After a car accident, you might not feel any pain or show outward signs of any injury at all. Actually, symptoms of physical damages can be delayed by a few days or even longer before they show up.
Here’s what you can do when insurance adjusters start calling and put pressure on you to settle the claim.
For an Orange County car accident, a competent lawyer can skillfully negotiate with the insurance provider and take a load off your back. Call us today at (714) 515-9696 for a free car accident injury case evaluation.
Seek Medical Attention
Don’t delay in seeking medical attention following an accident, even if there are no visible signs of injury.
Certain injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may not exhibit any physical symptoms at the outset. These injuries may be delayed in showing up but can become quite serious when they do.
Don’t Settle Your Injury Claim
It’s understandable that you’ll want to move forward with your life after going through a vehicular accident. Even so, refuse to accept a quick settlement from an insurance company until you’ve consulted your attorney first.
Keep in mind that insurance companies don’t earn money by giving out large settlements. Quite the opposite, they make their profit by handing out as little as possible.
If you’re tempted to settle, consider these questions:
- Will your settlement be enough to pay for all your medical treatment?
- Will it cover your lost wages, past, and future?
- Will it pay for all the pain and suffering you went through?
An OC car accident lawyer can help you gain clarity about your injuries and how you should proceed with your claim.
Injuries with Delayed Onset of Pain
The onset of pain after a car accident varies with each person. Some people may experience pain immediately, while others may feel some pain after a few hours, days, or weeks following the crash.
If you accept a settlement too quickly, it might not be enough to cover the delayed pain conditions.
The following types of injuries can have a delayed onset following a car accident:
Whiplash
Shoulder and neck pain are signs of whiplash and are among the most common types of delayed pain suffered by car accident victims. You can’t feel it at once because the adrenaline in your system blocks out pain at that moment.
Head Injuries
A concussion is a TBI that’s caused by a blow to the head. Concussions and other head injuries can cause brain swelling and internal bleeding and can lead to lasting disability and even death.
Head injuries can manifest themselves as headaches that may be felt hours or days later. Don’t take them lightly as they can be symptoms of traumatic brain injuries. Chronic fatigue, impaired vision, memory problems, shifts in personality, and changes in taste or smell can all be gradually caused by TBI.
Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord are serious and can lead to permanent disability or death. A spinal injury is indicated by symptoms that include weakness, lack of balance, loss of sensitivity, tingling sensation, pain, difficulty breathing, loss of bladder or bowel control, loss of movement, and difficulty with balance.
Psychological or Emotional Distress
In many cases, auto accident victims experience psychological and emotional issues. Some even experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychological condition triggered by a shocking or frightening event. Depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks are among the symptoms linked to PTSD.
Have you Been in a Car Accident in California?
At Barrios & Machado, we offer a free consultation to introduce you to the services we offer and the many recovery paths that are available to you.
Call us at (714) 515-9696 or contact us online for an evaluation of your case.
