Even seemingly minor car accidents can sometimes lead to serious injuries. Many ailments do not show symptoms immediately. In some extreme cases, the full extent of an injury may not present itself until days or even weeks after the crash. It can be frustrating and concerning if your car accident injury worsens over time, but it is crucial that you take the necessary steps to ensure you are healthy and protect your legal rights. Contact a Kane County car accident lawyer to discuss your personal injury case and obtain skilled representation today.
What Should I Do if My Car Accident Injury Worsens Over Time?
- Seek medical attention: If you notice your injury getting worse or more symptoms starting to appear, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. This is especially important if you decided to forgo seeing a doctor originally because you believed you were fine. Having a medical professional evaluate your condition is crucial in ensuring your health and safety as well as creating a medical record.
- Document your medical journey: As your injury worsens, try to keep a record of all relevant medical information. Document your symptoms, pain levels, treatment received, changes in your condition, etc. Date the information and note anything that seems to exacerbate your injuries or increase your pain.
- Consult an attorney: If your injury worsens over time and you believe it is connected to your accident, consulting with a personal injury attorney is an important step. A lawyer, especially one with experience in car accident cases, can help you understand your rights, explore your options, ensure you do not miss any deadlines, and help you navigate the process.
- File an insurance claim: If you haven’t already, file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. Illinois law operates under a fault-based accident system so the negligent driver is responsible for the damages caused by the accident. Filing a claim will help you recover compensation for your medical and other expenses. If you already filed a claim, update the insurance provider about your worsening condition.
- File a lawsuit: If your insurance claim is denied or does not cover the entirety of your costs, consider filing a lawsuit against the liable driver. If your injury is getting worse you may need continuing treatment for an undetermined amount of time. Injury claims or lawsuits can account for future medical expenses. It is crucial that you ensure your rights are protected and that you can recover the compensation you deserve.
Regardless of how minor or severe the accident was, it is always recommended to seek medical attention after being involved in a car crash. If you feel fine and decline medical care but later your injuries worsen, an insurance company or at-fault driver could argue that your injuries or pain must not be that severe if you did not seek care immediately following the accident, or that your injuries are unrelated to the accident and happened some other time. Reach out to a skilled attorney to learn more about what to do when your car accident injuries seem to be getting worse.
