Auto Accident Injuries: When a Minor Accident Leads to Major Injuries?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

Thousands of car accidents happen every day. Sometimes after the initial shock of the accident, you may not realize you are injured. The damage to your car from the accident may not be severe, and you may even be able to drive away after you have exchanged information. But what happens when you later find out your injuries are worse than you thought?

Hidden Injuries

Even seemingly minor accidents can trigger a shock response from your body. You may experience a jolt of adrenaline. This is your body’s way of protecting you and helping you get to safety. This reaction can mask the pain from injuries you have suffered, but not yet discovered. In some cases it can take hours, or even days, before your start to feel the pain from your injuries.

Some injuries may not present any symptoms at all.

Getting to the Doctor

If you have been in a car accident, you need to see a medical professional as soon as possible. If your injuries do not require immediate medical care, you should still seek a medical examination in the first days after an accident. Having a medical evaluation soon after the accident can speed up any healing and recovery process.

If you have a personal injury claim, the sooner you can have a medical professional document your injuries, the better it will be for your case.

Speaking with Insurance

Often times, insurance companies will want to speak with you soon after an accident to begin working on the claim. While you do have a responsibility to report the accident to your insurance company, you are taking a big risk if you speak to an insurance adjuster before consulting with a personal injury lawyer.

Anything you say to the adjuster may later be used against you. If you initially feel fine after an accident, and tell an adjuster that you do not think you are hurt, you may have a much harder time getting a fair settlement if you later discover you have injuries that you were not aware of earlier.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

Insurance adjusters are good at what they do. Their job is to settle claims quickly and for the least amount of money required. Most adjusters have handled dozens, if not hundreds, of car accidents.

You may be legally entitled to compensation for your injuries if the other driver was negligent, but you are unlikely to get the full amount you deserve without some help.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to speak with a skilled and knowledgeable Lake County personal injury lawyer. Call the law firm of Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 today to schedule a consultation. You need to understand your rights.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-1116