Car accident victims don’t always notice their injuries right away. A crash can be stressful, and sometimes that distracts people and prevents them from properly diagnosing themselves. This is why you should know what kinds of symptoms to look out for after a crash and be ready to talk to our Westchester County auto accident attorneys, even if you think that you walked away from a collision unscathed.
Which Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
Any pain or stiffness should be a cause for concern after an accident. Some symptoms that you should certainly watch out for include:
- Neck or back pain
- Feelings of disorientation or confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Numbness in the limbs
- Fatigue
- Troubles sleeping
Any of these symptoms can indicate an injury that you did not notice at the time of the crash.
Should I See a Doctor Before Exhibiting Any Symptoms?
It can also be a good idea to see a doctor before you exhibit any symptoms or suspect that you have injuries. A doctor can order scans and use other tools to diagnose a problem before you have even noticed an issue. Seeing a doctor soon after an accident can also help if you decide to sue for damages.
If you see a doctor right away and get a diagnosis of your injuries, the insurer of the other driver has less room to argue that your injuries are not a result of the accident. This is a common tactic that they can use in cases like these. When someone delays the trip to the doctor, the insurer will often try to argue that they didn’t go to the doctor right away because they weren’t actually that hurt. They could also argue that the claimant was actually hurt but at a different time sometime after the crash. When you go to a doctor right away, you have their testimony and your medical records as evidence, and that can help you prove car accident injuries even if your symptoms took a while to appear.
Can I Still Sue For Damages If Injuries Appear Later?
You can. You just need to act within the statute of limitations, which is three years in the state of New York. If you sue sometime after the accident, it’s a good idea to gather as much evidence as possible and talk to a lawyer who can help you make your case. Track down witnesses, organize documents like bills and medical records, and strategize with an attorney about the best approach to take.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can do a lot to help you. They can strengthen your case by:
- Working with experts to reconstruct the accident scene
- Talking to medical experts about your prognosis
- Securing surveillance footage
- Fielding settlement offers
- Calculating fair compensation
- Handling all communications on your behalf
- Preparing you for testimony or depositions
- Defending you from any accusations of wrongdoing
Contact Our Law Firm
If you want to learn more about your legal options, contact Hausman & Pendzick. We can offer you a free, no-obligation consultation, so schedule your meeting with our legal team today.