You’ve just been in a car accident and sure, you’re sore but you feel alright. It’s not too bad, you’ve felt worse. You don’t need to see the doctor, you’ll be fine. That is until, a few months later you are diagnosed with acute or chronic illness as a result of the accident. This scenario is much more prevalent than most people know. We all think if it doesn’t hurt right away, if we can “walk it off”, we’re fine. However, delayed injuries can be very severe and can cost you thousands in medical expenses.
Common Delayed Injuries That Pose A Risk To Your Health
There are several injuries that may not show symptoms until days, weeks, or even months later.
The most common including: ● Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) such as concussions
● Soft tissue and organ damage
● Whiplash
● Back injuries like slipped or herniated discs
● Internal bleeding
● Wrist and shoulder injuries
Many of these issues may be completely asymptomatic until after you’ve already closed your claim.
Why You Always Need To Seek Medical Attention After An Auto Accident
The reality is, you do not know the extent of your injuries until you see a medical professional. They can catch all of the above delayed injuries before they develop into serious health issues. Seeing a doctor after an accident is critical for your health. Furthermore, if you are diagnosed with any of the above issues, you will have to go through expensive and time-consuming medical treatment. More than that, you may experience a loss of enjoyment in your life, suffer a lot of pain, and depending on your job, may even lose your ability to work. You will need to pay for these things, but more importantly, if the accident is the result of someone else’s actions, they need to pay for these things.
Your Right To Damages After An Auto Accident
Florida law is clear about auto accident damages. If you cause an accident, you have to pay for the damages you caused. Those damages do not just include the medical bills, but all the ancillary costs a person incurs as a result of the accident. Those damages are paid by the other driver’s insurance and can include lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment. However, you don’t just get these damages by default after an accident, especially if you fall for an insurance company’s tricks.
Never Settle With The Insurance Companies Right Away
Insurance companies know that there are delayed injuries. So they will do everything they can to settle your claim as quickly as possible in order to pay the least amount. We have seen several cases where someone was injured in an auto accident and thought they were fine. So they accepted the first settlement, some even thinking it was generous, only to find out they had a delayed injury. Then they were left having to pay for everything and there was nothing they could do about it. Never take an offer without first speaking to an attorney, even when the offer seems like a good deal.
After an accident, no matter the circumstances you should always do three things. First, see a doctor to make sure that your health is protected. Second, never accept the first offer from an insurance company. Third, speak to a knowledgeable accident attorney. At Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, and Walsh we know all the tricks that insurance companies play to exploit delayed injury victims. We can help you get a fair settlement for the injuries you actually have from an accident.
