Tennessee Collisions and Delayed Onset Injuries
After a car crash, it’s natural to check for immediate injuries, such as visible cuts or pains, harm that clearly requires urgent medical attention. But beyond these noticeable injuries, you may also be suffering from injuries that do not present themselves right away. Many car accident victims experience delayed onset injuries, which can surface hours, days, or even weeks after a collision.
If you’ve experienced delayed injuries following a collision, reach out and share your story with Nashville personal injury lawyers. Working with a skilled legal professional is key to understanding these injuries and protecting your health and your legal rights.
Why Do Some Injuries Take Time to Appear?
The human body often releases adrenaline during a crash, masking pain and symptoms in the immediate aftermath. While this stress response is a useful protective mechanism for survival, it can delay awareness of injuries. Additionally, some conditions, such as soft tissue damage or concussions, evolve over time, making it harder to identify them at the scene.
- A common delayed injury in car accidents, whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted forward and backward, causing strain to the muscles and ligaments. Symptoms like stiffness, neck pain, and headaches may not show up until days after the crash.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). A mild TBI, such as a concussion, might initially seem minor, but symptoms like dizziness, memory loss, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating can manifest later. Ignoring these symptoms can result in long-term complications.
- Back injuries. Harm to the spine or lower back can be subtle at first but worsen over time. Discomfort, limited mobility, or shooting pain down the legs are all potential red flags.
- Internal damage. Internal bleeding and organ damage is particularly dangerous and is not always visible. Signs like abdominal pain, dizziness, or deep bruising could indicate a serious problem that demands immediate attention.
Timely medical care is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. A thorough evaluation can also link your injuries to the accident, which is vital for your personal injury claim.
How Can I Fortify My Claim?
Key to your physical and financial recovery, document all of your symptoms, doctor visits, and treatments. This documentation will allow your healthcare team to be aware of any issues that arise during your healing process and can strengthen your case if the insurance company disputes the severity of your injuries.
It is also important to connect with legal support. Insurance companies may argue that delayed injuries are unrelated to the accident to minimize payouts. An experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer can fight to prove the connection between the crash and your injuries, helping you secure compensation.
In Tennessee, personal injury cases operate under a one-year statute of limitations, meaning time is of the essence. Contact an injury attorney without delay to protect your rights and recovery.
Do you suspect you have a delayed injury from a traffic incident you were involved in? Talk to the lawyers at Calhoun Law, PLC. Professionals are available to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
