One car crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. But what if you walk away from the crash unscathed or with minor discomfort? Shrugging it off and not wanting to deal with the hassle of legal counsel is tempting. But not hiring an attorney after an accident is a mistake, even if your injuries do not look bad at first glance. This is particularly true with neck injuries, where symptoms may not appear until later. By then, you may be in the middle of legal and medical complications that are difficult to sort out alone.
Hidden Injuries After Car Accidents: Why You Should not Wait
Hidden injuries are often lurking beneath the surface when you are involved in an accident. Adrenaline surges through your body, and you think you have escaped unscathed. And that is especially true for neck injuries like whiplash, which do not show up for days or even weeks.
If you did not seek medical care immediately after the accident, signs such as neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility are signs that you should have. However, without a timely diagnosis, it is difficult to prove that the crash caused the injury. If you do not hire a car accident lawyer near me, you could miss out on the compensation you are owed for those delayed injuries.
Why Legal Representation Matters Even Without Immediate Injuries
If you feel just fine, it still pays to talk to an attorney to protect your future. A seasoned car accident lawyer knows what injuries can do to you. For example, whiplash may not seem so bad at first, but it can lead to chronic pain or even spinal damage. Talking to a lawyer early on means that you are covered for your medical expenses should those delayed injuries appear.
Insurance Tactics and the Need for a Personal Injury Attorney
Insurance adjusters frequently want to settle the claim fast and will present you with a small amount to close the case. Without an attorney, it is easy to overlook the long-term costs of a neck injury.
A small ache today could become a major ache tomorrow that will require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or even surgery. You need someone on your side to make sure you aren’t stuck paying for these expenses out of pocket.
A neck injury attorney can ensure all your damages are covered, from medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering.
Why You Should not Ignore Legal Counsel Even if You are Symptom-Free
Do not be lulled into a false sense of security if you do not have immediate symptoms after the accident. If you believe you have walked away unscathed, think again. The legal ramifications of not seeking advice can be significant.
Alaska has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so you have a time limit to file a lawsuit. Delayed injuries can appear by the time you seek the compensation you deserve so it may be too late.
Regardless of whether you come away with a visible injury or not, you should consult an attorney. A car accident lawyer can help you determine what options you have and ensure you get fair compensation for injuries that can otherwise go unnoticed.
Featured Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/x-ray-of-a-man-in-a-car-accident-gm628092956-111395659?utm_campaign=srp_photos_bottom&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Funsplash.com%2Fs%2Fphotos%2Fneck-injury-after-a-car-accident&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=unsplash&utm_term=neck+injury+after+a+car+accident%3A%3Areduced-affiliates%3Ahalf
