How Long After A Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?

Every year, car accidents cause more than 3 million injuries for individuals across the United States. Of these, more than 2 million of the injuries are permanent and cause lifelong symptoms and hardships for the victims. Many accident injuries, however, are not severe and don’t show up for days, weeks, or even months after an accident.

Many people seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future loss of wages, medical rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Although most car accident injuries can be covered by an insurance policy, there might be a situation where the coverage they carry isn’t enough.

If you’ve been a victim of a car accident recently, you might be wondering how long you have to claim your injuries. In this article, The Barnes Firm’s best car accident lawyers in San Jose are going to explore common injuries from car accidents, what to do if you’ve been in a car accident, and how long you have to file a claim or seek compensation from the other party.

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Inform Your Doctor of Your Injuries As Soon As Possible

As a victim of a car accident, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as you experience the first sign of an injury. Even something as small as a scrape, bruise, or headache could mean you have a larger issue. Consulting a doctor as soon as possible prevents injuries from becoming severe, long-term, or life-threatening. Likewise, if you consult a doctor quickly you can begin the process of filing a claim with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company. The Barnes Firm’s best car accident lawyers in San Jose say the sooner you file a claim, the quicker you’ll be able to pay your medical bills and other expenses related to your injuries.

Seek Medical Treatment Even If You Don’t Have Symptoms

One of the best practices you can follow after a car accident is to seek treatment from a medical professional even if you’re not showing signs of injury after the accident. A thorough medical evaluation will create an official record of your body’s condition after the accident.

During the process of your medical evaluation following an accident, you should inform the doctor of any pain you’re feeling, even if you don’t believe the pain is associated with the car accident. Once you inform them of your pain, they will use their expertise to decipher whether it’s related to an injury. Medical professionals such as EMTs, nurses, and doctors are able to spot symptoms of an injury long before you can. Catching an injury early helps to reduce the amount of pain associated with the injury and speeds up the healing process.

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After Two Years You Won’t Be Able to Claim Car Accident Injuries

In California, seeking medical advice right away is essential because there’s a statute of limitations. This means that after two years, you can no longer claim your injury. There are some exceptions, however, for filing for compensation against the other party so it’s wise to go over your options with the best car accident lawyer in San Jose for your case.

Don’t Wait to Contact Trusted Car Accident Lawyers in San Jose

If you’re suffering from the unexpected weight of medical bills caused by someone else’s negligence, a knowledgeable attorney can help. An attorney who is experienced in personal injury and car accident claims can come alongside you and help you understand the process and evaluate whether you’re entitled to compensation.

A trusted name for car accident cases is The Barnes Firm. We have decades of experience representing car accident victims across the nation, and our best car accident attorneys in San Jose can help you recover the best possible result. Call our office today or contact us online for a free consultation.

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