Car Accident Lawyer
Adrenaline and endorphins are amazing, naturally produced chemicals that allow you to move past and even survive traumatic and dangerous events, like car accidents. While these chemicals are necessary, they also can disguise injuries, making them a potential liability. When seeking restitution for damages and losses, you need to have an accurate report of all injuries and losses sustained, which is unlikely if you settle too soon. Take the time to understand the extent of the accident and your injuries before seeking mediation or litigation because some injuries do not manifest immediately following a collision.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The force generated during an auto collision is substantial, and it can wreak havoc on the soft tissues in the body, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These injuries rarely appear immediately following the trauma, possibly taking days or weeks before pain and swelling cause reduced mobility. The strain and stress placed on the joints of the body during a collision, through the sudden stop of the car and the powerful punch of the airbag, cause unseen damage that is not even visible on x-rays. Therefore, it is critical that you refrain from speaking with insurers and settling your claim before talking with a lawyer or giving yourself enough time to know the full extent of your injuries.
Concussions
One of the most serious injuries even in minor accidents is a concussion, and it too can take time to manifest. The brain floats in a protective fluid inside of your skull, and while this design is effective in minor physical altercations or accidents, evolution did not intend for the body to be traveling at 50 mph, or even 25 mph. Therefore, auto wrecks are dangerous and can lead to the brain crashing into the inside of the skull which can lead to a concussion, causing disorientation or loss of consciousness. However, the symptoms of this injury may take time to appear and may include many symptoms.
- Lack of focus
- Memory loss
- Clouded thinking
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Blurry vision
- Persistent headaches
See a Doctor
As injuries may be subtle, it is crucial that you receive a medical evaluation as soon after the accident as possible, regardless of how you think you feel. A doctor can discern if adrenaline and endorphins are hiding actual trauma. While insurance adjusters may approach you, it is critical that you understand the extent of your injuries before agreeing on any settlement because if you agree before allowing your body time to show the real damage sustained, then you have likely lost all legal recourse.
Do not be too eager to settle. Discuss your options with a local car accident attorney.
Source: Woodland Hills Car Accident Lawyer, Barry P. Goldberg