Personal injury damages you can claim
In each personal injury lawsuit, both parties will have a plan. Your lawyer will attempt to anticipate the defense, while the defense will look for flaws in your case. It may seem strange to consider the defense’s strategy, but it’s essential if you actually want your injury claim to cover damages and beyond. Although there are many more, this article concentrates on the sorts of defenses you might expect to see. Based on the facts we share; you can proceed with getting a compensation for your personal injury damages
Why Should You Know the Defense?
To be clear, you’re interested in learning what type of arguments the defense will provide. However, you may be the defendant in a case that you believe is unjust. In both circumstances, you’ll need a skilled attorney to guide you through the defense’s arguments.
Your Contribution to the Mishap
As a plaintiff, one of the most typical defenses you’ll face is your role in the harm, which is most often a vehicle accident claim. It’s simple: the defense seeks to show that you were to blame for the accident. Both drivers are usually at fault in most situations. If you made an obvious error while driving, it will have an impact on your injury claim. If you are aware of this, you may be able to accept lesser offers before the case gets to trial; these offers are prevalent in personal injury cases.
Your entitled to damages and your injury claim may differ from state to state. Some states use comparative negligence, whereas others apply contributory negligence. In other scenarios, you may have placed yourself in danger in the first place, such as by racing another car down an empty road, and an insurance or court may argue that you accepted the risk and should be compensated.
The Basics of Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence is straightforward: it is shown that you were responsible for a specific percentage of the blame, while the other drivers were responsible for a different percentage. A police report may demonstrate this. Perhaps you both committed errors, but you made one that was more serious. Or maybe you made a little error while the other motorist made a larger one, resulting in an accident. If both parties are at blame, a percentage is calculated to demonstrate fault. Because of a mistake, you may be 20% at responsibility while the other motorist is 80% at fault. You’ll only collect 80% of the damages if this gets to court, thus $50,000 becomes $40,000 in your pocket.
The laws differ from one state to the next. Some jurisdictions have a system where you get the whole claim amount if you were not at fault (pure), whereas others have a system where you get no compensation if you are more than 50% at fault (modified). There are two types of comparative negligence systems: pure and modified. In a pure system, you receive the whole claim since you were not at fault, but modified claims vary.
How to proceed?
Now you have a basic idea on what instances you can use to proceed with getting a personal injury claim. Regardless of the personal injury damages, an expert lawyer will be able to help you with receiving compensation that you deserve. Finding such a personal injury attorney will not be a challenge as well. if you can get in touch with Injury Advocates Group, you will be able to receive all the support and assistance that you need in proceeding with your claim.
Personal Injury Claim Investigations
A personal injury is a bodily injury, psychic damage, or disease caused by a car accident, a work accident, a criminal attack, a faulty product accident, a slip and fall accident, or any other form of accident. Dental or medical accidents, sometimes known as medical carelessness, are examples of personal harm.
How to proceed with personal injury claim investigations?
Making a personal injury claim for an injury you sustained as a result of someone else’s carelessness is simple. The majority of individuals feel that personal injury cases take years to settle, which is why they believe it is not worth pursuing. However, this is not the case. Certain kinds of claims may take many years to resolve, but the majority are resolved in a matter of months.
The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury claim is determined by many variables. If you choose a good personal injury attorney to handle your case, it will be over in no time. A good injury lawyer will take advantage of every chance to expedite the claims procedure.
However, there are a few items or actions you must perform before filing a personal injury claim. Keep in mind that the Pre-Action Protocol is utilized for injury claims, with the goal of improving pre-action communication between the parties involved in the accident. The protocol facilitates an early exchange of information, which may assist speed up the claims process by allowing specialists to thoroughly evaluate the issue and, if feasible, achieve a settlement without the need for a court appearance.
What does the other party have to do
Your opponent will have three weeks to reply to the Letter of Claim issued by your injury lawyer under this process. They will have three months to examine the allegation after that. The maximum length of time your opponent or their insurance company will have to examine the matter is three months. Instead of three months, their inquiry may take just a few weeks or a month, and if they acknowledge culpability within three months, you will be compensated.
