Many injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), don’t emerge until days or even weeks after the accident. This is why it’s essential to visit a doctor immediately after a car accident and get your injuries documented, diagnosed, and treated.
A skilled lawyer can also help you calculate the full extent of your losses, including lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering. They can support you in negotiating compensation with insurance companies.
Property Damage
Car accidents can damage your vehicle, personal items in the car (such as laptops, expensive equipment for work, or children’s toys), and even the property on which the accident occurred. These property damages can be pursued as part of a separate injury claim from the at-fault party’s insurance company. A car accident attorney will help you recover both economic and non-economic damages for your property damage. Documenting the extent of your property damage is critical in pursuing your claim. This includes taking pictures of the scene and any damaged items in the accident. It is also a good idea to get a police report, which will serve as proof that the crash caused your damages.
It is essential to seek medical attention after a car accident, regardless of how minor you think the collision was. A medical exam may reveal injuries that you weren’t aware of at the time, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Medical Treatment
Getting immediate medical attention is the most crucial step after any accident. It ensures your health and creates a vital medical record that you can use to support your claim for damages. Adrenaline from a traumatic event can mask pain or other symptoms. For example, the sudden jerking motions of an auto accident can cause neck injuries such as whiplash that may not show up until hours or days after the crash. Other symptoms to look for include numbness, blurred vision, and head injuries, such as concussions. These symptoms could indicate serious injuries, including internal bleeding, spinal cord damage, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These types of injuries often require surgery and other intensive treatment options.
Liability
Car accident victims frequently deal with liability concerns after the collision. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist in identifying the accountable parties and pursuing damages from them. A lawyer’s initial action will likely involve looking into the accident. To precisely identify the cause, they will speak with witnesses, examine police reports, and take pictures of the accident scene. They can compute damages and review medical records as well.
Your attorney will advise you to keep receipts and records of all expenses incurred due to the collision. They can also help you avoid social media posts that could compromise your claim. They can also consult with experts like a life-care planner and economist to paint a more complete picture of the total damages you are entitled to receive. Liability rules vary from state to state, and many car accidents involve multiple liable parties. In addition, government municipalities and companies can be held responsible under vicarious or product liability laws.
Settlement
You may receive compensation through a settlement for the mental and physical suffering you endured as a result of the accident. It will also pay for lost wages from missed work or medical expenses. We can also account for future losses if you have chronic or permanent injuries. Your lawyer can send the at-fault driver’s insurance company a demand letter following your medical care. The letter will list your significant losses, medical costs, and injuries and request a certain sum to make you whole. The insurer is incentivized to settle quickly to avoid extensive legal fees and an exhausting trial. However, discussing any offers with a skilled lawyer before accepting one is essential. If you get a quick settlement, you cannot pursue additional compensation. This may be a mistake that you’ll regret for the rest of your life. Whether you settle or go to trial, your attorney will present evidence such as photographs, witness statements, medical records, car repair bills, and more.