How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Show Up
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), at least one or more drivers and passengers suffer some kind of injury in 41% of vehicle crashes. If you’ve been in a car accident, the first thing you should do is get a medical checkup from a certified doctor. Each car accident is unique in the way it occurs and the type of injuries it causes. You might just realize that you’ve been severely injured in what seemed like a minor fender-bender. Oftentimes, although victims walk away seemingly, unscathed, the trauma becomes evident days, months, and even, years after the incident.
Your Body Responds with a Rush of Adrenaline and Endorphins
When you’re involved in a stressful car accident, your body responds by releasing a rush of adrenaline and endorphins. These hormones cover the shock and pain of any injuries you may have. Over the next days, as the hormone levels ease off and your body starts rebuilding and repairing damaged tissues, you start to see swelling and bruising.
For this reason, the signs of trauma appear only days after the impact. The time frame depends on various factors such as the kind of injury, severity of the damage, and your body’s response abilities. You should also know that trauma is often not visible to an unpracticed eye, or may not show up in a routine x-ray exam.
Injuries Are Not Just Physical
In addition to physical effects, you may also go through emotional aftereffects that take years to heal. Or, you might have nerve injuries or internal organ damage that manifests in the form of chronic pain that seems to worsen over time. When the car accident first occurs, the body compensates for the injuries and the pain typically starts when tissues can no longer withstand the effects of the impact.
In case you suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury, the effects might emerge days afterward. Recovery is usually unpredictable and non-linear. Whiplash is another kind of injury that results in inflammation and difficulty in motion that seems to worsen over the next few days. You’ll have a better chance of getting compensation if you visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Get a Checkup and Explore Your Options for Getting Compensation Right Away
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that all drivers must buy their own Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP) coverage. Accordingly, the expenses you incur for getting medical treatment after a car accident must be covered by your insurance provider regardless of whose fault caused the accident.
Further, Florida Statute of Limitations says that you must see a doctor within 14 after an accident. If you don’t get in touch with a doctor and seek medical treatment, the insurer can deny your claim for compensation for expenses. The PIP policy entitles you to medical expenses like:
- X-rays and other diagnostic tests
- Transportation by ambulance
- Medical care
- Dental treatment
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation services
Florida Statute expects you to get medical treatment from an approved healthcare professional to qualify for insurance benefits. Consult your personal physician, ER technician, surgeon, or a specialist. If needed, get an examination from a physical therapist or chiropractor to assess the extent of your injuries. Make sure that you get the proper care to become eligible for a PIP payout.
Insurance Companies May Deny Your Claim for Different Reasons
Despite your taking all the necessary steps and doing everything right, the insurance company might refuse to pay your claim. Different reasons may be presented for refusing compensation. For instance:
- The injuries you reported were not from the car accident as you claim.
- You did not get medical treatment within the prescribed state statute of 14 days.
- Your injuries cannot be classified as an emergency medical condition.
If the insurer refuses to provide coverage and reimburse you for medical expenses, you must get in touch with an expert car accident attorney in Florida . Discuss the facts of your case in detail and provide the necessary documents to prove that you complied with state regulations. Rely on the expertise of insurance lawyers to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Florida Car Accident Lawyer Team Today!