Injured in a crash? Accident injury attorneys in Long Island understand that not all injuries are immediately evident. Some take time before they become symptomatic, or it could be that shock prevents a victim from realizing the extent of the injury. Post-accident injuries are one of the best reasons not to settle a claim too quickly.
Hidden Injuries after a Car Accident
With or without obvious injuries, there could be hidden ones that you have suffered in a crash. One example is a traumatic brain injury. For instance, you may have been initially diagnosed with a mild concussion but later find out there was more internal damage than previously diagnosed.
When the head doesn’t have an obvious injury to it, damage can be overlooked. This type of injury could be mild, moderate or severe. The more serious it is, the more at risk for significant complications you’ll be.
A traumatic brain injury could result in major medical expenses. If you settle your claim too quickly, you may find yourself in a position where you are left to deal with the bulk of your costs.
Another type of hidden injury is whiplash, an injury to the neck that occurs when the neck is suddenly snapped back because of the force of the crash. Many people are able to recover after a few weeks, although others may experience pain that lasts for months or even years.
Whiplash can significantly alter an individual’s life, even impacting mobility. It may require physical therapy or other forms of treatment that may not be covered if you have already settled your case.
Back injuries are other types of post-accident injuries that can be hidden. At first it may appear that you have just pulled or strained a muscle. But later on, when conservative forms of treatment have failed to provide relief, it may be discovered you have suffered a more serious injury such as a herniated disc that may require surgery.
Document the Injury
Again, if you have already settled your claim, you won’t be able to go back and recover compensation for any future treatment you may require. It’s important to be thoroughly evaluated by a doctor immediately after your accident to check you for any damage beyond what is immediately evident.
Meanwhile, keep a journal, writing down any new symptoms that develop. If they do, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your physician may even provide you with a list of symptoms to look for, which could indicate a more serious problem.
It’s important to have everything documented properly so it can be used as evidence in your claim. You should also ask for copies of all your medical records to have on hand. Your accident injury attorney in Long Island can help collect evidence throughout the process.
Don’t let the insurance company intimidate you into settling your claim too quickly. It may take time to realize the extent of your injuries; if you settle too quickly, you could lose the ability to recover compensation for:
- additional medical care;
- lost wages;
- pain and suffering; and
- disability.
Contacting Accident Injury Attorneys on Long Island
Remember that the insurance company is not looking out for you. The goal of its employees is to settle your claim not only for as little as possible but as soon as possible. The company wants to avoid paying for any potential hidden injuries, so it will use all sorts of tactics to move the process along.
To protect your claim and your rights, speak with an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. You can reach us at 800-246-HURT (4878). We will make sure that all of your injuries have been adequately addressed in your claim. If there is any chance that you may be facing future medical treatment, we will take that into consideration.
