In the chaos of a car accident, with the full effects of adrenaline at play, it’s not uncommon for victims to not experience the onset of serious injuries immediately. You may be in shock, rightfully preoccupied with vehicle damage, insurance claims, and medical attention for any obvious injuries. You may not realize the full extent of your injuries for days, even weeks following the car accident. However, it’s vital to recognize the warning signs of delayed symptoms, seek medical treatment, and know your rights in seeking legal recourse for the harm you have suffered.
Whether you were injured in a fender bender, left turn accident, rear-end collision, multiple vehicle accident, side impact collision, side swipe accident, or there was a child injured in the accident, you deserve to hold any and all negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoings. The Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello proudly serves the people of Delaware County from their office in Media, PA.
Recognizing Delayed Symptoms
After a car accident, most people experience a rush of adrenaline and shock that can keep them from fully experiencing the physical harm they have suffered. This can mask symptoms of serious injuries for days or weeks. You may also have obvious, visible injuries which can mask the pain of less-visible injuries. These injuries may include:
- Severe bruising
- Whiplash
- Back injuries, including herniated discs
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Delayed bleeding or hemorrhage
- Jaw injuries
- Emotional and psychological injuries such as PTSD
What to Do If You Experience Delayed Symptoms
There’s no time limit in place for when you can see the full toll a car accident has taken on your body. However, if a delayed onset injury becomes apparent, it’s vital to take specific steps:
- Seek medical attention. Your health is always the first priority. Injuries, even with delayed symptoms, can have significant long-term consequences and may be more severe than they appear on the surface. Seeking medical attention also provides a record and documentation of the injury which is vital if you want to pursue a lawsuit.
- Document your symptoms. In the law, there’s no such thing as too much evidence. It’s vital to maintain detailed records of your symptoms, when they became apparent, and any medical treatment you have received. This will serve as the cornerstone of your lawsuit should you decide to move forward.
- Notify your insurance company. You should report the delayed symptoms to your insurance company as soon as you are able, providing them with the relevant information and documentation, while keeping a record of this communication.
When to Contact an Attorney
Not every car accident requires legal intervention, but some more complicated factors can make an attorney’s assistance invaluable. This includes:
- Severe injuries. If you’ve sustained serious injuries with the potential for long-term consequences, it’s critical to reach out to an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney. Your attorney can help you assess the long-term implications of these injuries on your life and determine fair compensation for those harms.
- Disputed liability. Your attorney is a vital tool in ascertaining who can be held responsible for your injuries and to what extent. If the fault for the accident is in dispute or unclear, your attorney will investigate the circumstances and gather evidence to establish liability.
- Insurance issues. If you encounter challenges with your insurance claim, such as delayed payments or denied coverage, your attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance law and advocate on your behalf for fair coverage and compensation.
- Reaching a fair settlement. Insurance companies may offer settlements that do not adequately account for the harm you have faced. They will lowball unrepresented accident victims, preying on the idea that these laypeople do not know the true value of their claim or their pain. An attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement that addresses your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses.
Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations or deadline for bringing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury, so time is of the essence to protect your legal rights.
The Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello: Helping Car Accident Victims Understand Their Rights
Recognizing delayed symptoms after a car accident is vital for your health and for your legal rights in making a personal injury claim. Your well-being is always the first priority, and an experienced car accident attorney in Media, PA can help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive just compensation and hold any negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoings.
Proudly serving clients across the state of Pennsylvania, the experienced personal injury team at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello has made it their mission to fight for the rights of injured citizens across Pennsylvania. We pride ourselves on offering top-notch, comprehensive representation for reasonable rates and fees, taking car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that we take no upfront fees, and we don’t get paid until you see your rightful settlement. Contact us or call us at (610)-892-4940 today for a free consultation.
