The Most Dangerous Words After a Car Accident: “I’m Fine.”

The Most Dangerous Words After a Car Accident: “I’m Fine.”

You walked away from the accident. But what if the injury you can’t see is the one that changes your life?

The crash is over. Your car is damaged, but you’re standing. You’re talking. You’re walking.

You call your family and say the two words everyone wants to hear:

“I’m fine.”

But what if you’re not?

What if the most serious consequence of your accident hasn’t revealed itself yet?

The Injury You Don’t See Coming

Not every serious injury comes with blood, broken bones, or an ambulance ride.

Some injuries, particularly concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can be difficult to recognize immediately.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussion symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after an injury.

Warning signs can include:

• Persistent headaches or dizziness
• Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
• Unusual fatigue or confusion
• Changes in mood or personality
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

And here’s something many accident victims don’t realize:

You can suffer a concussion without ever losing consciousness.

Most people recover from a concussion, but some experience symptoms that persist for weeks or longer.

Your Car May Look Fine. That Doesn’t Mean You Are.

One of the biggest mistakes after a car accident is assuming that limited vehicle damage means limited physical injury.

A dented bumper cannot tell you whether your brain was injured.

Neither can the fact that you walked away.

Only an appropriate medical evaluation can help determine the nature and extent of an injury.

At Gelbstein & Associates, we believe accident victims deserve to have their injuries taken seriously, especially when the consequences aren’t immediately visible.

The Clock Starts Ticking Before You Know What’s Wrong

Here’s where an already frightening situation becomes even more concerning.

While you may still be discovering the extent of your injuries, important insurance and legal deadlines may already be running.

In New York, no-fault insurance generally requires written notice of a claim within 30 days of an accident, subject to certain exceptions.

In New Jersey, most personal injury lawsuits must generally be filed within two years, although exceptions and different deadlines can apply.

Missing an applicable deadline can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation.

That’s why speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney early can be important.

Gelbstein & Associates represents accident victims in New York and New Jersey. Call 855-LAW-24-07 to discuss your situation.

Don’t Let Two Words Determine Your Future

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t assume you’re uninjured simply because you feel okay.

Seek prompt medical attention if a head injury is possible. Symptoms such as a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, or increasing confusion require emergency medical care.

Pay attention to changes in how you feel. Document your symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

And don’t overlook your legal rights.

Because walking away from an accident doesn’t always mean walking away without an injury.

At Gelbstein & Associates, we understand that the consequences of a serious accident can extend far beyond the scene of the crash.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in New York or New Jersey, our team is here to discuss your legal options.

Gelbstein & Associates

Call 855-LAW-24-07

gelbstein.com

Serious injuries deserve serious attention