Even a seemingly minor fender bender can result in ongoing pain and discomfort. The impact of a car accident can cause injury that affects your life at home and in the workplace, making it hard to get through the day because of the injuries.
When you are in a car accident, contacting an attorney should be a priority to ensure your medical bills are covered. Don’t let these injuries hurt your finances and well-being. Regardless of the severity of the accident, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim if needed.
Car Accident Injuries: What You Need to Know
Some injuries after a car accident are immediate: lacerations, broken bones, and visible wounds. Emergency services provide on-the-spot first aid, and car accident victims are often transported to a nearby hospital for further testing and evaluation.
On the other hand, there are also times when car accident injuries aren’t noticed right away. Or, you might experience small discomforts that linger or get worse in the coming weeks and months.
- Immediate Car Accident Injuries: What apparent injuries do you have after a collision? Pain, functional issues, and bleeding make you aware of cuts and broken bones immediately. Other common injuries include bruising and burns from an inflated airbag.
- Hidden Car Accident Injuries: Even if everything looks fine on the outside, hidden injuries can surface in the days and weeks after a car accident. For example, the way your body was sitting at the time of impact could result in whiplash: an injury to the spine, neck, back, and head. Common delayed injuries include concussions or soft tissue damage.
- Emotional Effects of a Car Accident: Don’t underestimate the emotional stress that happens to a person after this traumatic experience. The mental and emotional effects of a car accident can’t be identified or treated at the scene. But these problems are very real and can potentially lead to issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
In most situations, accident victims experience immediate discomfort and injury. Then, additional problems surface over time. Through the upcoming weeks and months, you might have increasing medical bills and health problems – which is why it’s wise to call a personal injury attorney.
Steps to Follow After a Car Crash
You probably aren’t thinking clearly immediately after the accident. At this moment, your thoughts are scattered, and your body is in a trauma response. This can affect your ability to respond during the intensity of the moment. The stress changes hormone levels in the body, potentially masking the pain of some of your injuries.
The first steps are critical to care for the needs of everyone on site:
- Check the medical condition of everyone on the scene to identify serious injuries.
- Call 9-1-1 right away.
- Stay in place until the medical teams and police arrive to assess the accident.
- Request insurance information from other drivers, regardless of the cause or fault.
- Document the accident by taking as many pictures as possible of the cars, the scene, and injuries.
- Look for potential hazards that might have contributed to the accident, such as construction.
- Talk to a doctor for evaluation, even if you don’t have any immediate or obvious injuries.
Seeking medical care as soon as possible is just as crucial for minor injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid the ongoing effects of specific conditions that get worse with time.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
As things start to calm down after the accident, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to talk to an attorney about your injuries. The answer is simple: yes, always seek medical advice.
You are carrying a lot of responsibilities to deal with the pain, medical treatments, and stress in recovery. These injuries are likely affecting your ability to work and impacting your family. You need to have someone to guide you through this legal process, ensuring that you have someone watching out for your personal interests.
Rest assured that you don’t need to pay anything out-of-pocket when hiring an attorney for a personal injury case. In most situations, your attorney works on a “contingent fee” basis, which means that the legal fees are paid when the settlement is received. The lawyer only gets paid if your claim has a successful resolution.
Why Contact an Attorney After an Accident?
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should always talk to an attorney after a car accident:
- Professional Experience: A knowledgeable attorney knows common issues that arise when seeking medical care and compensation for car accident injuries. Your lawyer brings years of experience, helping you stay away from avoidable problems.
- Negotiations and Paperwork: You will quickly have piles of bills and paperwork that stack up. Not only does the insurance company send forms, but you can expect to receive statements and invoices from the various medical providers offering services for your recovery.
- Maximize Compensation: Not only should you seek compensation for your medical bills, but you can likely ask for additional coverage for pain and suffering. These injuries could have a life-long impact, and your attorney will help you access the money you deserve.
- Legal Counsel: There are situations where you need legal counsel. Your attorney will help you navigate negotiations with the insurance company and also offer ongoing support if the case goes to court.
Local Services from a Personal Injury Attorney
You need a lawyer who will advocate for you, helping you access the support you need during this difficult time. Our experienced legal team is here to offer the ongoing services that you deserve. We ensure that your interests are protected through the insurance claims and can handle the court proceedings if a lawsuit is necessary.
If you are injured in a car accident, then contact our team to talk to the local experts: Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. These quality services are available in New Orleans and New Roads, LA, as well as Ridgeland, MS. Call to schedule a consultation: (504) 522-2304.
