A delayed injury after an accident is a serious problem that can turn into a silent killer. The misconception that injuries – including severe and life-threatening injuries – are always immediately obvious can lead to dangerous delays in medical treatment.
Wilmington car accident victims who feel “fine” may suddenly experience intense symptoms hours or even days later from delayed injuries that put their health at risk. For this reason, it’s important to always get medical care after a car accident or another incident for a prompt diagnosis.
If you have experienced delayed injuries after an accident, contact our Wilmington car accident attorneys to seek compensation. Schedule a free consultation today.
Why You Should Always See a Doctor After an Accident in Wilmington, NC
When a harmful accident in North Carolina is caused by the negligence of another party, the victim has the right to seek financial compensation through a personal injury claim. Negligence means that an individual or entity falls short of the duty of care, resulting in harm to others. A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit requires medical evidence.
If you fail to get medical attention right away after your accident, this could hurt your chances of holding the at-fault party accountable for your injuries. The insurance company may use the delay against you to claim that you contributed to your injuries by failing to mitigate your damages. The insurer may also argue that your injuries are pre-existing or not connected to the accident.
Since North Carolina uses a strict contributory negligence rule, a delay in medical treatment that places even a small percentage of the blame for your injuries on you will completely eliminate your ability to recover financial compensation from another party. This is why it is vital to always see a doctor after an accident, even if no injuries are immediately apparent.
Common Examples of Delayed Injuries
Just because you don’t notice pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding or other obvious signs of an injury after an accident doesn’t mean you got away unscathed. You may have hidden injuries that are masked by your adrenaline or have delayed symptoms that will appear later.
Common delayed injuries from accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Soft-tissue damage
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Herniated disks
- Internal injuries
These injuries may eventually show symptoms such as pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, nausea, dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness. However, they may not appear immediately or even on the same day as the accident. By the time serious injuries show noticeable symptoms, it sadly may be too late for a victim to receive life-saving care.
How to Protect Your Legal Rights After An Accident
As an accident victim, you may still be eligible for financial compensation even if the discovery of your injuries was delayed. However, you should act as quickly as possible to receive the medical care you need and file an injury claim. Delays can make it more difficult to recover fair financial compensation from an insurance provider.
It is in your best interest to work with a personal injury lawyer in Wilmington on a case involving delayed injuries. An attorney can help you navigate complications that may arise due to the delayed discovery, such as an insurance company rejecting your claim. A lawyer will know how to support your case with clear evidence and negotiate for maximum financial compensation on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation with Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP today.