The length of time it takes to resolve your personal injury claim is determined by how proactive the opposing side is and how skilled your accident lawyer is. You will get compensation in a couple of months if your injury lawyer fights hard for your rights.
The amount of compensation you get will be determined by the nature of your injuries, your pain and suffering, and your financial losses. Your injury lawyer will develop a Schedule of Losses and transmit it to the opposing party after responsibility has been recognized. A qualified personal injury attorney will make sure you get the most money for your damages.
Going for settlements at the end of personal injury claim investigations
The last step in the personal injury claim process is to reach a settlement, however the time it takes might vary depending on the other party’s cooperation. Your personal injury lawyer wants to make sure you get the money you deserve but negotiating between parties isn’t always straightforward.
In certain scenarios, the other party may make an instant offer that you accept, but in others, the offer offered may seem unrealistic. In this case, your lawyer will attempt to negotiate the best possible result, but if that is not feasible, court procedures may be advised, which would lengthen the process. It might also be pricey, so if the given figure falls just short of your expectations, you should really evaluate if going to court is worthwhile, bearing in mind that you may lose the case entirely. To make sure that you don’t run into any problems with it, you can get the help of an experienced lawyer from Injury Advocates Group.
Beverly Hills Injury Help
Lawsuits are common in many nations, particularly the more industrialized ones. Ordinary people who have been hurt or who are in a situation for which they cannot find a solution benefit from lawsuits. Every year, many sorts of cases are handled. Knowing that they are prevalent allows us to appreciate how much the nation values and protects everyone’s rights. In case if you are unfortunate to come across such an injury, you should go ahead and seek the assistance of Beverly Hills injury help. Then you can get a compensation that you deserve.
What are personal injury lawsuits?
Personal injury cases are, without a doubt, the most popular kind of litigation. Personal injury law, often known as tort law, is a kind of law. This is designed to safeguard a person or their property from damage caused by the conduct of others. After the damage or injury has been inflicted, the person who caused the occurrence is the one who is liable and must recompense for the harm.
When an ordinary person was shot by an intoxicated biker, it was an excellent example of this kind of litigation. The guard was also there throughout the incident but did nothing. As a result, the individual who was shot is now qualified to pursue a personal injury case against the inebriated biker, as well as another claim against the security business where the guard works. This is because it is the guard’s responsibility to report the occurrence, but his failure to do so led to the person suing the organization for which he works.
How does the personal injury lawsuit look like?
Both the defendant and the plaintiff must be present in court during court sessions in order to provide their sides of the story. If the defendant is found guilty, he or she is liable to compensate the plaintiff for any losses incurred. To establish whether you are qualified for any kind of personal injury case, you must have been injured as a result of the actions of another person. This is where a personal injury attorney can help.
However, if you decide to sue someone, you must get a lawyer who is competent, respected, and capable of defending you in court. Even though you saw what the defendant did to you with your own eyes, the defendant is still presumed innocent until proved guilty. As a result, be certain that all of your claims are precise, clear, and, most importantly, correct. The more concise your statements are, the better your prospects of winning the case are.
Because this is such a significant matter, you must constantly keep in mind that the case you are pursuing is one of your top priorities. This is because you never know whether the defendant is also being assisted by an experienced attorney. If this is the case, you will almost certainly have a tough time winning the case.
Getting the help of a personal injury attorney
Personal injury lawsuits are well worth it since winning a case might be difficult. There are certain cases that are more challenging than others, such as when the defendant wins the case. Finally, the most essential thing you can do is have faith in yourself and your attorney. When you do so, you won’t have as many issues when it comes to filing your complaint and giving comments in court.
If you are interested in going forward with Beverly Hills injury help, just get in touch with Injury Advocates Group. Then you can get one of the expert lawyers to help you with your case.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
A motorbike accident is similar to other types of vehicle incidents in many ways. The degree of damages and injuries tends to be larger since the rider is more exposed. Although each occurrence is unique, frequent injuries suffered by motorcycle riders include broken or sprained limbs, bruised hips, concussions, and internal injuries. However, although a sprained wrist may heal, the long-term and life-altering implications of some disorders divert the rider’s route, perhaps leading to years of medical care and missed pay.
