What If I Experienced Delayed Symptoms After an Accident?

Many accidents cause injuries with immediate pain or immobility, such as bone fractures or lacerations. What many victims do not realize, however, is that some injuries can have delayed symptoms. This is especially true after a traumatic accident, as the victim’s adrenaline can act as a temporary pain reliever. Find out how to protect your legal rights and pursue financial compensation if you experience delayed symptoms after an accident in Texas.

Common Injuries With Symptoms That Are Late-Appearing

It is not uncommon for traumatic injuries, including serious injuries, to have hidden or delayed symptoms that are late-appearing. Some of the most severe injuries can have delayed effects and symptoms, including:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Back injuries, such as a herniated or slipped disk
• More serious spinal cord injuries, such as fractures
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Muscle, tendon and other soft-tissue injuries
• Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder

After an accident, carefully evaluate how you’re feeling to see if you are injured. If you feel fine in the immediate aftermath of an accident, do not assume you are uninjured. Instead, go to a hospital right away for a professional checkup.

What to Do If You Notice Delayed Symptoms

The possibility of delayed symptoms or a hidden injury means you should not rush to answer questions about your injuries while still at the scene of your accident. Being put on the record by the police or an insurance company that you aren’t injured could have negative consequences for an injury claim later. An insurance company may try to argue that your late-appearing injuries stem from something else, for example, or even that you are trying to commit insurance fraud.

If you notice the symptoms of a potential injury hours or even days after your accident, go to a doctor or hospital right away. It is critical to document your injury for your insurance claim. Describe everything you are feeling and experiencing for your medical records and explain that you were recently in an accident. The doctor may recommend tests or x-rays to get to the bottom of the ailment. If you receive an official injury diagnosis, follow the doctor’s treatment plan exactly and request copies of your medical records.

Then, contact the insurance company in charge of your claim and report your injury. Explain that your injury had delayed symptoms but that you now have an official diagnosis from a doctor. The insurance company may request access to your medical records; however, do not sign a Medical Authorization Release Form from the insurer. This is a tactic companies often use to gain full access to medical records so that they can argue that the injury was pre-existing. Instead, work with a lawyer to send only the relevant and necessary medical records to the insurance company.

How to Handle Your Injury Claim

When negotiating with an insurance company, know that the company does not have your best interests in mind. The company’s number one goal is to save itself money and profit its investors. With this in mind, be careful what you say to the insurance claims adjuster who is assigned to your case. Never admit fault for an accident and wait to answer questions about your injuries until you have seen a doctor, even if you feel fine at first.

Protect your rights by denying a request to give the insurance company a recorded statement. Do not sign anything from the insurance company or agree to a settlement until your case has been fully evaluated by an attorney. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer in Houston for assistance. An attorney can take over communications with the insurance company on your behalf and fully protect your rights. Your lawyer will negotiate for the best possible outcome for your delayed injury claim.