Being involved in an automobile accident is one of the more frightening experiences in our lives, one we do almost anything to avoid. Those who have been in one always remember the heightened senses of the moment: how time seems to slow to a near stand-still, the ear-splitting shriek of squealing tires, the chemical smell of burned rubber and twisted metal, the numbing pop of impact, the deafening silence that follows.
It's scary. It's unforgettable. And once the shock wears off, a host of injuries beyond the typical insurance-related headaches can present themselves in the hours or even days afterward. While you might walk away from the crash feeling fine, you may actually be suffering from maladies that might not present themselves until a little while later — conditions like whiplash, concussion, sore back and neck, or even internal bleeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 3 million Americans get injured in car accidents every year. Have you recently been involved in a crash and want to know what to do after a car accident injury? You've come to the right place. Let's talk about the common accident injury symptoms you might notice after a car accident, what those symptoms can mean, and what to do after incurring your car accident injury.
Accident injury symptoms: What to watch for
Not all accidents are dramatic, but nearly every one causes some sort of injury. Even the slightest taps can cause bruising, soreness and stiffness, with whiplash and neck injuries occurring most often due to the jarring nature of a collision. The symptoms of a neck injury or whiplash after a car accident include discomfort and pain in the muscles and ligaments of your neck and back.
Again, this debilitated state may not happen immediately upon impact: Whiplash and other neck- or back-related injuries sometimes don't fully arrive until days after the incident. You may notice an inability to stand or walk comfortably, which could be indicative of a ruptured or herniated disc in your spine. This is a much more serious injury than whiplash and can require physical therapy or even surgery to properly heal.
Concussions and other head injuries are common after a crash and are very serious. Oftentimes, victims aren't aware of these types of injuries until the days after the incident, as delayed concussion signs such as memory loss, mood swings, and even personality changes start to be noticed by friends and family members. These attributes are indicative of a delayed concussion after a car accident or other brain-related injury and should be brought to the attention of a doctor as soon as possible.
Medical bills are burdensome, and a serious-enough injury could mean a long-term loss of wages, both in the immediate term and into the future, if you're unable to return to work. You want to protect yourself in this type of situation, which is why you (should get a personal injury lawyer after a car accident) to ensure you're receiving the compensation you're entitled to as you recover and reclaim your pre-accident life.
What to do after a car accident injury
If you are a victim who's been injured in an accident at no fault of your own, filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit is a logical step. The economic losses suffered in a crash can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries you suffer, as long-term medical care and rehabilitation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
So how long after an accident can you claim injury? Believe it or not, you have up to two years to make and settle a claim after a crash, although most litigation is handled well before that. Personal injury claims after a car accident can be an understandably stressful time, which is why Jeff Martin and The Heavy Hitter® team will walk you through every step of the process in a calm, comprehensive way that alleviates your worry. We're here for you, and we don't see a penny unless you get paid.
The aftermath of an automobile accident can be scary and painful, especially if long-term medical care is necessary. Don't make matters worse by embarking on the road to recovery alone — let Jeff Martin and The Heavy Hitter® team get you the compensation you deserve. From dealing with insurance adjusters to securing the appropriate financial windfall to meet your needs, Jeff Martin Law will be a supportive partner every step of the way. Contact us for a free consultation today!
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