Several aspects of sustaining a physical injury can get unclear. The most noticeable outcome is the physical pain and damage. It is even possible that the true extent of the injury might only start showing up after a long time.
“Unseen injuries might complicate your health in the long run. For example, injuries like soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and internal injuries manifest slowly. They can also affect your quality of life, which can prevent you from working to earn a living,” says personal injury attorney Arthur Schechter of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys.
Hence, you should know about these long-term effects from a legal perspective. In doing this, you should engage a personal injury attorney in the battle for compensation after a car accident.
This article discusses the legal perspective of the long-term effects of hidden car accident injuries.
Why Vehicle Accident Injuries Do Not Manifest Immediately
Vehicle accident victims experience shock after a vehicle accident. Others have a surge of adrenaline. This can aid in concealing symptoms of severe injuries.
Hence, many victims assume they are okay after an accident. That might not be the case. They may have sustained severe harm but are unaware.
Some injuries may begin to manifest days, weeks, or months after an accident. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention, whether there are any visible signs of injuries. You do not have to feel pain or discomfort before seeking medical attention.
Typical Hidden Injuries
After some time, you may experience chronic pain from soft tissue injuries. Examples of such tissue injuries include tendons, ligaments, and muscles. You may find it challenging to walk if you suffer from these injuries.
You may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long after an auto accident. You only experience the trauma of an accident several weeks after the occurrence of the incident.
However, TBIs are the gravest type of injury. For instance, a mild concussion can orchestrate emotional and cognitive challenges for a long time. It can prevent you from performing your daily routine work.
You should know that you may not be able to recover maximum compensation if you fail to identify and document these injuries quickly.
Why Medical Documentation Is Crucial
As long as you suffer from auto-accident personal injuries, you should get medical documentation. It is even more crucial if you sustained long-term injuries. Your personal injury lawyer will advise you to undergo continuous medical assessments after an accident.
A comprehensive assessment will help capture and record all types of injury, whether seen or unseen. Hence, your counsel will not focus on the immediately visible injuries alone.
Furthermore, a psychological assessment is equally essential. Auto accidents and other similar traumatic incidents can result in mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. These conditions have long-term implications for their victims.
Stakeholders often overlook an accident's psychological and mental aspects during initial settlement negotiation. However, when you work with a reputable attorney, they can ensure these aspects are captured in the compensation claim.
You need sufficient amount evidence when it comes to auto accident issues. Hence, it is crucial to keep visiting your physician to uncover and document all underlying conditions properly. Your attorney will use the medical documentation as the basis of their demand during the compensation claim.
The Legal Challenge of Hidden Injuries
Proving the long-term effect of unseen injuries can become an uphill task for personal injury attorneys. Moreover, insurers often want to play smart by acting on the visible harm and immediate medical reports. Allowing them to have their say will lead to you having to manage the long-term repercussions of the injuries.
You need sufficient compensation for rehabilitation and future medical costs. There is no doubt that the process is a complex one. That is why you need the guidance of a professional to increase your chances of a suitable outcome.
A reputable local personal injury lawyer knows how complex and demanding long-term injury claims are. They will engage your doctor and other professionals to document the extent of the long-term harm.
Insurance adjusters tend to dismiss or ignore long-term injuries quickly. Getting an adept testimony is your most valued asset. You can substantiate your claim with a comprehensive medical assessment and testimony.
Parting Words
People often downplay the effects of long-term auto injuries, especially if they are hidden. Insurance adjusters want to conclude the claims process even before these injuries manifest. Playing into their scheme might likely result in a huge financial burden for you.
This article has shown that you can feel the consequences of a car accident for several years. Hence, engaging an outstanding local personal injury attorney is essential immediately after a crash. Allowing an attorney to handle this complex issue will increase your chances of suitable compensation.
