You are going about your day somewhere in Indiana when you find yourself getting into a low-speed car accident. Your vehicle has little to no damage, which can lead you to assume that you have no injuries.
The physical symptoms can often take days to appear however, and settling your claim too early can be a costly mistake. Understanding why seemingly minor accidents can have major consequences can help you protect both your health and rights.
Adrenaline and delayed symptoms
After a collision, you may experience a surge of adrenaline that can mask immediate pain. This response can delay the onset of symptoms associated with common injuries, including:
- Whiplash: Neck and shoulder pain that peaks 24 to 48 hours later
- Concussions: Headaches, dizziness or brain fog symptoms that you may not feel right away
- Soft tissue damage: Strains and sprains that worsen once inflammation sets in
If you are involved in a car accident in Indiana, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you feel well initially, more serious injuries may become apparent after the adrenaline subsides.
The insurer’s strategy
When you file a property damage claim with your insurance provider in Indiana, their adjusters may use your low repair bills to argue that your injury is impossible. They may persuade you into signing a release or accepting a check within the first week.
However, it is vital to avoid agreeing to this early settlement before you fully understand the nature and extent of your injuries. Signing too soon can also waive your right to seek compensation for injuries that develop or become apparent later.
Protecting your legal rights in Indiana
By seeing a doctor right away, you can learn the real severity of your injuries despite having delayed symptoms. Doing so can also create medical documentation that links your injury to the accident.
In addition, seeking prompt medical care helps prove you took reasonable steps to mitigate your damages. This can help protect your claim by showing your fault is less than that of the party that injured you under Indiana’s comparative fault rules.
When low impact does not mean low risk
If you sustained injuries after a car crash, the pain does not have to be unbearable to pursue a claim. You can still get seriously hurt even if the collision was minor. The legal team at Shartzer Law Firm, LLC can help deal with insurers to secure the compensation you deserve.
