Car accidents are horrific experiences. Some end tragically, but even the smallest fender bender can result in injuries or pain that only appears days later, and takes even longer to fade away. This is why it’s important to wait before signing any release that would absolve a third party from any liability.
Usually when you settle a vehicle accident claim, it’s standard procedure for the injured party to sign a release of liability form. This in effect ends all legal proceedings and prevents the injured party from making any future claims against a third party. While it’s understandable that someone just wants the whole dreadful ordeal to be over as quickly as possible, signing this form too soon could be a mistake.
If you sign this waiver without having had the opportunity to have all potential car accident injuries properly diagnosed, you may miss out on receiving compensation for injuries you were unaware of at the time.
What kind of pain experienced after a car accident can be delayed?
While headaches are pretty common in these situations, in the days following a car accident you need to watch out for any head, neck or back pain. This is a list of things to watch out for:
- Back pain
Pay attention to any back pain after a car accident, especially in the lower back region. This could be related to whiplash, muscle damage or pinched nerves.
- Headaches
As mentioned above, headaches can be just headaches and are caused by a variety of things. However, if after your accident you start experiencing more frequent or painful headaches, you should have them checked out immediately. More serious causes of headaches following a road traffic accident include brain injuries, concussion, blood clots or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Neck or shoulder pain
Whiplash can present a wide range of injuries or symptoms, one of which is pain in your neck or shoulders. This may appear right after your accident, but in some cases the pain might only occur days later. This kind of pain can be indicative of an injury to your spine.
- Tingling, numbness & weakness in your limbs
These feelings of tingling and numbness are often a result of a pinched nerve or a herniated disk. It might seem minor, but without proper medical care these injuries can last weeks or become aggravated to the point of unbearable pain.
- Stomach pain
Stomach pain can occur from internal soft tissue injuries and could be very dangerous if not treated immediately. Like with head injuries, abdominal pain may only appear days after your accident, and if you do have internal injuries, you might also experience headaches or dizziness.
- Psychological
Car accidents can be traumatic and may leave psychological scars that last for years. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may suffer from nightmares, depression, nervousness, anxiety, or even PTSD. Just like physical injuries you should not ignore these mental symptoms, and should make an appointment with a therapist or psychiatrist as soon as possible.
As you can see there are a whole range of potential injuries and disorders that might only present days or weeks after your accident. So no matter how badly you think you need the money or how desperate you are for a swift resolution following a car accident, you should not be in a hurry to settle or to release the guilty party from liability.
Make sure to get a complete evaluation of your injuries and if you suspect there may by undiagnosed issues seek out a second opinion. In addition, make sure to get an estimate of any future medical bills you might incur. This is important, because until you sign a liability release form you are eligible to claim compensation for your injuries – even the delayed ones.
Legal recourse
Whether your injuries are immediate or delayed, you have a right to compensation, assuming the accident was someone else’s fault. The after-effects of an accident can change your entire life, and the pain and medical treatments you might experience can seriously affect your financial situation, ability to work and your lifestyle.
So if you have suffered as result of someone’s negligence, make sure to seek legal counsel and protect yourself and your financial future. The last thing you want is spend the rest of your days destitute because of somebody’s recklessness on the road.
Our attorneys are highly experienced in car accident claims and have achieved meaningful settlements for countless car accident victims. Car accident injuries can be life changing; we’re here to fight for your rights for legal compensation. Contact us today to find out more.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.
Posted in: Automobile Accidents
Updated: April 5, 2018 12:00 am
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