In order to have a valid case after a car wreck, you must be able to demonstrate that you suffered damages in the collision. In most instances, this damage involves bodily injury. If you sustained damage to your vehicle but weren't injured, you can generally work directly with your insurance company to recover money for the repairs.
Unfortunately, not all car wreck injuries are visible immediately following the crash. Certain injuries can often take days or even weeks to develop symptoms. To protect your rights and your ability to recover the compensation you deserve, it's important to file a police report before leaving the scene and seek medical treatment promptly, even if you don't think you've been hurt.
Common Car Crash Injuries that May Not Show Up Right Away
Common car crash injuries which may not be visible until a later date include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries, including bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Soft tissue injuries
How to Protect Your Rights if There Is no Visible Damage or Injuries in a Car Wreck
The actions you take immediately following a car wreck are always extremely important, regardless of whether you've suffered a visible injury. Even if you don't appear to be injured and there is no visible damage to your vehicle, you should always:
- Exchange information with the other driver (name, contact information, driver's license number, vehicle registration and insurance information)
- Take photos of the collision, including skid marks and other indicators which may help determine fault
- Record the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Call the police and request an officer be sent to fill out a report
Once you leave the scene, there is still work to be done. You're legally required to report all collisions to your insurance company in a timely manner. As stated above, you should also seek a medical evaluation to make sure all injuries are detected right away. We also recommend that you speak with Jim so that he can begin building your case while the evidence is still fresh.
Building a Legal Case when There Is no Visible Damage in a Car Wreck
Ultimately, whether you have a valid case will depend on the extent to which you suffered an injury in the car wreck. The longer you wait to be evaluated by a doctor, the harder it will be to prove your injuries were caused by the crash. For this reason, you shouldn't wait more than 2-3 days to get medical treatment.
It's important that you save all medical bills, vehicle repair bills (if any repairs were made) and employment statements showing lost wages. Jim can use this evidence to demonstrate the extent to which you suffered monetary damages as part of the car wreck. In addition, Jim will work with a team of experts to prove that the other driver caused the crash.
Contact our Bridgeport Car Wreck Lawyer
The best way to learn about your legal rights and options after a car wreck is to speak with Jim in person. He can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you as to the best way to proceed.
Please contact Jim Miron, Attorney at Law using the form on this page or call 203-339-5991 today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients in Bridgeport, New Haven and the surrounding areas of Connecticut.
Comments
There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.
Leave a Comment