Driving on the congested roads of San Diego can be risky at times. When returning from your work or while driving along the I-805, your car may be hit by another vehicle out of nowhere. It could be a drowsy driver returning from a late-night party or someone losing control of his aging car. Not all such car crashes are severe at that time. If you and your vehicle appear to be fine, except for a few bruises, you may exchange insurance information, file a report, and drive away.
Is this the end of the story? The reality can take you by surprise. In several such cases, car accident victims figure out they have developed delayed injuries. After a few days, you may wake up with a stiff neck and lower back ache. That is a soft tissue injury. You didn’t go to the ER, and now you’re wondering if it’s too late to file a claim?
You can still file a claim, but with the right strategy in place. Such delayed injuries may not show up immediately. However, these can hamper your health, work, and finances. Moreover, the Insurance companies can use that delay against you. It is time to hire a veteran and trusted car accident attorney.
What is a delayed injury, and what could be the repercussions?
Delayed injuries are physical or psychological conditions that don’t show up right after the crash, but develop hours or days later. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until weeks later. Examples include whiplash, lower back pain, mild traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. Some people also develop PTSD, anxiety, and sleeping problems.
In busy urban regions like San Diego, delayed injuries are common. People may take it lightly due to the absence of immediate pain or bleeding, etc. Gig workers and students cannot skip their work or internship for long. In some instances, the car may receive visible damage that takes your attention away.
Why do insurers try to brush off delayed injury claims?
Insurance companies may try to use your delay in seeking care. They may point to a delay in seeking medical care or claim the pain could be caused by something else. Without solid documentation and strategic legal support, you will struggle to get timely and proper compensation. Reliable legal support after a car crash is available at HHJ Trial Attorneys.
What will a veteran car accident lawyer do in such cases?
Seasoned vehicle accident attorneys in San Diego know how to develop the right strategy to fight delayed injury cases. Here’s what they would do:
- Develop a medical timeline to match the symptoms with known patterns of injury.
- Seek consultations from specialists like chiropractors, neurologists, or orthopedic surgeons.
- Use testimony from such clinical experts.
- Gather supporting evidence from various sources.
Act wisely to win in delayed injury cases
California’s statute of limitations gives you 2 years from the accident date to file a claim. However, your case will become weak if you wait too long to make the claim. Hiring a capable legal expert in San Diego as soon as you begin experiencing delayed injury symptoms is crucial.