Personal Injuries With Delayed Symptoms

The attorneys at Cardinal Law Partners have spoken to hundreds of clients about their workplace and motor vehicle accidents. We understand that not all the injury symptoms appear immediately. Sometimes, the effects of an accident manifest themselves hours or days later. Cardinal Law Partners has years of experience helping clients develop strong cases where the symptoms that result in disability did not immediately materialize.

Insurance Companies Fight Delayed Injury Symptoms

After a car accident, the insurance company looks at several key components of the accident report to determine their liability for a claim. Early documentation is instrumental in deciding whether an insurance company pays or fights. Those first components include:

• What was the damage estimate from law enforcement? When a police officer arrives on the scene of an accident, they often estimate the vehicle damage. Insurance companies use this estimate to evaluate what types of injuries are a reasonable consequence from the impact. If the first responding police officer estimates $200 of damage but the driver is claiming seven fractures, the insurance company will pump the brakes on payment.
• The initial accident report also outlines the participants in a motor vehicle accident who needed medical attention. When a person was involved in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another driver, they often communicate whether they need medical attention. If they simply walk away, the insurance company will hesitate to take responsibility for delayed symptoms that could have been treated or evaluated immediately after the vehicular accident.
• The third component of an insurance company’s decision to assume liability for a negligent driver is what is discussed at the first doctor/hospital visit. Red flags are raised with the insurance company If the injured person only discusses a knee injury, but six weeks later then they talk about neck and back pain.

Insurance companies are always going to suspect delayed symptoms with a tinge of suspicion and often treat delayed symptoms with complete disbelief. Medical support of the delayed injury symptoms is an important part of any car accident claim.

The Common Types Of Delayed Symptoms

Delayed symptoms are actually quite common after a motor vehicle accident. Immediately after a car crash, people tend to experience an adrenaline rush. It may take hours or days to begin feeling all the effects of the accident. Below are some common delayed symptoms that Cardinal Law Partners has seen over and over again:

• Headache

Headaches occur frequently after a car accident. Many are mild and go away in a couple of days. However, some headaches are more severe and can get worse. Headaches can also be a sign of something more serious such as concussion, blood clots, or even a brain injury. It is crucial to get examined despite the slow onset of headache symptoms after a car accident. Related symptoms include lightheadedness, sensitivity to light, and fainting. Medical specialists are the best bet to accurately determine what the symptoms are signaling.

• Neck And Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder pain are another common delayed symptom after a car accident. Pain in the neck and shoulders could indicate whiplash or soft tissue damage. It is crucial to see a physician that can read x-rays or other imagining studies to properly diagnosis and treat pain after a car accident. It is especially important to get treatment if that neck and shoulder pain is coupled with arm or leg numbness, tingling, and weakness. This can be a sign of spinal cord impingement.

• Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is the third type of delayed symptoms that sometimes occurs after a car accident. Abdominal pain can be a sign of internal bleeding. Other signs of internal bleeding are swelling and bruising. It is important to understand that internal bleeding can be life threatening and it is necessary to undergo a complete medical workup when signs of internal bleeding are present after a car accident.

• Emotional Symptoms Including PTSD

Car accidents can be traumatic physically, but they can also manifest emotionally. Sometimes the emotional toll of an accident is not recognized until days or weeks after an accident. Often, the person in the accident does not even realize differences in their emotions until friends or family raise concerns. Some victims experience real fear or anxiety about driving in traffic. Flashbacks can occur and are a recognized symptom of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Contact Cardinal Law Partners Today!

Cardinal Law Partners takes the time to listen to victims of motor vehicle accident negligence. We understand that not all injury symptoms are immediate. We also understand victims of negligence should not be deterred from recovering all the compensation they are due, even if some of the problems arise later in time, and symptoms are delayed.

If you require legal assistance with a personal injury claim that involves delayed car accident injury symptoms in North Carolina, do not hesitate to schedule a FREE case evaluation with one of our attorneys today.