A car accident can be a harrowing experience, regardless of its severity. Emotional and physical wounds are common, as are life-threatening conditions from severe impacts. Not all injuries are the same and pain from an accident can often be delayed, sometimes taking days or even weeks to manifest in injury victims. After an accident, the body releases adrenaline and endorphins, which can mask pain and make injuries seem less severe initially. However, once the initial shock wears off, underlying pain from soft tissue damage and other injuries may become more noticeable. For accident victims in Indiana, it’s extremely important to seek medical attention as soon as possible since medical reports and treatment documentation are key components when attempting to recover compensation for injuries and damages.
Indiana does not have a set deadline for seeking medical treatment after a car accident. However, if you are filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, getting medical treatment as soon as possible is vital for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, insurance companies often look at how soon you sought treatment and delaying medical care can give them a reason to argue that your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the accident. Many insurance adjusters often deny claims if there is a delay in seeking treatment or if there are significant gaps in medical care. Even when there are valid and justifiable reasons for these delays, victims may have an extremely difficult time obtaining compensation.
Another important factor is Indiana’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Under Indiana law, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases, which include claims for physical injuries and damage to property, is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your car accident to file a claim. If you don’t, it’s likely that you will not be able to recover anything for your accident-related losses.
To protect your rights, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Simply put, waiting too long to get treatment may weaken your case, as the other party may claim your injuries were unrelated.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Indiana and have questions, contact our law office to discuss your options. The attorneys at Hurst Limontes have over a century of combined experience and work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808 or complete the form below for a FREE and confidential consultation.
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