Most people are unaware that injuries sustained in a car collision may not be apparent until hours, days or even weeks following your accident. It is common to get a rush of adrenaline immediately after your accident. This adrenaline in your body can mask pain so you think you are not hurt. Additionally, most people are shaken up after an accident and are so happy to be alive that they are not particularly focused on any discomfort they are suffering. Any accident victim should take what they believe to be minor aches or pains very seriously as these hidden car accident injuries can become quite significant as time passes.
Don't Sign Anything!
Many times what appears to be only a sore neck or back can turn into whiplash or chronic back pain down the road. A person who has suffered such pain may simply go on with his or her daily life, even going back to work because they don't realize the accident was the cause of their pain. Perhaps the worst part of a hidden accident injury is that many times accident victims are asked to sign insurance documents almost immediately following the accident stating they will not sue the insurance company for future medical care or damages. If such a document is signed before you are fully aware of the extent of your injuries, you may find yourself responsible for the medical expenses which seem to be mounting at an alarming rate.
Injuries Requiring Extended Care
An injury that surfaces days after your accident may end up requiring many months of physical therapy, long-term chiropractic care or even surgery. The accident victim who feels relatively well immediately following the car collision may realize once they return to work and their “normal” lifestyle that the pain they are suffering is significant. At this point the accident victim realizes he or she needs medical attention; a lingering injury can be responsible for causing the victim to lose time from work, or even lose the ability to care for his or her children. While insurance would typically cover lost wages and all expenses for accident-related injuries, the person who has signed away their rights to reimbursement before realizing they were injured has the additional problem of covering their own medical expenses.
What Your Insurance Company Knows
Make no mistake, no matter how friendly the person who represents your insurance company looks on television, insurance companies have one goal in mind and that's to make a healthy profit each and every year. When an accident occurs, the goal of the insurance company is to get you to sign off as early in the process as possible, stating your injuries are minor or non-existent. The insurance agent catches at a time when you are most vulnerable. You may be hurt, but don't think you have significant injuries and you are worried about missing a few days of work and wondering how you will get your car fixed.
The insurance agent may come across as being your best buddy, telling you your car will be fixed quickly enabling you to get back to work as soon as possible. At the time, with your head full of the problems you are facing, it can seem like a good deal. Simply sign the papers, get your car fixed and get on with your life. What you may not realize is that most insurance adjusters are well aware of the potential injuries which may manifest as a result of your accident. It is in their company's best interests to settle with you as soon as possible before there are any medical bills at issue.
Getting Legal Help
It's very important that you contact a knowledgeable Denver personal injury attorney as early on in the process as possible. Your Denver personal injury attorney will work for you, and is well aware of the “tricks” many insurance companies employ to minimize their financial outlay. Don't be left with a pile of bills, unable to go to work and make a living for your family. Get medical help first, then contact an attorney who will advocate for your rights while you heal.
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