Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident
Car accident injuries are not always apparent after a wreck. For this reason, it is possible to mistakenly believe you did not suffer an injury after a car crash. Although many injuries cause immediate pain and symptoms, some types of injuries can take hours, days or even weeks to develop. Delayed car accident injuries can even cause permanent disabilities or death in some cases. For instance, intracranial internal bleeding can lead to permanent brain damage if it is not promptly treated.
At Walsh Woodard LLC, we want to emphasize how important it is that you seek medical care after a car accident. So, our Hartford person injury attorneys have created a list of common delayed car accident injuries.
Common Delayed Car Accident Injuries
Common types of delayed car accident injuries and health conditions include:
- Concussions. Concussions, also called mild traumatic brain injuries, often cause symptoms that are noticeable right away. However, they also have long-term symptoms that may arise over time. Difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression and memory problems are also possible. Homeland actor Damian Lewis described his experience with the long-term symptoms of a concussion during an interview with a UK newspaper.
- Internal bleeding. There are various organs that may bleed after an accident. In cases with bleeding on the brain, accident victims are at risk of death or life-altering injuries. Internal bleeding in other areas of the body may lead to similar results.
- Whiplash injuries. Your nerves and muscles could suffer damage from the impact forces of a collision. Whiplash injuries may be extremely painful and even disabling. For some individuals, a whiplash injury can make returning to work impossible.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Abbreviated as PTSD, this mental health condition can severely reduce a person’s quality of life and increase the risk of comorbid disorders like substance abuse, panic attacks, major depression and an increased risk of suicidality. Many people with this disorder avoid others and may have a difficult time holding a job or keeping close personal relationships.
Delayed Car Accident Injuries and Settlements
It can be risky to accept the first settlement offered by an insurance company. For people who may believe they are not injured, accepting the first settlement offered can be a major mistake. You may have suffered more damages than you initially realized.
After a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention even if you believe you did not suffer injuries. Medical records obtained after an accident can help you negotiate a settlement that may help cover your damages in full. By seeking medical attention, you are not only protecting your health, but also establishing a record of damages you suffered during the accident.
When Should Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?
Keep in mind, insurance companies are not always going to offer a settlement that is capable of covering your damages. Insurance companies are in business to make money. They are not in business to offer every accident victim a settlement that can actually cover their damages. For this reason, it can help to have an attorney advocate for your needs after a crash.
An attorney can help with the settlement negotiation process and can uncover additional evidence of who was at fault for the crash and the damages you suffered. In some cases, an attorney may even take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
About Our Hartford Car Accident Lawyers
Walsh Woodard LLC is a Connecticut personal injury law firm with experience handling car accident cases. You can read more about our experience with these cases by exploring our website. If you have questions about your rights after a car accident in Connecticut, then we encourage you to speak with an attorney at our firm. You can schedule a free consultation by calling us at (860) 549-8440 or by using our online contact form.