When you get hurt in an accident, it makes sense to report the injury right away. However, there are many cases where an accident victim does not notice that they are injured at the scene. It may take a couple of days to notice pain or soreness, or maybe a diagnosis from a doctor is needed. If this sounds like something that happened to you, don’t assume that you cannot sue just because you didn’t report your injury right away. Our Monmouth County personal injury attorneys can help you make a claim and let you know what can be done to build an effective case.
Is It Common For Victims to Report Injuries Later?
A car accident, dog attack, or workplace accident can be a stressful thing to experience. When you are dealing with that stress, you may not be able to properly pay attention to everything that your body is telling you. As a result, it’s not uncommon for victims to realize that they have an injury or that they are more seriously injured than they thought later on. So you can report an injury later, but you should be aware of how the insurance company might react.
How Long Do I Have to Report Injuries and Sue?
We should also note that you cannot wait around forever. You have to take legal action within two years. That’s the state’s statute of limitations. Wait too long to file and your lawsuit is likely to be thrown out.
What Evidence Can Help With My Case?
When you report an injury later, the insurance company is going to try to cast doubt on your version of events. An insurer might try to claim that you weren’t all that hurt or that you actually got hurt in another situation sometime after the accident occurred.
Having some evidence on your side can help you make your case and show that the insurance company is just trying to get out of paying damages. This is one reason we recommend seeing a doctor right after an accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. Your doctor may be able to diagnose a problem and then your medical records can show evidence of your injuries. Other evidence that can help you tell your side of the story include video footage of the accident, witness testimony, and police reports.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
It’s always a good idea to have a lawyer on your side in a personal injury case, but it’s especially wise for anyone who did not report an injury right away. We are familiar with how insurance companies try to wriggle out of claims like this. As a result, our firm is well-equipped to help you build a compelling case for compensation.
Meet With Our Legal Team
So don’t assume that you cannot sue for compensation just because you only noticed your injury later. Contact the Wilton Law Firm and schedule a consultation with our team. We’re ready to help you sue for damages.
