When you are involved in a car accident in Monmouth County, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming and stressful. In the midst of collecting the other driver’s insurance information, taking photographs, and speaking to the police, you may not even notice the injuries you’ve suffered. This is common, as many people’s bodies pump them with adrenaline following a traumatic event. However, if your injuries did not immediately appear, it does not mean you will be unable to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. As such, the following blog explores what you must know about these matters, including the importance of working with our Monmouth County car accident attorneys.
Why Some Car Accident Injuries Have Delayed Symptoms
Certain injuries may develop slowly or grow worse over time, especially those that impact the soft tissue or other internal injuries. That is why obtaining prompt medical attention following a collision is critical, even if you feel completely fine immediately after an accident.
If you are involved in a car accident and your pain or symptoms appear hours or days after the collision, you are still eligible to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent party in New Jersey. What matters is not when your symptoms appear, but whether the negligent driver caused a collision and your subsequent injuries, and whether you have adequately documented your conditions following the development of your injuries. Delayed pain does not prevent you from recovering compensation, but the sooner you obtain medical care, the easier it can be to prove the connection between your injuries and the accident.
Common Injuries With Delayed Onset Symptoms
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Internal bleeding
- Inflammation and nerve compression
What Should I Do Immediately After a Monmouth County Car Accident?
Even if you feel okay after a collision in New Jersey, the steps you can take following a crash can significantly impact the outcome of your claim and the compensation you are eligible to recover.
Post-Accident Instructions
- Move the vehicles out of the roadway if possible
- Check passengers and other parties for injuries
- Call the police to ensure a formal report is compiled
- Take pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Exchange insurance info with any other drivers involved
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information
- Look for cameras that may have caught the crash
Should I Go to a Doctor Even If I Don’t Feel Pain Right Away?
In a personal injury lawsuit, medical documentation is one of the most important pieces of evidence used to help you recover the compensation you deserve, especially if your injuries are delayed. As such, a doctor can help identify injuries before symptoms begin, and immediate medical care shows that you sought treatment directly after the accident, ultimately tying them together.
Benefits of Immediate Medical Evaluation
- Detecting hidden injuries before complications arise
- Prevents insurance adjusters from claiming injuries are from an unrelated incident
- Creates a documented timeline
- Follow-up appointments can help you avoid worsening the injury
- Creates diagnostic evidence of the injury
Symptoms to Watch for in the Days After a Collision
Even if you feel okay in the hours or days after the collision, some symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear. As such, it’s critical to familiarize yourself with the warning signs so you can seek appropriate care.
Delayed Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Neck or back pain and reduced mobility
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
- Memory issues or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty balancing
How Will My Medical Bills Be Paid in New Jersey?
Because New Jersey is a no-fault accident state, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection, a form of no-fault car insurance, that can pay some of your medical bills. However, depending on the severity of your injuries and your policy limits, you may need to pursue a claim against the other driver for the remaining damages you have incurred as a result of their negligent actions.
Compensation That May Be Available
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain from disability or disfigurement
- Mental anguish and psychological trauma
Contact Our Monmouth County Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you were injured due to the negligent actions of another driver in New Jersey and you suffered considerable damages as a result, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At the Falcon Law Firm, our team understands how complicated these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
