Welcome to the Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm blog. Our focus today is on a frequently overlooked aspect of car accidents: delayed injuries. As a Texas-based law firm specializing in personal injury law, we're here to debunk the myth that all injuries are immediately noticeable following a car accident. We'll guide you on the steps to take when an injury reveals itself long after the incident, ensuring you can claim the compensation you deserve.
Why Might Injuries Go Unnoticed After an Accident?
Many believe that injuries resulting from a car accident are immediately noticeable. However, adrenaline rushes or shock can often mask pain, making victims assume they’re unharmed. Other reasons for delaying immediate help might include the stress of the accident, a fear of doctors, worries about medical costs, or stigma around seeking mental health support.
Despite these factors, it's important to remember that accident-induced injuries can surface later, and when they do, you are not without legal recourse.
Injuries That Can Surface Later
While specific injuries, like broken bones, are immediately visible, others might take hours, days, or even months to show up. Some of these injuries could potentially be life-threatening, so seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is critical, regardless of how you feel. Injuries that may surface later include:
Traumatic brain injury, such as concussions
Whiplash
Back pain
Soft-tissue damage
Emotional distress, such as PTSD
Nerve damage
Internal bleeding
Infections
Key Steps to Take If You Notice Injuries Later
If you realize you've been injured after the fact, here's what you should do:
Medical Evaluation: Seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical professional can diagnose your condition, provide the proper treatment, and may save your life. They can also validate if your injury is a result of the accident, an essential aspect of pursuing a claim.
Contact a Lawyer: Contact a lawyer at Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm when you notice an injury. Be mindful of the Texas statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is two years. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better they can gather the necessary evidence and make a compelling case.
Avoid Negotiating with Insurance Companies Yourself: Insurance companies will rush to settle for less than you deserve. Don't accept their initial offer or sign any releases without consulting with a lawyer, as this can jeopardize your right to take legal action for late-onset injuries.
How Ashmore & Ashmore Can Help
Don't let insurance companies take advantage of your situation. At Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help guide you through this complex process, whether your accident happened recently or a while ago. We will collect evidence, navigate the legal landscape, and fiercely advocate on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Your top priority should be recovery, not attempting to figure out which damages you may be eligible for or trying to determine the value of your claim. Let our Texas personal injury lawyers handle that for you.