Being involved in a car accident is not only about the physical pain and damage, which are the most noticeable. Aside from the physical harm you have to deal with, you will also have to deal with the true extent of these injuries which might only manifest weeks, months, or even years after the accident had occurred.
While most physical injuries are immediately apparent, there are others like soft tissue damage, internal injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries, that could take time to manifest. These unseen injuries might lead to long-term health complications that would affect a victim’s quality of life, as well as one’s potential to make a living and one’s overall mental well-being.
From a legal standpoint, understanding these long-term effects is very important. This is why hiring a car accident attorney is necessary so you can navigate the complicated landscape of compensation claims and medical evaluations.
The Hidden Nature of Car Accident Injuries
The adrenaline and shock that car accident victims experience immediately after a car accident can hide the symptoms of serious injuries. This is why a lot of victims think they are fine because they feel fine. However, what they don’t know is that some injuries may only manifest days later.
Some car accident victims make the mistake of not getting medical attention on the basis that they don’t see any visible injuries or they don’t feel any discomfort or pain. But it’s important to remember that injuries like whiplash, concussions, and even internal bleeding may not present symptoms right away.
Soft tissue injuries, like damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often develop over time, causing chronic pain or issues with mobility. In addition, psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also only emerge long after the accident occurred.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the most concerning of all. Even a mild concussion can lead to cognitive and emotional difficulties that may persist for many months and years. This can negatively impact a victim’s ability to work. Failing to identify and document these injuries early on can have a profound impact on a victim’s ability to recover compensation for medical expenses and also lost wages.
The Legal Challenge of Unseen Injuries
From a legal perspective, the challenge with these kinds of injuries is proving their long-term impact. Insurance companies want to quickly settle claims based on visible injuries only and immediate medical reports. However, this often leaves victims with insufficient compensation, which is important to cover future medical bills or rehabilitation costs. This is why having a reputable car accident attorney is very important.
An experienced attorney knows and understands the complexities of long-term injury claims. They are capable of working with medical experts to thoroughly document the extent of the injuries. This is very important for injuries that don’t manifest immediate symptoms since they are the ones most easily dismissed or underestimated by insurance adjusters. Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation is needed, along with expert testimony, so that the claim can be substantiated to guarantee that the victim receives proper compensation.
Importance of Medical Documentation
Medical documentation is very important in any personal injury claim, but it is especially important when dealing with long-term injuries. Attorneys will advise victims to seek ongoing medical evaluations after an accident so they can properly monitor for delayed symptoms. This allows a comprehensive record of all injuries that are related to the accident and not just those that are immediately visible.
Aside from documenting physical injuries, psychological evaluations can also be important. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD are often associated with traumatic events like car accidents, and they can also have long-term consequences.
A car accident attorney can guarantee that the psychological impact of the accident is also factored into the compensation claim since this is often overlooked in the initial settlement offer.
The long-term effects of car accident injuries are often always underestimated, especially when the injuries are not immediately visible. From soft tissue damage to TBIs and psychological trauma, the consequences of an accident can linger for many years. Therefore, it’s important to have proper legal representation so that you can secure fair compensation for these long-term effects.
