Motor vehicle accidents happen every single day here in Florida. Many of them are only minor fender-benders and thought to be no big deal, but even these relatively minor accidents can cause victims pain — in a number of ways. Whether your accident was mild, moderate or severe in nature, any injuries you’ve suffered may not show up right away.
Delayed-onset injuries are a very real thing. Some injuries can take hours, days or even weeks to present themselves. If you are experiencing delayed-onset injuries following a car crash, experts advise seeking help right away.
Common symptoms of delayed-onset injuries
There are many, and sometimes, you may not be sure if they are related to the car accident or something else. Even if you are not sure, if you experience any of these, seek medical attention anyway:
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Pain in the shoulders and neck
- Nerve issues
- Mental health issues
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms may not be anything significant, but you don’t know if you don’t get them checked out. For example, headaches can be a sign of a concussion or other brain injury; abdominal pain can be the result of internal bleeding; and tingling, numbness or pinching can be signs of nerve damage. It is always better to see a doctor than to ignore a problem and hope it goes away.
Don’t let insurance providers pressure you
Following an accident where no injuries are immediately apparent, insurance may try to get you to sign a release of liability form. If you do, they may not have to cover any losses associated with a delayed-onset injury. So, don’t be quick to sign anything. There is no rush. Give your body time to reveal any problems that may be brewing.
Seek relief
The injuries you suffer in a car accident can affect you physically as well as mentally and financially. If another person’s negligence contributed to your losses, you should not have to pick up the pieces and cover your losses on your own.
You may seek compensation through legal means. This may require litigation, but usually, negotiating a settlement is possible. Just know that the bare-bones settlement the responsible party’s insurance provider has offered you is not something you have to take. With the right help, you may be able to get better.