weeks after your car accident. They indicate injuries you are unaware of and may not immediately present themselves due to a delayed inflammatory response, internal bleeding, post-concussion syndrome, or other issues.
Common delayed symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Neck/back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Numbness
- Mood changes
These symptoms may be subtle at first, but they can worsen over time. If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident or any other changes to your physical or mental state, it is important to seek medical attention.
Types of Car Accident Injuries That Can Have Delayed Symptoms
Many injuries that can show delayed symptoms well after your car accident can be very serious. Some of the most common delayed injuries and their symptoms include:
- Whiplash: May be indicated by neck stiffness, headaches, or shoulder pain.
- Spinal Injuries: Back pain, numbness, or tingling in limbs can develop over time.
- Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury: Delayed symptoms can include confusion, dizziness, memory loss, and nausea.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Watch for signs of swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Internal Bleeding: Delayed symptoms may include abdominal pain, bruising, and dizziness.
- Herniated Discs: Symptoms may include pain, weakness, or numbness in the back or legs.
- Psychological Trauma: Anxiety and depression after an accident could be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is important to monitor for these and other delayed injuries after a car accident and consult a doctor if your condition changes. If you feel like something is off, it is not too late to go to a doctor after a car accident.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In Washington State, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the time of the accident. That means you have three years to file a claim or bring legal action, or you lose your rights to do so.
However, the discovery rule can be helpful in cases where an injury does not become apparent until well after the accident. According to the discovery rules, the three-year statute of limitations does not begin until you know or should have known about an injury.
It’s Not Too Late to Go to the Doctor After Your Car Accident
It is never too late to go to the doctor after a car accident, but it is a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think you are healthy. If you didn’t go to the emergency room after your accident, go to the doctor as soon as you can.
Then, follow your doctor’s advice. Doing so ensures your health is taken care of, and any injuries with delayed symptoms can be diagnosed. It also keeps your legal claim in good standing, so insurance companies can’t argue you aren’t as hurt as you say.
At Premier Law Group, our team has over 55 years of combined experience advocating for injured victims. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need assistance, contact us today to schedule a free case review.
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