After a car accident, many people experience delayed pain and other symptoms. This can be very frightening and confusing, but you are not alone. It is not uncommon to experience some pain and discomfort after a car accident, even if you do not think you are seriously injured. However, sometimes, pain does not surface until days or even weeks after the accident occurred. For this reason, it is always important to go to a doctor after a car accident; you may have hidden injuries.
There are a number of reasons why you may experience delayed pain after a car accident. Some common causes include:
- Psychological trauma: It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed after a traumatic event like a car accident. This can lead to physical symptoms, like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Adrenaline rush: When you are in a situation where your life is threatened, your body releases adrenaline as part of the fight-or-flight response. This can mask any pain you may be feeling at the time of the accident. Once the adrenaline wears off, however, the pain may become more noticeable.
There are a few different symptoms that may surface days or weeks after a car accident that should not be ignored. These include:
- Headaches: If you are experiencing frequent or severe headaches that were not present before the accident, this could be a sign of whiplash or a brain injury.
- Neck pain or stiffness: This is another common symptom of whiplash. If you did not notice any neck pain immediately after the accident, it is possible that it could take some time for it to develop.
- Back pain: Pain in your lower back could be caused by any number of injuries, including herniated discs, sprains or strains, or spinal cord fractures. If left untreated, these injuries could lead to chronic pain down the road.
- Numbness or tingling: If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet), it could be indicative of nerve damage.
- Fatigue or exhaustion: Feeling tired all the time could be caused by psychological trauma.
The first thing to understand is that you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim in Ohio; you have just two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you have been in a car accident and think you might have a delayed injury, it is important to act fast and consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Once you have seen a doctor and they have determined that you have suffered injuries as a result of the car accident, you can start exploring your legal options for seeking compensation. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
If you decide to go down the route of an insurance claim, an experienced car accident lawyer can help negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to reach a suitable settlement. If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer can help build a strong case against the at-fault driver. No matter what route you decide to take, an experienced car accident lawyer can help guide you through every step of the process and fight for your rights.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is never easy. In addition to any property damage you may have incurred, you may also be dealing with serious injuries; not to mention the stress of trying to figure out how to cover your mounting medical bills. Some steps you should take following a car accident in Ohio are listed below.
Determine if You Have a Valid Claim
The first step in filing a personal injury claim is to determine whether you actually have a valid claim. In order for your claim to be valid, you (your lawyer) must be able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that their negligence led to your injuries. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Gather Evidence
Once you and your lawyer have determined that you do indeed have a valid claim, the next step is to gather evidence to support your case. This evidence can come in many forms, but some of the most important pieces of evidence will likely include police reports, witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, and your own medical records. An experienced attorney will be able to help guide you through the process of gathering this evidence and ensuring that it is properly submitted to the proper entities.
Calculate Your Damages
The next step in filing a personal injury claim is calculating damages. This includes both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help ensure that all of your damages are properly calculated and documented so that you can recover the full amount that is possible.
Submit Your Claim
Once all evidence is gathered, the next step is to submit your claim to the insurance company. The insurance company will then review your claim and determine whether they are willing to offer you a settlement agreement. If they are not, then you may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court in certain circumstances.
What Are Possible Damages You May Be Able to Collect?
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering what kind of damages you can recover. The answer to this question will vary depending on the specifics of your case, but there are some general principles that apply in most situations:
- Economic damages: Economic damages are intended to compensate for a person’s financial losses. This can include things like lost wages and medical bills. If you are able to prove that your injuries have caused you financial losses, you may be able to recover those losses through a personal injury lawsuit.
- Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses. These can include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify than economic damages, but they can still be significant.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are rare and designed to punish the person who caused your injuries. They are only available in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious. For example, if the defendant was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident which resulted in serious injuries, punitive damages may be available. Note that the amount of punitive damages are capped.
Loveland Car Accident Lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office Can Help You if You Have a Car Crash Injury
Getting into a car accident can cause many changes in your life. Unfortunately, not all of those changes will be apparent right after your crash. If you have a severe car accident injury, speak with one of our Loveland car accident lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office. Call us at 513-488-1135 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.