Car accident victims in Kentucky should be careful not to sign a release of liability form too soon as they may not be able to receive compensation for all their injuries. Some conditions will only become apparent days or weeks after a wreck, and the following are just a few of the symptoms that can alert victims to injuries.
First, victims who suffer from headaches after a crash may have anything from a concussion or other brain injury to a blood clot or neck injury. Then there are several symptoms that can all point to a herniated disc: back pain, tingling and numbness in the back, and pain around the neck and shoulders. Back, neck and shoulder pain may also point to whiplash.
Victims may bleed internally, which will lead to abdominal pain, a deep bruise in the affected area, dizziness and headaches. This condition requires immediate medical attention. Lastly, victims may suffer personality changes from a brain injury or headaches from post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression may arise, too, especially among victims who have been disfigured in some way.
It’s usually wise to have a complete medical evaluation done before signing anything with the other side’s auto insurance company. Victims may want to wait until they have achieved what’s called maximum medical improvement.
Those who have suffered severe auto accident injuries may be able to pursue a third-party insurance claim, but the rest should have their damages covered under personal injury protection. To see what their options are and whether their case holds up in light of Kentucky’s pure comparative negligence law, victims may consult an attorney. If retained, the attorney may help with gathering evidence against the defendant and with negotiating a settlement. As a last resort, victims might consider litigation.
