It’s not uncommon for car accident injuries to manifest latent symptoms. The shock and adrenaline can mask even the most serious trauma, and many types of injuries aren’t noticeable for several hours or even days after a crash. Examples include whiplash, internal bleeding, and brain damage.
If you felt relatively fine after a wreck but found out later that you were seriously injured, you should take the following steps to protect your claim:
1. Undergo a Medical Evaluation Right Away
It’s important that you visit a doctor as soon as possible so your injuries can be documented. In order to build a strong claim, your attorney will have to tie your injuries to the accident. Your lawyer will also have to prove that you’ve taken reasonable steps to mitigate your damages. The longer you wait to get an official diagnosis, the more challenging this will be.
Since Mississippi has a pure comparative fault rule, the potential value of your claim could be reduced if you fail to mitigate your medical costs and other damages. Under this rule, a claimant’s financial award is reduced by his or her own percentage of fault.
2. Start a Daily Personal Injury Journal
In the state of Mississippi, personal injury claimants may be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress. You’ll need strong evidence to prove such damages. In addition to medical records, photographs of injuries, and expert witness testimony, your attorney might use your personal injury journal to make your case more compelling.
You should write daily journal entries about the ways in which the injuries are affecting your everyday life. Be sure to document any medication side effects, missed social events, and the impact the injuries have had on your relationships with loved ones.
3. Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney
You should contact a lawyer after any serious accident, but it’s especially important to do so if you delayed seeking medical care. Failing to get a prompt diagnosis could lead to a dispute, but it may be possible to avoid or overcome such a dispute with the help of a skilled attorney.
A lawyer who has experience handling cases like yours will know the types of evidence to gather and the strategies to use during negotiations with the insurance company. Your attorney can also explain the steps you need to take to give your case the best possible chance of success and the mistakes you must avoid during the proceedings.
Call (601) 265-7766 Today to Speak with a Jackson Car Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a motor-vehicle collision through no fault of your own, contact Coxwell & Associates to discuss your case. We have been representing Mississippians for more than 35 years, and we have extensive experience handling cases that involve latent-symptom injuries. Call (601) 265-7766 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.