When Internal Injuries Are Missed After a Charleston SC Crash
Not every car accident injury is immediately apparent. Internal injuries, including damage to the liver, kidneys, spleen, small intestine, or other organs, can develop hours or days after impact, with little or no outward signs. Delayed symptoms are one of the most dangerous aspects of internal injuries, leading to financial, legal, and health complications for the claimant. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, our Charleston car accident attorneys help you determine how your injuries connect to your collision, no matter when your symptoms appear.
Why Internal Injuries Go Undetected
Several factors make internal injuries more difficult to detect following a crash:
- Adrenaline released during a collision can suppress pain signals at the scene of an accident.
- Symptoms of internal bleeding and organ damage may develop gradually, not all at once.
- Some injuries can only be detected with medical imaging (CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds), not through a physical exam.
- A person who feels fine may decline transport, only to feel unwell later on.
- Some symptoms are subtle, such as mild fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, which may go unnoticed until blood loss becomes more severe.
Warning Signs of Internal Injuries
The following symptoms may indicate internal bleeding:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Abdominal swelling or bruising
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Although these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have internal injuries, you need to seek medical attention right away.
How Delayed Symptoms Can Affect Your Injury Claim
Insurance companies often point to a delay between the crash and treatment as evidence that an injury wasn’t serious or caused by the accident. This puts victims of internal injuries in a difficult position, since the nature of a delayed injury is used against them in the claims process. That’s why our legal team recommends getting a thorough medical evaluation after any collision, even if your injuries appear minor. By getting examined, you protect both your health and your accident claim.
Three-Year Limitation Period
SC Code 15-3-530(5) permits an injured party only three years to take legal action after a motor vehicle crash or the discovery of injury. This is a narrow timeline, especially since your first step will be to attempt to settle with the insurance company. From the moment of injury, physical, financial, and emotional losses will begin to accrue. The insurance company knows you have a limited time to take legal action, which can make them drag out your claim.
During this time, you need someone who can advise you on what steps to take to protect your rights. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, our Charleston motor vehicle accident lawyers are prepared to do just that. We will handle the claims paperwork and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If negotiations stall, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. Our tenacious representation has helped countless individuals receive adequate compensation after a car wreck.
Speak with Our Charleston Motor Vehicle Injury Lawyers
If you were recently injured in a collision only to discover an internal injury later, don’t let the delay in diagnosis undermine your claim. At John Price Law Firm, LLC, our Charleston motor vehicle injury attorneys can help link your injury to the crash and help you secure maximum compensation. To discuss your legal options, contact us online or by calling (843) 552-6011.