Delayed Injury After a Car Accident in Georgia: Can a Lawyer Help?

After a car accident, you’d expect all your injuries to be obvious, but sometimes, injuries stay hidden without showing any symptoms for days or weeks. What are you supposed to do if you have a delayed injury after a car accident in Georgia? Can a lawyer help? The answer is yes, because without one, you might not even be able to get past insurance adjusters to file a claim.

About Us

At Barnes Law Group, we believe no one should have to face the law by themself. With a founding partner whose career spans over 50 years, we draw on decades of experience in public service, private law, and nonprofit work to provide compassionate guidance, strategic advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to our clients.

Why Delayed Injuries Happen

In 2023, 2.44 million people were injured in car accidents across the country, with non-lethal injury costs averaging a payout of $162,000 in damages, reflecting a 6.1% payout increase.

After a car accident, you’d think your injuries would show up right away. However, the truth is your body doesn’t always send immediate warning signs. Many people feel fine at first, only to develop pain, stiffness, or other symptoms days or even weeks later. Some common reasons for delayed injuries can include:

• Adrenaline response. After an accident, your body releases adrenaline, which can temporarily suppress pain signals.
• Hidden internal injuries. Injuries like concussions, herniated discs, or organ damage could gradually develop.
• Soft tissue strain. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles often respond slowly to trauma, and their symptoms include stiffness, soreness, or pain.

By getting medical care and documenting your symptoms, you can preserve your ability to recover damages through a car accident claim. Taking these steps can help make sure a minor issue doesn’t become a long-term problem.

What Delayed Injuries Mean for Your Claim

Delayed injuries can turn a regular car accident claim into a complicated legal challenge. Symptoms appearing days or weeks after a crash can raise questions about causation, insurance coverage, and the full extent of your damages. Luckily, a lawyer can help you with the following:

• Prove causation. A lawyer can gather professional medical opinions and build a clear connection between your injuries and the accident.
• Manage documentation. An attorney makes sure every piece of evidence is organized and presented in the strongest possible way.
• Calculate future medical costs. A lawyer can help figure out all expenses associated with ongoing care so your car accident claim reflects both current and future medical needs.
• Maximize compensation for pain and suffering. Legal guidance makes sure your emotional and physical suffering is considered.
• Navigate deadlines and legal procedures. An attorney protects your claim by filing on time and handling all procedural requirements.

It’s true that delayed injuries create difficult challenges. However, with the right professional guidance, you can turn the downside of delayed injuries into a stronger, more complete car accident claim.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer: Don’t Let Insurance Adjusters Take Advantage

After a car accident where injuries appear days or weeks later, insurance adjusters often try to downplay your claim or deny that they need to be responsible for your damages. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, and without the right guidance, it could be difficult to protect your rights.

At Barnes Law Group, our team can directly communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and make sure that nothing you say is used to reduce your compensation. We can also negotiate with adjusters, counter misleading arguments, and make sure that both current and future damages are accounted for.

FAQs

Can Delayed Injuries Affect My Ability to Settle Out of Court?

Yes, delayed injuries can affect your ability to settle out of court, because they can make settlement negotiations more complicated. Insurance companies could initially offer a lower payout if the injuries aren’t documented right after the accident. A car accident attorney can help by gathering medical records, professional opinions, and treatment plans that show the injuries are connected to the accident.

Do Delayed Injuries Affect the Value of a Car Accident Settlement?

Yes, delayed injuries can affect the value of a car accident settlement. Delayed injuries can increase the overall value of a settlement because they could require extra medical treatment, rehabilitation, or ongoing therapy. A settlement or verdict should reflect both past and future damages. Our team can help calculate these costs and make sure your car accident claim includes compensation for long-term or worsening conditions.

Are Certain Car Accidents More Likely to Cause Delayed Injuries?

Yes, certain car accidents are more likely to cause delayed injuries. Low-speed crashes, rear-end accidents, or accidents involving rotational forces often cause injuries that appear later. Whiplash, ligament strains, and mild concussions might not be immediately evident, but they can develop into chronic issues later on. Our team can help assess whether delayed injuries are likely and how they might impact your claim.

Can a Delayed Injury Impact My Ability to Receive Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Yes, a delayed injury can impact your ability to receive long-term disability benefits. Many insurance policies require proof that an injury is linked to a specific event, and symptoms that appear later on can complicate the claims process. Our team can help document the medical connection between the accident and your delayed injury, gather professional opinions, and submit the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim.

Get the Help You Deserve After a Delayed Injury

Dealing with a delayed injury after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when symptoms appear days or weeks after the collision. However, the experienced team at Barnes Law Group is here to guide you every step of the way.

From collecting and organizing medical records to negotiating with insurance companies, Barnes Law Group has the experience needed to make sure your car accident claim reflects the full impact of your injuries. By partnering with us, you gain an advocate who is ready to fight for your rights, work to prove the connection between your accident and your delayed injuries, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.