Exploring Social Security Cases and Outcomes

Watch Out For These Car Accident Injuries That Are Slow To Show Up

by Marie Caldwell

When a car accident ends up leaving you with only minor injuries, you might feel very fortunate. That doesn't mean, though, that you should ignore symptoms of the below injuries – even if it's been several days since your accident. The following injuries might take their time to make themselves known, but they can cause just as much misery when they do. Read on to find out more about these sneaky conditions and how to make sure you get compensated for them.

Knee Impacts

It's easy to see how the knees can take the brunt of an impact. The dashboard may come into contact with your knees, and this injury might only show up as vague soreness at first. If your bruised knee feels worse each day rather than better, you could have a crack in your knee cap or torn ligaments. Unfortunately, knee problems often require surgery and physical therapy that keeps you off your feet for many months.

Head Impacts

Often, accident victims have no memory of striking their heads against any part of their vehicles. The side panel of most vehicles are made to take a great deal of stress and are constructed to protect occupants in a rollover crash. If your head snaps to the side and comes into contact with that panel, you might suffer from a head injury. Head injuries can be notoriously difficult to detect right away. Even if some time has passed, seek medical attention if you notice:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Memory loss
  • Problems concentrating
  • Speech issues
  • Changes in mood or personality

Shoulder Stress

Seat belts are a must, but they can cause torn ligaments in your shoulder area. This type of injury may start with minor pain and stiffness and progress to numbness, tingling, and eventual loss of function in the arms, upper back, and neck areas.

Taking Action to Preserve Your Case

Getting medical treatment right after an accident is important, but don't hesitate to act if you notice new symptoms later on. You may have an injury that requires expensive and long-term treatment, and you don't want to be responsible for paying for that treatment. The only way to make sure the at-fault driver pays is to seek medical attention along with taking the following steps:

  1. Keep up with all medical treatment paperwork like receipts.
  2. Make a list of all medical treatments, diagnostic tests, medications, and physical therapy you've had since the accident.
  3. Keep up with your symptoms and the way the injury is impacting your life using a journal.
  4. Avoid speaking with the insurance adjuster for the at-fault driver's insurer.
  5. Never agree to a settlement or sign a waiver without first speaking to a personal injury attorney.

The sooner you speak to a personal injury lawyer, the easier it will be to gather evidence and be paid the money damages you deserve.

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