Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Serious Injuries?
Minor car accidents are a common occurrence. If you walk away from an accident injury and pain-free, unfortunately, it does not mean your pain or discomfort will not pop up days or weeks later. Sometimes, musculoskeletal damage presents symptoms days, weeks, or months after an accident. Injuries like whiplash can still result in chronic issues, such as headaches or arthritis.
Even if you have been in a fender-bender or another type of minor accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Delaying a physical exam may cost you your insurance compensation or prolong legal matters.
On the outside, minor car accidents seem insignificant. However, even if traveling at a low speed and the car damage was minimal, the people involved in the accident could still end up with serious injuries.
Many people in an auto accident assume that because their crash was not catastrophic, they will not be able to recover compensation or that filing a claim will not be worth it. Minor car accidents are sometimes associated with whiplash and other head and neck injuries. These injuries could be compensable. A lawyer may be able to file a claim for compensation on your behalf.
Even though a car accident seems on a small scale, no one should ever assume there are no injuries. The body uses adrenaline and shock to delay reactions to physical trauma. It is crucial to be prepared and thorough to provide solid evidence for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It would help if you did the following:
- Take note of your injuries.
- Discuss the necessity of X-rays with your doctor.
- Take pictures of any visible physical injuries, including bruises, cuts, and contusions.
- Take several pictures of the damage to your vehicle.
- When speaking with insurance representatives, you should mention any pain, discomfort, or injury symptoms.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
The statute of limitations means the time limit for filing a claim or lawsuit. You have a specific time to file a claim following an auto accident. In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
If you miss the deadline for the statute of limitations, you will give up your legal rights to file. Two years may seem a lot, but it goes by quickly, especially if you are dealing with injuries. It is best to act quickly and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
New Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Will Help You Explore Your Legal Options After an Accident
A seemingly minor car accident can still lead to serious injuries. To help guide you through the complex legal process after an accident, speak with one of our New Brunswick personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Colonia, Elizabeth, and Newark. Call us at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
