“I’m fine.” Many people say it at the scene of a wreck. Adrenaline is high, everyone is shaken, and the main goal is to get the car out of traffic. A day or two later, the neck is stiff, the back aches, or a headache will not leave. Now what?
Why the first words matter
Whatever you say at the scene may be repeated later. “I’m fine” can turn into “she said she wasn’t hurt.” You can protect yourself by saying something true and simple, such as “I’m not sure yet. I’m going to get checked.”
See a medical provider
Only a medical professional can tell you what is going on with your body. This article cannot, and no lawyer should guess. What a lawyer can tell you is that a prompt visit helps in two ways. It gets you care. And it creates a record that ties the wreck to your symptoms. Long gaps between a crash and the first visit give an insurance company room to argue that something else caused the problem.
Tell your physicians the whole story
- That you were in a wreck, and when it happened.
- Every place that hurts, even if it seems minor.
- Any symptom that shows up later: new pain, numbness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble concentrating.
- How the injury affects your work and daily life.
Follow the plan
If you are told to go to therapy or follow up with a specialist, do it; if you cannot, say why. Missed appointments are another thing insurers point to.
Never speak to the other insurance company
The other driver’s insurer may call within days, sounding friendly. Don’t take the bait. That call will be recorded, and the typical question of “How are you doing today” can and will be used against you later on in your case. You do not have to give any recorded statement to any insurance company (period). Instead, call Leatherwood & Schindler, and we’ll be happy to take over that phone call for you.
Do not post about it
A photo of a weekend outing can be used to argue that you were not hurt. It may not tell the real story, but it can still be used.
The deadline
A Texas personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. Don’t let days slip by while you wait to feel better.
Injured in a Houston car wreck and not sure how hurt you are? Contact Leatherwood & Schindler, PLLC today.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed because of someone else’s carelessness, talk with attorneys Hogan Leatherwood and Claire Schindler at Leatherwood & Schindler, PLLC today to discuss your personal injury case. Call us toll-free at (877) 664-6665 or visit lstrial.com. Every consultation with any lawyer at Leatherwood & Schindler is free and confidential.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Sending us a message does not by itself mean we represent you; please do not send confidential details until we confirm that we can discuss your matter. Attorneys responsible for this content: Hogan Leatherwood and Claire Schindler, Leatherwood & Schindler, PLLC, 2000 West Loop S., Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77027.