If you are injured in a car accident, your injuries might be immediately known because of the nature of the injury. For example, you might immediately know that you broke your leg, have lacerations, or crushed your hand. However, some car accident injuries can have delayed symptoms. These symptoms might appear within a few hours, days, or weeks after the crash.
Therefore, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel “fine.” You could be suffering from an injury that you are not aware of right away. It is also vital that you see a doctor if you develop symptoms or symptoms become worse.
Can I Still Recover Money for a Claim with Delayed Symptoms?
Simply because the symptoms do not appear immediately does not mean that you cannot recover money for an injury claim. It does mean that you need the assistance of an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney who understands how to investigate an accident to present a claim to the insurance company that substantiates your injuries and damages.
Below are several examples of conditions or injuries that you might sustain in a car accident, but that might have delayed symptoms.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma can be extremely debilitating after an accident. Even a minor accident can cause emotional trauma. Some accident victims could have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) without realizing they have the condition. Common symptoms associated with PTSD include:
- Panic attacks
- Flashbacks of the car crash
- Night terrors or nightmares
- Depression or mood swings
- Avoiding places, things, or actions that remind them of the trauma
- Difficulty getting back into a vehicle
- Panic upon hearing sirens
PTSD can manifest itself in many ways. Victims should seek immediate professional help.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, especially rear-end car crashes. The injury can occur when the head is whipped back and forth in a violent manner. Unfortunately, whiplash is often undertreated and underreported because insurance companies have downplayed the severity of the injury.
Furthermore, because whiplash is a soft tissue injury, it can be more difficult to prove. However, you should never ignore symptoms or fail to seek medical and legal assistance.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Tenderness and/or pain in the shoulders, neck, or back
- Dizziness
- Problems with sleep
- Difficulty turning head to look over shoulder
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness and/or tingling in the arms, hands, or fingers
Concussions
Concussions are another injury that can often be overlooked because symptoms may appear or grow stronger in the days following the crash. However, concussions can be very serious and result in long-term damage if not treated properly. Anyone suffering a head injury should be checked by a medical professional, even if symptoms are mild or delayed.
Common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion and/or memory loss
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Mood changes, including depression, irritability, and anger
- Loss of appetite or eating problems
- Problems with sleep or fatigue
- Headaches
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
If you are injured in a traffic accident, it is vital you seek medical attention to protect your health. However, it is also crucial to document your injuries for an accident claim.
After a doctor has treated you, you need to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.