Delayed Onset Injuries: How To Protect Yourself
Some people assume that detecting an injury after an accident is an easy process, but the reality is the opposite. With some injuries, including back and abdominal problems, a victim can experience something known as delayed pain onset. In this situation, signs of an injury might not surface until several weeks after an accident. Since this delay in injury recognition can affect anyone it's important to protect yourself.
Visit the Doctor More Than Once
After an accident, it's common to visit the doctor immediately after. However, provided you receive a clean checkup, you might determine that the matter is resolved, and you don't need to visit the doctor again anytime soon. You don't want to make this mistake.
If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you should always schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider a few weeks after the accident. With delayed onset injuries, it's common to develop symptoms that are easy to overlook. For example, if you suffered a hard blow to the stomach, you could be experiencing bouts of dizziness.
With an abdominal injury, dizziness could be an indicator that you have internal bleeding from the injury. If the dizziness is mild, it's easy to look past. The doctor will perform an exam and ask you additional questions to ensure you don't have any hidden injuries.
Decline to Sign
To some degree, after an accident, it's part of the claims handler's job to put pressure on the accident victim. These agents often make it seem as though they are trying to help you, but in order to do so, they need to move forward with the process as quickly as possible.
Remember, each state provides victims with extra time to file an accident claim, sometimes as long as 2 years. There is no need for you to feel rushed, so don't sign a release of liability waiver right away.
Once you sign the waiver, you absolve the insurance company and the driver from any liability for the accident. So, if you sign the document and find out that you suffered muscle damage in your back after the accident, any cost incurred as a result of the injury will be yours to cover. You can legally decline to sign until you have had a thorough medical examination.
If you or a loved one suspects that you have a delayed onset injury, it's critical you visit a physician for a proper diagnosis and then speak with an attorney to help ensure you're compensated for your injuries.
For more information, reach out to an auto accident attorney in your area.
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