What Types of Injuries Does a Car Accident Lawyer Handle?

If someone else’s negligence caused your crash-related injury, you may be eligible to recover damages through a car accident claim. That applies to all types of injuries. The most common ones include: 

• Whiplash: Whiplash causes neck pain and stiffness due to the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision.
• Broken bones: Car accidents often result in broken bones. Most fractures occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
• Head injuries: Head injuries can range from concussions to more severe cognitive impairments. They can impact memory, concentration, and motor skills.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can lead to paralysis and affect the function of various body parts below the site of the injury.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from car accidents may cause damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys. It can also lead to internal bleeding or other complications.
• Soft tissue injuries: These injuries include muscle strains, ligament sprains, and contusions (bruises). They often cause pain and limit mobility.
• Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, debris, or sharp objects in the car can lead to cuts and lacerations. This may require stitches or surgery to repair.
• Burns: In crashes involving fires or explosions, burns can occur. Burns cause varying degrees of tissue damage and pain.

To recover damages after a car accident, you’ll need to document your injuries. This creates a link between your injuries and the crash you were involved in. Plus, it helps your attorney determine how much your claim is worth.

You should seek immediate medical attention after a car accident to get a diagnosis and treat your injury before it worsens. Keep all detailed records of your diagnosis and medical treatment. This should include doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescribed medications. Ensure you keep copies of medical reports, bills, and receipts.

Also, maintain a journal to log all appointments and record the daily progress of your symptoms. Note any pain, discomfort, mobility issues, and other symptoms linked to your crash.

Car accident with no insurance: Will an attorney take my case?

Driving without insurance is illegal in most states. The only states that don’t require car insurance are New Hampshire and Virginia.

Being caught driving without insurance can result in serious consequences. For example, you could face fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. However, you may be able to recover some damages if you don’t have insurance.

If you’re not at fault for your crash, it may be easier to find an attorney to represent you. However, there’s no guarantee an attorney will take your case.

You can sue for injuries sustained in a minor car accident. The severity of the crash is not the sole determining factor for pursuing a car accident claim. What matters is the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. If you have incurred medical expenses, suffered pain, lost wages, or experienced any other damages, you may have a valid claim.

Why a personal injury attorney won’t take your case?

A lawyer may decline to take your car accident case if they believe that the case lacks strong evidence of the other party’s fault. An attorney may also decline your case if:

• Your injuries are minor and don’t justify the time and expenses of pursuing a lawsuit
• There’s a lack of insurance coverage or assets to recover damages from.
• You didn’t file your claim within your state’s statute of limitations.

If you’re at fault for a crash, you may be able to recover some damages, depending on which state you live in. Most states have the comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation would be reduced by the amount of fault you contributed.

In states that use the modified 50% or 51% rule, you won’t be able to recover any damages if your fault exceeds those thresholds. If you’re in a state that uses the pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if the fault you contributed exceeds 51%. For example, if you were 80% at fault, you would be able to recover 20% of your total damages.

Additionally, you may be able to recover damages if you’re in a no-fault state and have Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, regardless of who is at fault.

You can also use Medical Payments (MedPay) if you have it. This type of coverage is optional in most states and required in Maine and New Hampshire. It covers medical bills for you and your passengers in the event of a car accident.

Your health insurance policy can also cover some of your medical expenses. However, depending on the terms of your policy and your deductible, you may have to pay a copay out-of-pocket.

If you sustained an injury in a car accident, there’s too much at stake to handle the aftermath alone. You’re already dealing with accumulating medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. A Law.com Premier Attorney can handle all the personal injury legal documents and fight for a maximum settlement on your behalf.

Best of all, you don’t have to pay upfront lawyer fees. That’s because Premier Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and only collect a certain percentage of your settlement if they win your case. To get started, contact a lawyer near you and set up a free legal consultation.