You know the ins and outs of your town, but a sudden truck colliding with your car is something you can never truly prepare for. While the crash significantly damaged your car, you check your arms and legs but see no blood or bruises. You may feel fine, but what you cannot see can often hurt you the most.
How adrenaline tricks your mind
When an accident occurs, your body enters a protective state that triggers a surge of adrenaline and endorphins. These hormones numb you from the pain, which explains why you do not feel any discomfort after a truck collision. Because of this, you might choose not to seek immediate medical care.
However, internal injuries have symptoms that take time to manifest. You probably will not know you already have a concussion or a soft tissue injury.
Why you must avoid delays in medical care
Seeing a doctor after an accident creates evidence that connects your injuries to the crash. A prompt evaluation can link the impact of the collision directly to your injuries. Medical notes, imaging and treatment plans outline the extent of your damages, which is necessary for calculating compensation.
Additionally, insurance companies can use the delay in seeking medical attention to argue that your injuries are minor, nonexistent or not caused by the crash.
How Texas law impacts your claim
In Texas, the law follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your ability to recover damages depends on your percentage of fault. If the courts or insurance companies find that your fault is greater than 50%, you cannot recover damages.
Personal injury claims can be difficult to navigate, especially with the state’s strict two-year deadline for lawsuits. Having an experienced attorney by your side can help you overcome hurdles involving complex paperwork and negotiations.