Noticing Injuries Long After a Car Accident Has Occurred

Adrenaline and endorphins surge through the body in any sudden traumatic event, like a car accident. This is the body’s self defense against serious injuries, to allow a person to escape the danger causing the drama. Adrenaline not only stimulates muscles, but is also a very effective pain blocker. In a few hours or days, your body’s chemicals become more balanced – this is when a car accident victims typically start to feel pain from an internal injury. It is quite common for someone injured in a car accident to walk away unscathed, only to discover serious injuries many days later.

What Do I Do After a Car Accident?

First and foremost, make sure you seek medical care if you are injured in a car accident. Your well-being is most important. Second, DO NOT sign anything presented to you by an insurance company pretending to be your friends, because they are not. You must consider that an insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. (S)he may urge you to sign a claims release, which indicates that you are not injured and that the insurance company is no longer responsible for any injuries that may surface later. Before signing anything, talk to a NOLA Car Accident Lawyer at The Olinde Firm to make an informed decision.

Document Everything Associated With the Accident

If possible, gather the names of any witnesses at the scene. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, weather conditions, and any other conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Keep all receipts, doctor bills, and keep track of how much time you miss from work. All of this is compensable, if you have proof of your expenses, and proof of the injuries.

What About Lump Sum Settlement Offers?

In some cases, an insurance company may ask you to sign a ‘lump sum’ settlement offer. Again, don’t sign anything until you know your legal rights. There is a good chance they are offering you much less than you would get by hiring an attorney. A lump sum appears to be larger than your losses, because it is. The idea is that the insurance company is attempting to buy their own freedom because they suspect you have suffered far more serious injuries than you know. Remember, the insurance company makes their money by collecting premiums, not by paying settlements. They will offer you as little as possible to mitigate their own losses.

Ongoing Medical Treatments, Physical Therapy

NOLA Car Accident Attorney | Injury Lawyers | The Olinde Firm

Even if you believe your injuries are minor after a car accident, we urge you to see your doctor for their assessment. You may be eligible for compensation, but the only way to prove that is by showing that you were injured, and quantifying the severity of the injury. Without proper documentation, it’s your word against the insurance company’s.

Allow some time for your injuries to manifest themselves fully, and pay a visit to your doctor. Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist if you have any lingering pains or if your range of motion has been compromised. Again, keep all documentation so that you can be reimbursed for your expenses later.

NOLA Car Accident Injury Lawyers

The Olinde Firm is based in New Orleans, and is here to help you after a car accident. There are time limits to file injury claims, and laws change from state to state, make sure you hire a NOLA Injury Lawyer from The Olinde Firm to get the compensation you deserve. We handle car accident cases all the time, we know how to build the strongest case possible to get you the maximum reward allowed. Put our experience to work for you.

Free Legal Advice For Car Accident Victims

We offer a Free Case Evaluation with a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney at our firm to get started right away. Get your free case evaluation to make an informed decision about your situation.