Individuals hurt in a car crash might not be aware of their injuries right away. However, seeking prompt medical care after a car accident should be every accident victim’s priority. Visiting a doctor or medical professional immediately after an accident can be crucial for discovering and evaluating a serious but potentially hidden injury. Additionally, getting a medical report as soon as possible after an accident can protect your right to legal recourse.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, you could recover compensation for your injury and losses. The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Mark Casto Law Firm have helped car accident victims receive the justice they deserve under the law. Get in touch today and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation at 706-450-7071.
Seek Prompt Medical Care After a Car Accident
The stress and trauma of a car accident can block or mask any feelings of pain for hours or even days after an accident. Many accident victims feel little or no pain at the accident scene, only to wake up hours or even days later in agony. Moreover, according to the Mayo Clinic, a serious condition such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not show any symptoms for days or weeks. Prompt medical care after a car accident can be vital for a quick and full recovery.
Therefore, individuals involved in an accident should consult with their doctor or medical provider as soon as possible even if they do not feel much pain immediately after the accident. Your number one priority after a car accident should be your health.
Protect Your Legal Rights by Seeing a Doctor
If your accident occurred due to a negligent driver, you could potentially recover economic and non-economic damages. However, you will have to prove your injuries and losses with comprehensive evidence such as medical reports in order to have a strong foundation for legal recourse.
Not seeking medical care immediately after an accident can be an expensive mistake. If you refused medical attention at the accident scene and only visited a doctor days or weeks after your crash, you may find it more challenging to recover adequate compensation. The at-fault party’s insurance could argue that your injuries were not as serious as you claim since you did not need medical attention after the accident.
Car insurance companies could deny your claim, or offer you a low settlement if you have not visited a doctor within a certain amount of time following the car accident. Also, if it comes to a lawsuit and trial, you can expect the other side to try and minimize or deny compensation for the same reason.
While it is not impossible to recover a comprehensive settlement even if you did not seek medical care immediately after an accident, it can be more legally complex to recover fair and full compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer at The Casto Law Firm can argue your case strongly and fight for your rights to justice and compensation.
Delayed Symptoms and Injuries After Car Accidents
Car accidents, especially serious ones and those involving multi-vehicle pileups, can be extremely stressful and chaotic. Our bodies tend to react to a sudden catastrophic or frightening event by generating endorphins and adrenaline designed to provide a sudden burst of energy that inherently masks any feelings of pain.
When symptoms such as muscle pain, headaches, or numbness finally appear, victims may not understand that those could be signs and symptoms of serious injuries. Accident victims should be vigilant after their crash and seek medical advice immediately if they notice any of these common delayed symptoms:
- Neck and back pain
- Persistent headaches
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen
- Tingling and numbness
- Internal pain in any body area
- Extreme fatigue and sleep problems
These symptoms, as well as others, can be signs of common car accident injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
- TBI
- Spinal cord injury
- Back injury
Visting with a doctor as soon as possible can provide accident victims with prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially helping them heal faster.
Consulting with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident can be important as well. Your attorney can determine whether you have a case and could recover compensation for your injuries. Contact The Mark Casto Law Firm today for legal advice and guidance, and to ensure your rights remain protected to seek the justice you deserve under the law.
Types of Compensation
Seeking medical evaluation and care after a car crash can help you recover what you need and deserve from the at-fault party in your accident. While every car accident is unique and there is no average settlement for victims, you could potentially seek the following damages as well as others:
- Medical expenses and future medical costs
- Wage loss and future income losses
- Transportation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Additional compensation for disfigurement, paralysis, or scarring
If the at-fault driver or another party in your accident acted egregiously or willfully caused you harm, you could potentially recover punitive damages in addition to compensatory awards. A seasoned car accident attorney can assess your damages and determine the worth of your case.
Georgia Statute of Limitations
Seeking legal help immediately after an accident can be crucial for accident victims. According to Georgia Code Section 9-3-33, victims generally only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Bear in mind that failing to file a legal action in time could bar a victim altogether from recovering compensation.
The Casto Law Firm Can Fight for Your Legal Rights
Car accidents can cause immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges for victims. If you suffered injuries due to someone else’s carelessness or recklessness, they should pay for the damages and losses that they caused. Unfortunately, if you delay seeking medical help after your accident, getting the compensation you deserve can be even more challenging. Let our compassionate legal team help take the burden off your shoulders. We can defend your rights and best interests in and out of court.
The Mark Casto Law Firm, PC has decades of experience with helping car accident victims recover their due from negligent parties. We provide personalized support to our clients and work tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Get the process started now and contact us at 706-450-7071 to determine whether you have a case and could recover damages.