Auto Accident Lawyer For Delayed Whiplash Injury

If you've been in a collision but failed to contact an auto accident lawyer within the first few days, weeks, or even months of the incident, you still have time to file a claim. The statue of limitations to file a personal injury claim is one to three years in most states, which doesn't include the "discovery of harm" law. Discovery of harm is a term that means the period in which to file a personal injury case begins on the date the victim is diagnosed or visibly affected. There are many instances where trauma can take weeks or months to discover, but that doesn't mean you've run out of time to receive compensation. Whiplash is one of the most common examples of a slow to surface injury. 

Whiplash is when the head and neck are jerked roughly back and forth due to a great force, which is most often the result of a rear-end collision with a stationary vehicle. Due to adrenaline, stress, and anxiety following the collision, many drivers won't experience symptoms immediately. Additionally, it can take time before people realize that their symptoms are directly related to the incident due to the slow manifestation and commonality of the maladies. Physical signs of whiplash include sore muscles that are difficult to move, headaches, pain, vision problems, and tingling or numbness of the arms. 

While most people don't require immediate medical attention for mild cases of whiplash, the symptoms can cause stress or require leave from work, which means lost income. If you feel that your injury has resulted in personal financial losses or medical bills, it is best to contact an auto accident lawyer. You may seek compensation from the other driver's insurance company or your own depending on the severity of your condition and the circumstances of the collision. If you speak with the insurance company before an attorney, if questioned about injury it is best not to comment until you obtain professional legal counsel. While you still can file a claim if the injury doesn't surface until later, it will be that much more difficult to build your case. 

If you do decide to seek compensation and hire an auto accident lawyer, gather documents and all related materials early on. This can include medical bills, prescriptions, receipts for over-the-counter medications, and proof of missed work or other activities. If your condition forced you to change major personal plans, which led to financial losses, such as a family vacation or pre-purchased tickets for an event, you may also be entitled to further recompense for these missed plans. 

There are several attorneys who specialize in whiplash cases and many will reach a settlement with the insurance company before having to go to court. To see if you have a valid claim, contact a qualified attorney in your area as soon as possible. Even if it has been a year or more, you may still have time to file your claim and receive your rightful compensation for pain and suffering.