Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident

Injuries are apparent right away after a serious car accident. You may have broken bones or lose consciousness indicating a serious head injury. However, not all injuries may become apparent immediately after a car crash. If you have suffered serious internal injuries or pain, you may not realize the full extent of the injury or pain until hours or even days after the collision. Although this is very common in personal injury claims, it is often misunderstood.

Just because your injuries are delayed, it does not mean that you cannot file a claim against the negligent party who caused the accident. And it definitely does not mean that you are not entitled to full compensation for your injuries. To protect your legal rights and avoid any potential problems, it is best to seek immediate medical attention immediately after an accident and call an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Reasons For Delay

Even minor motor vehicle collisions can be traumatic events. Regardless of the extent of the impact, your body reacts in strange ways during a crash. Immediately after an accident, your body starts to produce and release high levels of endorphins and adrenaline. The production and release of these hormones “supercharge” your body for a short period of time, dulling and even masking any pain from the accident. This causes some car accident victims to even feel excitement instead of pain after an accident.

This false sense of feeling “fine” can be dangerous for your health and can jeopardize the outcome of your personal injury claim. As such, it is imperative to immediately seek medical attention after an accident – even if you think you are fine.

Delayed Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are one of the most common types of injuries amongst car crash victims. Despite what many think, soft tissue injuries can be just as serious as other types of injuries. Just because you can’t “see” the pain, it does not mean you are not injured. In most cases, it can take your body hours or days to realize the full extent of soft tissue injuries.

Some common symptoms include:

Soreness
Stiffness
Swelling and inflammation
Decreased range of motion
Muscle weakness
Cramping

Do Not Settle Your Claim Right Away

Settling your claim prematurely without realizing the full extent of your injuries is not a good idea. Once you settle your claim, you release any and all rights against the negligent party who caused the accident. This means you can never go after them for future injuries and pain and suffering. Since it can take days or even weeks for you to realize the full extent of some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, it is best not to rush into a settlement.

Consult with an Orange County Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by the negligent or reckless act of a third party, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Orange County car accident attorney, call the Law Offices of Samer Habbas today at 888.848.5084.