If this is your post-accident situation and the other driver’s insurance company refuses to pay, a lawsuit looks to be the next logical step. So, what should you do to prepare?
What should you do during a motorcycle accident?
Unlike truck accidents, which involve many more participants, a collision between a motorbike and another vehicle is less complicated. Because only the other driver is at fault, all you have to do as a motorbike rider is write down the license plate number of the car that struck you, as well as the name and phone number of the other driver and any potential witnesses. Also, submit an accident report with the local police station.
While you should assure your safety at the site of the accident, make careful to remove your bike off the road or at the very least prop it up to prevent any more incidents. Take images of the vehicle’s damage from several angles as well. You can get in touch with a motorcycle accident injury lawyer and get advice on what to do.
Things to do after the accident
While negotiating with your and the other driver’s insurance companies is recommended, don’t agree on a settlement if medical costs are building up and your earnings are dropping. However, before calling a lawyer, gather all facts essential to present your case, including the amount of your injuries and evidence that the other motorist was at blame, whether due to reckless driving, unlawful activity, or just not obeying the laws of the road. Always get expert help on motorcycle accident lawsuits to overcome confusion.
Medical bills and documents demonstrating time off from work and missed pay, as well as the police report, your images, and witnesses, all illustrate your position.
Getting your compensation
Motorcycles are one of the most hazardous modes of transportation. This is due to the fact that the driver is completely exposed to any other car on the road. The helmet is his sole form of protection; other from that, he has nothing to shield him from an accident. Motorcycle drivers often suffer significant injuries, even while wearing helmets, when anything goes wrong on the road.
A motorbike accident may take a number of different forms. There are other elements that have a role in accidents. Weather, traffic, state of mind, carelessness, and a variety of other factors are among them. Regardless of the kind of motorcycle accident, the proximate cause of the harm will always be held responsible.
If you or a loved one is riding a motorbike and another car collides with you, the driver of the other vehicle is always accountable. Whether the driver of the colliding car was awake or not, whether he was mad or just operating in a lucid period, he is nevertheless accountable for any harm you or a loved one sustains as a result of the collision. Get in touch with a motorcycle accident injury lawyer from Injury Advocates Group and you can receive all the assistance you want with obtaining the compensation. This will help you overcome complexity of motorcycle accident lawsuits.
West Hollywood Accident Settlements
When you become a victim of a personal injury in West Hollywood, you will be able to go ahead with an accident settlement. However, there are few things that you will need to keep in mind as you go ahead with the settlement.
As the first thing, you will need to understand the nature of personal injury cases where you can request for a settlement. They include pass loses in wages, future loses in wages, future medical expenses, past medical expenses, property damages, and incidental losses such as doctor visit expenses. Moreover, you have the freedom to get a reasonable compensation for all sorts of non-economic damages that you go through, such as suffering, pain, and mental anguish.
Challenges in getting a personal injury compensation
As you can see above, it is possible for you to go ahead with a file a case for an appropriate personal injury settlement. However, it is not going to be an easy thing to do as you can think. In other words, it is not as easy as ticking boxes and putting down how much you believe you deserve in each area. Each class is a fiercely contested contest. You must painstakingly build up the evidence supporting each category for damages, and anticipate the insurance company’s assaults on each area, via your lawyer.
Your non-economic losses, in our opinion, are the most crucial aspect of your accident. Medical bills are what it is they are, and they have a price tag attached to them. What of your suffering? How do you get paid well for it? That’s the component that takes years to learn, and it’s what we can provide you. An experienced personal injury attorney will be there by your side and help you with securing maximum possible claim that you can get.
How do you go about doing that? Concentrate on what makes a difference: how your personal injuries impacted your day-to-day existence. However, the key to doing this is to demonstrate, not tell, when detailing your injuries and accompanying losses.
Timeline for Personal Injury Settlements
Your treatment and rehabilitation are the one aspect of your personal injury settlement timeframe that we have no influence over. Your medical therapy might last three weeks, three months, three years, or it could last ever.
