What If My Pain After a Car Accident Was Delayed?

It’s not uncommon for car accident injuries to have latent symptoms. Whiplash, for example, may not manifest any pain or discomfort for hours or even days following the impact. Other common injuries that may have delayed symptoms include internal bleeding, herniated discs, blood clots, posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

If you were hurt in a motor-vehicle collision but you put off visiting a doctor because you felt relatively fine, you may be wondering how to proceed with your personal injury claim, and whether your decision to forego the medical evaluation will affect your case. The easiest way to get the answers you seek is to speak with a car accident attorney.

The opposing party might argue that your failure to seek medical care contributed to the severity of your injuries and you are therefore at least partially liable for your damages. To give your claim the best possible chance of success, there are several steps you should take upon discovering that you suffered injuries with latent symptoms. Those steps include:

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders 

Once you do finally seek medical care, it’s important that you follow your doctor’s orders exactly. If you fail to fill your prescriptions or you miss follow-up appointments, this would only give the insurance company more reason to dispute your claim. 

2. Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement to the Insurer 

Upon realizing the extent of your injuries, you will likely want to start the claims process as soon as possible—especially if you’re going to need extensive medical care. But keep in mind that the insurance company will look for any possible reason to undervalue or deny your claim.

You must be careful about what you say to the insurance company—especially if you postponed your medical care. It is best that you leave this correspondence to your lawyer. In fact, you should consult an attorney before you contact the insurance company. 

3. Track Your Damages 

Once you have decided to file a personal injury claim, start tracking all costs you have incurred as a direct result of your injuries. These include prescriptions, office copays, transportation to and from appointments, missed work, homecare, childcare, and any other expenses associated with treating or living with your injuries. 

Call 320-259-5414 to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Minneapolis 

Filing a car accident claim always presents certain challenges, but there will be an added layer of complexity if you put off your medical care. Just because you postponed your evaluation doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to compensation, but it does mean you need to be careful about what you say and do during the claims process.

The Minneapolis personal injury attorneys at Bradshaw & Bryant can help you navigate the proceedings and avoid costly mistakes. Call 320-259-5414 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer.