When you are involved in a car accident in Florida, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming. As such, you may take a moment to asses yourself for any injuries before proceeding to exchange insurance with the other driver. However, in the days and weeks after your injury, you may begin to feel worse. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for accident injuries to be delayed, so understanding why this happens and the impact it can have on your case is critical. If this represents your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how an Orlando car accident attorney can help you fight for the justice you deserve in these matters.
Why Are Some Accident Injuries Delayed?
During an accident, you may be surprised to find that you feel okay despite the impact you may have sustained. In general, this is likely due to the body’s natural response to produce adrenaline. This adrenaline can help mask the pain you may feel so you can get yourself to safety. As a result, it can take hours and even days for an injury to appear as your adrenaline wears off.
In some instances, certain injuries can take time to appear due to their nature. For example, you’ll find that a concussion may not immediately manifest. In some instances, this can be because it may be so mild that you don’t even notice the symptoms. However, due to a lack of treatment, it can grow worse over time, becoming more prevalent. In other cases, where the brain collides with the skull can also result in a delay.
How Can This Impact the Outcome of My Case?
Unfortunately, delayed injuries can often impact the outcome of a personal injury case against a negligent party. You’ll find that if you feel okay, you may not immediately seek medical care. However, as your injuries grow worse, you may need to see a doctor days or weeks following the collision. As a result, the defense can claim you contributed to your injuries by failing to mitigate damages due to the fact you waited until your injuries were worse to seek medical treatment. Because Florida is a comparative negligence state, this means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If it’s determined that failing to immediately seek medical treatment contributed to 25% of your damages, the award you receive will be reduced by 25%.
Generally, the most important thing you can do following a collision, even if you feel okay, is immediately seek medical treatment. This can help establish that you took the necessary steps to mitigate damages, thus protecting yourself in the event you wish to file a lawsuit.
When you’re injured due to the negligence of another person, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of their poor decisions. That’s why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney from Tropical Injury Law Firm to assist you in the fight for justice.If you’re hurt, contact us today to learn how we can help you.