Things will become more predictable after your therapy is completed. If your claim is accepted, it will normally be settled within 4-6 months after the completion of your treatment. We’ll need to gather all the latest treatment records, sort, arrange, and evaluate them, produce a top-notch demand letter, and reach a deal without appearing frantic to guarantee the insurance company doesn’t devalue your offer, which usually takes about 6 months.
Get in touch with the best personal injury lawyer
If you are going through a personal injury case, it will not be possible for you to overcome challenges on your own and get a compensation. You will surely need to seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. The personal injury lawyers have a strong understanding on how to provide the best results to their clients. You just need to work along with a personal injury lawyer and get the help you want. You will surely appreciate the support that you can receive from the moment you contact, until you end up with getting a settlement at the end of the day.
Always keep these facts in mind and get connected with a personal injury lawyer. The decision that you take to connect with a personal injury lawyer is not something that you will regret about.
Personal Injury Damages in California
If you’ve been injured in a serious accident, you might be wondering how much money you could get through a personal injury case. Trying to figure out how much one’s case seems to be worth right away can be difficult. And you’ll need time to recuperate and comprehend how the injuries will affect you in the future, you’ll need to be patient.
After an accident, your personal injury claimant should take account alike present and future damages in order to make you whole again. We can assist you thoroughly assess and document your damages so that you can pursue the maximum amount feasible in your personal injury case.
- Economic damages to you
Economic losses are those that can be estimated and monitored with ease. You may have invoices, receipts, or expenses related to your accident, for example. These monetary losses are referred to as economic losses. The following are some instances of economic damages:
- Medical bills
Any medical expenses incurred as a result of your accident should be included in your personal injury case. This covers the price of trips to the emergency room, surgeries, hospitalization, doctor visits, and drugs, among other things.
- Future medical expenses
Your lawyer may engage medical experts to analyze your treatment requirements in the future. For example, patients may need years of rehabilitative treatment or other procedures in the future. Your attorney’s objective is to make sure you don’t end up paying for medical treatment connected to your accident injuries years later.
- Property damages
If you’re in a car crash, for example, you may be able to recover money to take care of vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Lost income
Many accident victims are forced to take time off work in order to recover. You may seek restitution for lost income as part of the personal injury claim, especially if you used sick leave or paid holidays while you were out of work.
- Reduction in earning capacity
If you are unable to return to work and are forced to accept a lower-paying position, your lawyer will assist you in calculating the effect your disability has had on your future potential to generate an income.
- Household service expenses
You may seek compensation if your injuries stop you from completing domestic tasks that you conducted before the accident. For example, if you are unable to mow your lawn and care for the children as you once did and must now hire someone to do so, you may be reimbursed.
- Cost of missing out arrangements
After a tragic accident, many people’s lives are placed on pause. This might result in trips or other costly arrangements being unexpectedly canceled, resulting in financial losses. You may include these losses in your claim.
- Damages that don’t belong to economic damages
Of course, there are many aspects of an injury’s impact on your life that are difficult to quantify. Even yet, with the aid of a professional personal injury attorney, you may seek compensation for such non-economic losses. The following are some examples of non-economic damages that our business may pursue:
- Pain and suffering
You should be paid for the physical and mental pain and suffering that your injury has caused you. The extent of the injury, the age, and number of economic losses you sustained, and the likely long-term implications of the accident are all variables considered when establishing the amount of pain and suffering damages.
- Loss in life enjoyment
Non-economic losses should be calculated if you really can no longer perform and enjoy the things you formerly enjoyed.
If you are currently dealing with any of these damages, we strongly encourage you to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Then you can get assistance with getting a reasonable compensation for the loss.
Injury Lawyers in West Hollywood
West Hollywood is a prominent tourist attraction in the United States. Every year, millions of people go to the little city to shop, eat, get a sight of a star, and enjoy the nightlife. Because of its prominence, it is also one of Los Angeles County’s most congested locations. Every year, several accidents occur in West Hollywood.
Have you or somebody you care about been hurt in a car accident in West Hollywood? Is it possible that someone else is to blame? For assistance, contact the citywide legal group’s experienced personal injury lawyers. We can assist you optimize your cash reward if you are eligible to compensation.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a West Hollywood Personal Injury Attorney?
