You were in a car accident. You're shaken up, but you don't seem to have any injuries. So you wait a few days before going to see the doctor. Unfortunately, by waiting, you may have actually caused more damage to your body. This is because many latent injuries do not present themselves until later on. Our California personal injury attorneys discuss the dangers of waiting to see a doctor after a car accident.
Latent Injuries
Latent injuries are those that may not present themselves until much later after the accident. This could be due to swelling, bruising and other factors. Common latent injuries include:
• Muscle tears
• Ligament sprains
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord trauma
• Brain trauma
• Internal organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Stress fractures
These injuries can cause debilitating pain and may require long-term medical care. In severe cases, they could even lead to permanent disability or death. That's why it is so important to see a doctor immediately after an accident.
How Latent Injuries Can Occur
Let's say you were in a rear-end collision. You don't feel any pain or discomfort, so you don't go to the doctor. Over the next few days, however, your neck and back start to hurt more and more. This is because whiplash and other latent injuries can take a few days to manifest. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for your doctor to diagnose the injury and provide accurate treatment.
By seeing a doctor immediately after an accident, they can start treating the injury immediately and prevent further damage. This also increases your chances of making a full recovery.
In addition, keeping all your medical records from the doctor's visit is important, as this could be beneficial when filing a personal injury claim. These documents will show that you were injured in an accident and provide evidence of the severity of those injuries. This can help ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your damages.
Insurance Companies May Deny Your Claim
Furthermore, the insurance company may only accept your claim if you see a doctor quickly. They could argue that any injuries you sustained were not caused by accident but rather occurred due to some other reason. This is why it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible following an accident.
It is also important to note that in California, you must file your injury claim within two years of the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may be barred from recovering damages for your injuries.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a car accident due to another party's negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you fight for the justice and maximum financial recovery you deserve. They can also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Our California car accident attorneys have years of experience successfully representing injured victims in a wide range of cases, including motor vehicle accidents. We understand the complexities of personal injury law and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.
For a free consultation, call us today at (925) 744-8869 or fill out our contact form online!
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