Why Some Baltimore Car Accident Injuries Don’t Show Up Right Away
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident in Baltimore, there’s a natural tendency to downplay the situation. You may consider yourself lucky at first to walk away with what seems like only minor harm, only to have symptoms get significantly worse in the days or weeks after.
Unfortunately, delayed symptoms are common and ignoring them can put both your health and your injury claim at risk. Our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers explain common types of injuries that cause delayed symptoms and how to protect your rights to compensation.
Serious Car Accident Injuries in Baltimore That Can Cause Delayed Symptoms
When a car accident happens in Baltimore, victims are often in a state of shock afterward. Their adrenaline is pumping and can mask symptoms, leading them to downplay their injuries and delay getting medical treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common in even seemingly minor crashes, but symptoms may not appear for hours or days after. Other common car accident injuries that can cause delayed symptoms include:
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries;
- Herniated or bulging discs;
- Internal bleeding or organ bruising;
- Soft-tissue strains, sprains, and tears;
- Nerve compression injuries.
The Maryland Highway Safety Office tracks thousands of injury crashes annually, many resulting in non-visible trauma. Even low-speed rear-end collisions can create forces strong enough to cause lasting damage.
How To Protect Your Health and Your Rights In A Baltimore Car Accident Claim
When a car accident in Baltimore happens due to negligence on the part of other drivers, you have the right to hold them accountable either through their insurer or by taking your case to court. However, downplaying injuries at the scene and delayed treatment gives insurers an opportunity to dispute or deny your claim.
To protect yourself and your rights to compensation, be cautious in the aftermath of any type of crash. Steps to take include:
- Get checked out by a medical provider immediately, even if symptoms seem mild.
- Follow all treatment recommendations, including physical therapy.
- Report new symptoms promptly to your doctor.
- Keep detailed records of pain levels and limitations.
- Avoid posting about your accident online.
- Do not accept a quick settlement until you understand the full extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
Documenting your injuries immediately after a crash helps prevent insurers from downplaying what happened and denying your rights in a claim.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Lawyers to Protect Your Rights to Compensation
Even a relatively minor Baltimore car accident can cause potentially debilitating injuries, but symptoms may not appear until days after. Insurers use delayed care to dispute the extent of harm you suffer and downplay your rights to compensation.
At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we can help you document your injuries and fight for the total amount you are entitled to after a crash. To speak with our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers, contact our office today and request a consultation.
Sources:
cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury
zerodeathsmd.gov
mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/insurance-requirements.aspx
