If you’ve been in a Texas car crash, one of the most important steps you can take is to get medical attention. It’s essential for your claim, but it’s also vital to protect yourself from more significant health complications.
There are numerous hidden injuries you could suffer that require care. Learn more about the importance of medical help after car accidents.
Most Common Delayed-Onset Injuries From Crashes
Perhaps the most common type of injury that can have delayed symptoms in a Texas car crash is whiplash. This wound occurs when your head whips backwards and forward rapidly, straining the muscles in your neck.
It can take a day or two for the swelling to start, which is when the pain and stiffness do, too. This is the case with most soft tissue injuries.
Another injury that could take hours or days to make itself known is a concussion. Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that occur when your brain moves or twists in your skull. This movement causes chemical changes because it impacts neurotransmitters, which help brain cells communicate.
Additionally, internal bleeding could take some time to cause symptoms because the bleed can start slowly and get worse over time. Your body is also very good at compensating when there’s a structure not working as it should. This, however, will not last. Once your system can no longer keep up, you can experience severe symptoms.
The Role of Adrenaline and Shock on Hidden Injuries
Right after a Texas car crash, you may not feel any pain at all, even if your injuries are obvious. This is the result of the adrenaline coursing through you. Adrenaline allows your brain to temporarily override the pain response by impacting the sympathetic nervous system.
Once your fight-or-flight response is triggered, your body prioritizes survival needs. Adrenaline causes your body to release endorphins, which function as natural painkillers. They can dull or completely mask pain until the adrenaline wears off.
Adrenaline and shock right after a collision can lead you to believe that you’re not hurt. That could keep you from getting the immediate medical assistance you need.
Risks of Untreated Injuries
If you can’t feel the exact level of pain appropriate for your injury, you may not bother to get medical assistance. Untreated injuries can get much worse over time, however. Symptoms that could be mild, like minor internal bleeding, can lead to the pooling of blood in chest cavities or a significant drop in blood pressure that could have been avoided.
Why Prompt Medical Care Is Vital
Prompt medical care after a Texas car crash can mean that you start getting the appropriate treatments at once. It also assists in making a clear connection between your injuries and the accident. If you wait too long, insurers can argue that there is no link between them. That could get your claim dismissed.
How You Can Help Your Car Accident Claim Succeed
To have a chance to recover the losses you sustained, there are some essential steps you can take.
Follow All Medical Instructions
In order to demonstrate how severe your injuries were, you need to follow all of your doctor’s instructions. If you begin treatment but don’t complete it, insurers can see that as a sign that the injury is not as serious as you claim.
Keep Medical Records
Medical records are an essential part of your claim. Keep track of all of your doctor’s notes, the medications you need to take, your future treatment needs, and all associated bills. It will all be essential when presenting the losses you sustained in the accident.
Document Your Symptoms
Keeping track of all of your symptoms as they progress can help show the connection between the crash and your injuries. If you notice a bruise on your chest right after the accident and later discover internal bleeding, you would have made the connection by documenting that first bruise.
Can Delaying Care Help Insurers Deny Your Claim?
Too often, not getting immediate medical treatment after a crash could result in insurers denying that the accident caused your losses. This can be devastating, especially when dealing with serious injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage.
It’s difficult enough to show that an accident caused your injuries even if you get immediate care, so any delay could make this worse. Insurance companies will look for any reason to minimize your claim.
FAQ
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Texas Car Crash?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for these accidents is typically two years from the date of the incident. There could be exceptions, however, that could further limit how much time you have.
What Damages Can I Receive in a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
You can receive economic and non-economic damages. These cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Can I Still Recover Losses If I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident?
Yes, you can still recover losses as long as your percentage of fault falls below 51. Your winnings will be reduced proportionally to your liability.
Beginning a Claim With Assistance From Car Crash Lawyers
If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, filing a claim can be complex. At Ramsey Law Group, our car crash attorneys can help guide you through the entire process. Contact us for a free consultation.