After an accident, the aftermath may be very stressful and upsetting. You can be dealing with severe injuries while attempting to make ends meet. You may be able to bring a personal injury case if someone else is at least partially to blame for your injuries. You may be able to acquire the money you need to get healthier if you file a successful claim.
While you may handle the lawsuit on your own, working with an experienced Los Angeles lawyer is recommended. Here are some of the best reasons on why you need to hire a personal injury lawyer based in West Hollywood.
- Insurance companies will try to reduce the amount that you are eligible to receive
- Your injuries take place due to multiple people
- Difficulties in figuring out who exactly caused the injury that you face.
- Other people injured in the accident trying to pass the responsibility over to you.
Our West Hollywood personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. We have over two decades of expertise and have helped our customers recover millions of dollars. For assistance with your injury lawsuit, contact our legal office for a free consultation.
What are the cases that personal injury lawyers can help you?
Personal injury lawyers in West Hollywood have been fighting for the rights of accident victims for almost two decades. During this period, we have successfully recovered competition for clients who have been harmed in the following incidents:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Accidents that involve pedestrians
- Accidents that involve bicycles
- Accidents around falling and slipping
- Dog bites
Experienced personal injury lawyers can assist you if you have been hurt in a West Hollywood collision. To speak with a member of our legal team, call our office immediately. We’ll go through your case with you, explain your options, and answer any questions you may have.
West Hollywood Accident Victims Are Entitled to Compensation
In West Hollywood, an unforeseen catastrophe may be disastrous. Medical expenditures may rapidly mount up. Absenteeism from work might exacerbate a precarious financial condition. Injury might be so serious in certain situations that you’re not able to go to work at all. You may sue in California to collect both financial and non-financial damages.
On your behalf, our lawyers will vigorously seek compensation, including money for many different expenses that you have. They include healthcare expenses, emotional damage, pain and suffering, permanent or temporary disabilities, lost wages, embarrassment, and disfigurement.
Working with just an experienced attorney helps guarantee that you get all the compensation you are entitled to. All you have to do is to get in touch with a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. Then you can receive all possible assistance that you need to overcome the problems that you face.
Beverly Hills Personal Injury Settlements
Because of the losses and damages that personal injuries create, they may have a negative influence on you and your family. In addition to your injuries, the time it takes to recuperate is really challenging. There are different ways for putting your life back together in these difficult times.
How to determine the claim value of your personal injury case?
Depending on the sort of accident and its causes, personal injury claims may be feasible. The claim may be made against the person or company that is exclusively liable for the incident. There are certain formalities to consider while filing a claim. You may learn more about these by contacting a personal injury attorney who can assist you. The most critical part is to contact an attorney who specializes in the sort of claim you have. The lawyer can assist you with the court settlements you need. He or she ensures that your whole claim is handled in accordance with previous cases involving the same sort of harm.
Structured personal injury settlements, personal injury settlement loans, personal injury settlement calculators, personal injury settlement amounts, personal injury insurance settlements, average personal injury settlements, and auto accident personal injury settlements are the major aspects of personal injury settlements that should be carefully noted.
Libel, slander, malicious prosecution, false arrest, physical harm, illness, disease, or death caused by any person or corporation may result in personal injury compensation. Settlements may also be sought for the loss of social and family activities. Depending on the nature of damage, most situations allow for a quick settlement. Medical malpractice, faulty goods, car or bus accidents, animal attacks, wrongful death, and nursing facility mistreatment are just a few of the common personal injury cases.
Get the help of a personal injury lawyer
Personal injury settlement amounts allow plaintiffs to recover from financial hardship and get appropriate care. Personal injury settlements outside of the courtroom are a smart alternative for insurance companies and injured people since they are less costly and reduce the amount of time spent in court. The amount of the settlement is determined by the severity of the damage, the amount of lost income, treatment costs, and the time it takes to recover the injury.
