Following a traffic accident, your body is violently shaken, resulting in all sorts of damages and injuries. This article aims to guide you through what you might physically experience following a car accident in Indianapolis and the relevant laws and statutes that apply.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Physical Consequences of Car Accidents
The physical impact of a car accident can vary greatly from person to person. It’s common not to feel severe symptoms immediately after the accident due to adrenaline. However, even if you only feel minor discomfort, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as injuries may surface days or weeks later.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Following a collision, there are several symptoms you should watch out for.
- Pain or stiffness in the neck or shoulder: This is often a sign of whiplash, especially prevalent in rear-end collisions.
- Loss of memory or difficulty concentrating: These could be symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.
- Pain in the back: This could be a sign of soft tissue injury, herniated discs, whiplash, or injuries to the spine.
- Excessive sleep or fatigue: Constant tiredness could be a result of a traumatic brain injury or depression.
- Pain in the abdomen: This could indicate damage to the soft tissue or internal bleeding.
- Headaches and nausea: When these symptoms occur together, they could suggest a concussion or another type of brain injury.
- Tingling sensation and numbness: These could be indicative of an injury to the spine or damage to the nervous system.
Legal Considerations in Indiana
Indiana operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver at fault’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. Indiana law mandates the exchange of information with other parties involved in an accident.
You are required to stop your vehicle at the scene, taking care not to obstruct traffic. You must remain at the scene until you provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to any person involved in the accident.
If the accident results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, you must report the accident. Depending on the seriousness of the crash, you can do this by calling:
- A local police department
- A county sheriff’s office
- A state police post
- A 911 operator
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is two years. This means you must file your lawsuit against any potential defendant within two years. The clock starts running on the date of the accident.
Recovery Time After a Car Accident
The recovery time after a car accident is highly individual and depends on the severity of the injury. On average, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. You may need to take time off work to heal, causing you to lose income. You can recover compensation for lost wages in a car accident claim.
There are several factors that can influence your recovery time, such as your general health, how quickly you received treatment after the accident, your lifestyle, your age, and more. Some accident victims are left with permanent disabilities.
It’s crucial to remember that even when you perceive your injuries to be minor, it’s essential to seek a medical professional’s advice. They can provide a thorough examination and guide your recovery. Medical documentation is also essential for filing an insurance claim and, potentially, a lawsuit.
Call Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers Today!
Understanding the potential physical aftermath of a car accident and the relevant laws in Indiana can help you navigate this challenging time. Always seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care can uncover life-threatening injuries and also prevent long-term complications.
Our attorneys at Rowe and Hamilton can help you hold the at-fault driver responsible and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 317-482-7888 for a free consultation.
