The severity of car accidents and resulting injuries can vary widely. In some cases, those involved in the accident walk away believing that they haven’t suffered any injuries because symptoms don’t show up right away. Then as days progress, pain, stiffness, and other symptoms set in. Even though this delay in the onset of symptoms is fairly common, it can cause problems with filing an accident claim if the injured party failed to see a doctor shortly after the accident. Essentially, they argue that you weren’t injured in the accident because you would have visited a doctor right after the accident if you were.
There are several reasons why car accident injuries don’t appear right away. The body’s natural response to trauma releases adrenaline and endorphins, which can temporarily mask pain and other symptoms. Once these chemicals subside, the true extent of the injuries becomes more noticeable. In particular, soft-tissue injuries like whiplash, muscle strains, or internal bruising often take time to develop swelling and stiffness.
If you’re wondering how to prove car accident injuries that didn’t show up until days after the accident, read on for some tips below. A consultation with an experienced, local car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights can also be very helpful.
How to Connect Your Car Accident Injuries to the Accident
While on scene, call 9-1-1 to get a police report of the incident. In the meantime, gather information from the accident scene, such as photos of the vehicles and their positions, skid marks, and any debris. You will also want to collect contact information from the other driver(s) and witnesses. Be sure to request a copy of the police report once it is complete.
Even if you feel fine, it is essential to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident so a doctor can evaluate you for any possible injuries. This appointment can also serve to set a baseline record of your condition, which is crucial because delayed injuries like concussions or internal damage aren’t always obvious at first.
How to document your injuries:
- Keep a daily symptom journal. In this journal, keep notes about your pain levels and mobility. Note any other symptoms you are experiencing such as stiffness, headaches, and dizziness, including their intensity. This creates a timeline of your symptoms and their progression.
- Take photos and videos. Take pictures of any visible injuries, including any cuts, bruises, or swelling that develop. Keep taking pictures over time to show how your condition evolves or heals. Videos can also show the level of pain and reduced mobility you are experiencing.
- Follow all instructions from your doctor. The at-fault insurance company will try to use any deviance from medical instructions to show that you weren’t as injured as you say you are.
- Attend all follow-up appointments. Any gaps in medical care can be used by the at-fault insurance company to argue your injuries aren’t severe or are unrelated to the accident.
- Save all bills and receipts. Keep records of all medical bills and any other related expenses such as prescription drugs. This documentation is important for proving financial damages as well as tying your injuries to the accident.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Proves Delayed Car Accident Injuries
To prove that car accident injuries that don’t show up until later are related to the crash, your attorney will gather key evidence such as medical records, bills, witness statements, and your personal journal. These, combined with the police report and accident photos, help demonstrate the severity of the collision and how it likely caused your delayed symptoms. An attorney may also hire medical experts or accident reconstruction experts who can explain how your specific injuries, even those that were delayed, are a direct result of the accident.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