There is no such thing as a minimum or maximum compensation sum for personal injury. An insurance company adjuster and the attorney for a specific case examine the insurance amount. They aim to reach an agreement depending on the severity of the damage, the cost of therapy, and the cost of future operations. Personal injury settlement amounts are also determined by the victim’s capacity to work, as well as the victim’s lifestyle, personal pain, and deformed look as a result of the injuries. Wages lost from the date of the injury are also paid when personal injury claims are settled.
If diverse concerns surrounding personal harm can be capitalized in a convincing way, the maximum amount may be recovered. Attorneys with expertise in processing personal injury settlements can help you get the most money possible as soon as possible. The plaintiff’s fault or carelessness is also considered when assessing the amount of compensation.
Claimants who are young and healthy are compensated more generously. If they are not struck by physical injury, they are deemed productive young people who have suffered financial loss and emotional pain as a result of the injury. When determining compensation, the petitioner’s employment and educational levels are also considered.
Getting your compensation
If the individual against whom you have filed a claim has insurance, the insurance company is notified of the settlement decision in order to collect the settlement sum. The insurance company will then distribute the funds up to the policy’s maximum. If the individual does not have an insurance coverage, the judgement is enforced. However, this entire process can be quite challenging. That’s where you will need to get the help of Injury Advocates Group.
Personal Injury Claim Process
Are you a victim of a personal injury? Then you will come across the need to go through personal injury claim process. Before that, you will also need to figure out what the personal injury claim process looks like. Here’s a quick overview of it.
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Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer
The procedure of filing an injury claim begins with a phone call. You must take the initial step by informing a personal injury attorney about the details of your accident.
Choosing an injury attorney who is familiar with law is critical since rules differ by state – and by kind of accident – and having a lawyer who is familiar with the laws that apply can benefit you. We suggest meeting with a few different attorneys that specialize in your sort of accident or damage.
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Getting ready for the meeting
A 30-minute to 60-minute appointment with an accident attorney is routine. The meeting’s goal is to obtain information regarding your injury and see whether you feel comfortable dealing with the attorney.
Any supporting documentation should be brought with you. Police records, medical bills, X-rays, photographs, and videos are examples of supporting papers. Your information will be reviewed by the attorney, who will also listen to your narrative. The attorney will tell you whether he or she can assist you at the conclusion of the meeting.
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Getting required information
Once you sign agreements to accept their services, your new legal firm will begin the process. They’ll dig a little further into their own research. During this step, the lawyers may talk with those who were involved in the crash. Eyewitnesses, law enforcement officials, physicians, employers, photographic and video experts, radiologists, and others may be interviewed by the attorney. They’ll go through all of the documents they can get their hands on.
The goal of the extra inquiry is to acquire as much evidence as possible so the attorney can determine the amount of culpability and make a compensation request.
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Settlement or legal action?
Your lawyer will inform the defendant of your claim and may try to strike an arrangement with them. An attorney, like those in other jurisdictions, may initially attempt to settle the matter out of court to safeguard your interests, depending on the specifics of the claim. This may be particularly appealing if you are having financial difficulties as a result of your injury and are unable to work or pay your obligations. They will attempt to reach an amicable out-of-court solution that will satisfy all parties.
You’ll be able to acquire the money you need get back up and running with a settlement. It will enable the lawyers to collect their due share, while the criminal will avoid media attention and public scrutiny. For that reason, many criminals opt to settle.
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The process of discovery
The discovery process, like in other jurisdictions, is when both parties’ lawyers provide all of the essential facts and supporting evidence. The discovery process might take months or even years to complete. Keep in mind that the limitation period is tolled after your lawsuit is filed. This signifies that your case has been submitted, and the time period for filing it has expired.
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Final decision
If a resolution cannot be achieved, mediation offers another option for reaching an agreement without having to go to court. To break a deadlock, a mediator would bring together both lawyers and their clients.
Make sure that you select the best personal injury attorney, and you will be able to go through the overall process quite effectively.
Free Consult with Personal Injury Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
Call or email Injury Advocates Group Lawyers today for Free Consultation with Personal Injury Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
What to Do if You Have Neck or Back Pain After a Rear-End Accident
A rear-end collision can quickly result in many neck and back injuries, from whiplash to a herniated disc. Whether you notice neck or back pain immediately or discover pain that seems to show up days after the accident, the actions you take can help protect your right to compensation and make it easier for you to make a full recovery.
