As experienced car accident attorneys serving the Atlanta area, we at Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys have seen how insidious delayed symptoms from a crash can be. You may walk away from an auto accident feeling relatively unscathed, only to develop concerning symptoms days or even weeks later. It is crucial to be aware of this risk and take proactive steps to protect your health and legal rights.
The Sneaky Nature of Delayed Symptoms
Not all car accident injuries are immediately apparent. Due to the sudden flood of adrenaline after a crash, you may not notice pain, discomfort or other symptoms right away. Some of the most common injuries with delayed onset include:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Back injuries like herniated discs
- Damage to internal organs
- Emotional distress and PTSD
These conditions can take time to manifest and may not be detectable at the accident scene or even the next day. This is why it is absolutely critical to get a thorough medical evaluation after any car accident, even if you feel fine. Only a trained physician can identify and document “hidden injuries.”
Why Prompt Medical Attention Is Vital
There are two key reasons not to brush off a minor fender bender or assume you emerged from a more serious crash unharmed. First and foremost is your health and well-being. Delayed accident injuries are not only progressively painful; they can become debilitating and lead to chronic conditions if left untreated.
The second reason is to protect your right to fair compensation should you need medical care, have to miss work, or experience significant pain and suffering in the future because of the accident. If you fail to seek treatment right away, the insurance company may argue your injuries are unrelated to the crash and deny your claim. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case.
Red Flags to Watch for After an Accident
While some delayed symptoms are subtle, most people experience warning signs like:
- Headaches and blurred vision
- Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness
- Numbness in the arms and hands
- Low back pain that may radiate to the legs
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Personality changes and trouble concentrating
It is better to be cautious. Any new or unusual symptoms in the days and weeks following a car accident should be promptly evaluated by a doctor. Even a minor symptom could be a sign of a more serious underlying injury.
The Role of an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
We know it is stressful dealing with injuries, time off work, medical bills and calls from insurance adjusters while trying to recover from an accident. As your attorneys, it is our job to lift those burdens and handle every aspect of your claim for you. Although hiring a lawyer may seem like just another task on your plate, it is the most important thing you can do to take the pressure off.
At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we offer more than just legal representation. We serve as your advocate and ally during this challenging chapter. Our seasoned injury lawyers will:
- Make sure you get the best medical care for your specific injuries
- Thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to build your case
- Handle all communication with the other driver’s insurance company
- File your accident claim and negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t agree to an acceptable offer
We know the tricks insurance companies use to minimize and deny valid claims. Insurers may try to get you to make a recorded statement, sign away your rights or settle for a low-ball offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. We can protect you from these tactics so you can focus on healing.
Atlanta Car Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence in the busy Atlanta metropolitan area. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, in 2023, Atlanta experienced:
- 24,433 crashes with injuries
- 4,575 crashes with serious injuries
- 119 fatal accidents
Aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, following too closely, and running red lights are leading factors in many of these wrecks. With crash rates this high, it is wise for all Atlanta drivers to be prepared for the possibility of an accident and know where to turn for help.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
This is usually the first question our clients ask, and understandably so. If you are grappling with crushing medical debt while being unable to work, you need to know that you will receive enough compensation to keep your head above water. Many factors affect the value of an accident claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries and length of your recovery
- Whether you will need future medical treatment and care
- How much work you missed, and if you can return to your job
- Your degree of fault, if any, for the accident
- The available insurance coverage
As a general rule, Georgia allows accident victims to recover both economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, disability, scarring and other losses. In extreme cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. Every case is unique, which is why we provide free consultations to review your rights.
Getting Help After a Georgia Car Accident
Being involved in an auto accident is scary. Not knowing if you have injuries or how the crash will affect your future is even more frightening. Our Atlanta car accident attorneys can help you get the answers and assistance you need. The most important steps you can take are to see a doctor right away and consult an experienced lawyer before talking to an insurance adjuster.At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we will not let the insurance company take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. We are committed to helping injured people put their lives back together by fighting for the financial security they need and deserve. If you have been hurt in a car accident in the Atlanta area, please contact us today for a free consultation.