Hidden Injuries: How Delayed Symptoms Can Impact Your Auto Accident Claim

After an auto accident, it’s common for victims to experience a surge of adrenaline. This is the body’s instinctive response to trauma, which can temporarily dull the sensation of pain. Consequently, some injuries may not become apparent right away following the crash. When these injuries do surface later on, they can complicate your claim, as they require additional attention and documentation.

At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C., we advise auto accident victims never to downplay or ignore any injury, regardless of how minor it may seem initially. It is always best to get a medical evaluation by a doctor to rule out any serious conditions that may not be immediately visible. Early diagnosis and treatment can be crucial for both your health and the success of your claim.

Ways in Which Hidden Auto Accident Injuries Affect Your Claim

Various injuries may not be visible after a collision. Such conditions are still serious and may include the following:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spine injuries 
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal organ damage
• Emotional and psychological problems

Individuals who experience these injuries often remain oblivious to their condition until it escalates into a serious issue later. Sadly, if not treated early, the effects of these injuries may be long-lasting and severe, often affecting your claim in diverse ways. Here are some ways in which they can impact your auto accident claim in New Mexico:

Delayed Diagnosis Challenges

If symptoms of hidden injuries appear days or weeks after the accident, it could be an opportunity for insurers to question your claim. For example, they may argue that the injury is not related to the accident and that is why it was not documented initially. This skepticism can lead to disputes over the validity of your claim, which may require additional medical evidence to establish a clear link.

Increased Medical Expenses 

When you first seek medical attention following an accident, healthcare providers typically prioritize the most visible injuries. This can result in a series of treatments, tests, and consultations aimed at addressing the immediate concerns. By the time the hidden injuries manifest, you may have already incurred significant medical expenses.

Uncovering more injuries means additional treatments, such as physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, or long-term care. A lawyer can assist in making sure that the financial impact of both immediate and delayed injuries is fully recognized in your claim.

Impact on Daily Life and Work

Hidden injuries may lead to prolonged recovery times and affect your ability to work and perform daily activities. This can result in lost wages and diminished quality of life, which should be factored into your claim. If you are unable to work due to an injury that was not immediately diagnosed, it can complicate your financial recovery.

Legal Deadlines

When filing personal injury lawsuits in New Mexico, the claimants have only three years from the date of the accident to act (New Mexico Statutes Section 37-1-8 (2023)). However, hidden injuries can complicate the statute of limitations, as it may take time to gather the necessary documentation and evidence. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your ability to pursue recovery for damages from the liable party.

In all these situations, you don’t want to risk working without an auto accident attorney in New Mexico. A lawyer will ensure that all visible and hidden injuries don’t miss compensation. For instance, if you discovered your injury later after the incident, your lawyer can apply the discovery rule principle to fight for your rights. This rule enables accident victims who discovered their injuries way later and have taken reasonable steps after discovery to retain their right to take legal action. 

Talk to a New Mexico Auto Accident Lawyer Today for Legal Assistance

Have you been injured in an auto accident and are worried about how delayed symptoms can impact your auto accident claim? Fortunately, you have legal options available to ensure that these injuries won’t compromise your claim. At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C., we’re committed to helping accident victims in New Mexico secure their rightful compensation for all their injuries. Call us today at 800-433-2408 to book a free, confidential consultation.