What To Do If You Notice Neck or Back Pain Immediately
You hear the crash of metal, feel the jolt of the car moving abruptly forward. Even as you get out of the car after the accident to survey the damage and exchange insurance information with the other driver, you can tell that you have suffered a neck or back injury. What should you do next?
- Report the accident.
Immediately report the accident to the police. Wait at the scene of the accident for the police to arrive, unless an ambulance arrives first, and emergency medical professionals instruct you to leave the scene of the accident.
- Seek medical attention.
Do not allow neck or back pain to linger untreated or simply hope that it will go away in a few days. Pain indicates that something is wrong with your body because of the accident. Ignoring it could cause you to inadvertently worsen your injuries or delay needed treatment that could minimize further future pain.
- Follow any treatment recommendations given to you by the medical professionals involved in your treatment.
Many people feel tempted to ignore treatment recommendations, not because they feel they know better than their doctors, but because they want to get back to their normal activities as soon as possible. Unfortunately, pushing back to those activities early could cause you to worsen the injuries you may have sustained in your rear-end collision and leave you struggling to recover fully from the accident. Instead, follow all recommendations given to you by a medical care professional, from treatment recommendations about the procedures you may need to physical and occupational therapy. If your doctor recommends limiting certain activities, make sure that you do avoid those activities until you have a chance to heal.
- Contact an attorney.
If you suffered a neck or back injury in a rear-end collision, or if the collision made an existing injury worse, you may have the right to compensation for your injuries. In a rear-end collision, the driver of the rear vehicle often bears liability. A lawyer can help you prove liability, establish the compensation you may deserve, and pursue compensation for the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Do not contact the other driver’s insurance company before talking to a lawyer, since the insurance company may not provide you with all the information you need about compensation for your neck and back injuries–or may even try to pressure you to accept a settlement offer that does not fit the full needs related to your injuries.
If You Notice Neck or Back Pain Days (Or Later) After the Accident
Sometimes, you may think that the rear-end collision did not result in any injuries. You may have left the scene of the accident and gone about your day. Later, however, pain may have set in. Sometimes, neck and back pain emerges a few hours after the accident. Other times, you may not notice the pain for a few days, especially if you write it off to general soreness from the accident.
If you discover neck or back injuries, from herniated discs to whiplash problems, muscle strains, and more, you may still have the right to compensation for those injuries and the costs you experience in treating them. However, you may need to make sure you take the right steps to protect yourself.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
Many people try to wait out pain from an accident, especially if they consider it relatively minor. However, the longer you allow that pain to linger, the more serious it may become, especially if you inadvertently exacerbate those injuries. Instead, see a doctor. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, stretching, or rest until your neck and/or back pain resolves. A doctor can also help document your injuries so that you have a record of when your symptoms began and what you did to treat them.
- Follow the instructions given to you by your medical care team.
If your doctor recommends that you rest while your neck and/or back pain resolves, take your doctor seriously and rest for a few days. Avoid heavy lifting if needed. If you need to call out of work, you should follow those instructions. Ignoring your care team not only makes it take longer to resolve your pain, but it may also make it difficult for you to prove that you have done everything in your power to resolve your symptoms and treat your injuries, which could make it more difficult to get the compensation you may deserve.
- Get in touch with a lawyer.
Because you did not get medical treatment immediately after a rear-end collision, it may prove more difficult to establish exactly when your injuries occurred. A lawyer can not only provide you with more information about your next steps, including how to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim, but he can also help you understand how much compensation you may deserve and even help gather the evidence you need to establish that right to compensation. If you have already begun negotiation with the insurance company over property damage, the lawyer can also help you establish your right to compensation for your injuries, too.
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious rear-end collision can prove devastating, especially if you have serious neck and back injuries–whether you received a diagnosis for those injuries immediately after the accident or not.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm today to discuss your options following a rear-end collision that resulted in neck and back injuries, whether you noticed those injuries immediately after the accident or discovered them sometime later.
