March 28, 2024 | Personal injury

Car accidents can be devastating. While they often occur in a split second, they can have long-lasting and even life-altering effects. Car accident victims not only have to face the pain of physical injuries and psychological trauma, but also the financial strain of medical bills and the legal complexities of pursuing compensation for their damages. Below, we take a closer look at car accidents and the legal actions you can take.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Injuries from car accidents vary in severity from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering injuries such as spinal cord injuries. In some cases, car accident injuries may result in death. Below are some injuries that commonly occur as a result of car accidents.

1. Whiplash – this is a neck injury that is caused by the sudden back and forth jerking of the head. It commonly occurs in read-end collision accidents. Symptoms of this injury include stiffness, neck pain, headaches and dizziness.
2. Broken bones – broken bones and fractures are common in car accidents. The impact of the collision can cause bones to break. Bones may also break as a result of being crushed by objects during the accident.
3. Head injuries – these include external trauma to the head and skull as well as traumatic brain injuries such as concussions.
4. Spinal cord injuries – damage to the spinal cord can be life-altering. It can result in paralysis or loss of motor function below the site of the injury.
5. Internal injuries – these are life-threatening injuries. They are injuries to internal organs such as the stomach, lungs, liver and spleen. These injuries require immediate treatment.

Legal Recourse when Injured in a Car Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. While taking legal action will not reverse the pain and trauma you have experienced, it will help you and your family move on and begin to rebuild your lives. You can hold the at-fault party accountable and ensure that the mistake is not repeated while recovering financial compensation to secure your family’s economic well-being.

In order to pursue legal recourse, you will need to:

1. Establish liability

In order to file a successful personal injury claim, you must first establish where fault for the accident lies. This means gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records and eyewitness testimonies to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who should be held liable for the resulting damages. It is important to note that more than one party can be held liable for a single accident. Thorough investigation must therefore be carried out to identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.

2. Notify the insurance company

The at-fault driver’s insurance company should be notified of the incident. You should also state that you are seeking compensation for your damages. Present them with the evidence you have. The insurance company will appoint an insurance adjuster to handle your case. They will be responsible for investigating your claim and negotiating for a settlement.

3. Negotiate a settlement

In most cases, car accident claims end with an out-of-court settlement. This is done through negotiations with the insurance company. It is important to consider all your damages and pursue fair compensation. Insurance companies will fight to minimize payout or even to completely deny you compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

4. File a lawsuit

If you can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiations, you can file a lawsuit to recover compensation. A lawsuit will allow you to present your case in court and seek compensation through a jury trial if necessary.

How an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Navigating the legal process following a car accident can be daunting. This is especially when dealing with injuries and the recovery process. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney could be the best thing you can do for your case. Your attorney will:

1. Provide legal expertise – an attorney specializing in personal injury law will have in-depth knowledge of relevant statutes, case laws and procedural rules. They will help you navigate the complexities of your case effectively.
2. Investigate and gather evidence to support your claim – your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements and medical records to support your claim.
3. Work to recover maximum compensation – your attorney will work to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. They will fight in negotiations and explore all options for recovering compensation. They will represent you at trial if the need arises.

Were you injured in a car accident? Contact High & Younes and schedule free consultation with an experienced attorney from our law firm. Find out about your legal rights and how you can recover compensation for your damages.

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