Car accidents are often sudden and unexpected, leaving victims with injuries that require immediate medical attention. However, some injuries may not show up until days or weeks after a wreck. These injuries can be just as serious as those that appear right away and may even take longer to heal.
If you didn’t seek medical care right away after a wreck, you can still seek compensation with the help of an experienced Fayetteville car accident lawyer. But delays in seeking treatment can hurt your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Georgia Has a 2-Year Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
In the state of Georgia, there is a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that victims have only two years from the car crash to file a claim against the responsible party. If they fail to do so within this time frame, they may lose their right to seek compensation.
The purpose of this deadline is to ensure that claims are filed promptly and evidence is still fresh and readily available. Delaying filing a claim can make it more challenging to prove fault or damages in court, leading to an unsuccessful case.
It’s crucial not to wait until the last minute before contacting a lawyer if you’ve been injured in a car accident. The lawyer will need sufficient time to gather evidence and build your case effectively before the deadline expires.
Waiting to Get Medical Attention Can Hurt Your Car Accident Case
If you didn’t seek medical care right away after a wreck, you can still seek compensation with the help of an experienced Fayetteville car accident lawyer. But delays in seeking treatment can hurt your insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you don’t have a checkup after a wreck, it can be more difficult to prove the crash caused your injuries. The insurance company may also argue that you weren’t seriously injured and deny your claim or try to pay less than you deserve.
Back Injuries
Car crashes often result in back injuries, especially when the impact is forceful. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the accident. Back pain could be an indication of something more severe than just a muscle strain or sprain.
The most common types of back injuries include herniated discs or slipped discs. When a disc in the spinal column ruptures or gets pushed out from between two vertebrae due to trauma, it can cause intense pain that radiates down into other parts of your body.
Injuries like these require prompt medical attention as they can lead to chronic pain if left untreated.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents. This type of injury affects the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the body. Unlike broken bones or internal injuries, soft tissue damage does not always show immediate symptoms. In fact, it can take days or even weeks for symptoms to appear.
The most common symptom of soft tissue damage is pain and swelling at the site of the injury. This can make it difficult to move the affected area and perform everyday activities like walking or lifting objects. Other symptoms may include stiffness, bruising, and limited range of motion.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. It’s commonly caused by car crashes, especially rear-end collisions.
It’s not unusual for neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms to appear or get significantly worse days or a week after a car wreck.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a serious injury that can occur after a car crash. Unlike external injuries, internal bleeding can be difficult to detect without a proper medical examination. This type of injury occurs when there is damage to blood vessels or organs inside the body.
Blood Clots and Hematomas
A hematoma is a type of bruise that occurs when blood pools outside of a blood vessel, usually under the skin. While they are often harmless and heal on their own, large hematomas can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, they can even lead to serious complications like infections or nerve damage.
Blood clots are another potential complication after a collision. When blood doesn’t flow properly through your veins or arteries, it can clot and create blockages in your bloodstream. If left untreated, these clots can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
PTSD and Other Mental Illnesses
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression can change a person and the way they interact with others. Each of these mental health conditions can manifest after a collision. Many people start having nightmares or panic attacks months after a car wreck when they are faced with a trigger.
Bring Your Case to an Experienced and Compassionate Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer!
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Also, make sure to retain legal representation to protect your legal rights. With over 70 years of combined experience, Wade Law can handle the most challenging cases. Even if you start experiencing a delayed car accident injury, we can still find ways to get the fair compensation you deserve.
We offer each new client a free case review. Do not let too much time pass after you’ve discovered your injuries. Call us today at 770-282-1188!
