Help for victims of car accidents
Knowing what damages victims may be able to claim following a car accident is useful to help them through the recovery process. In addition to damages for medical expenses, damages for lost wages, lost earning capacity and pain and suffering damages may be available to injured victims through a personal injury claim for damages.
Personal injury damages can help victims navigate the recovery process. Victims of car accidents may suffer a wide range of damages from cuts, bruises and broken bones to more catastrophic injuries including brain injuries, paralysis and other potentially disabling injuries. Victims who are unable to work as a result of the injuries suffered in a car accident, or while they are recovering from their injuries, may be able to recover damages for lost wages and lost earning capacity.
Victims may also be able to recover compensation for medical expenses including ambulance fees; consultation with healthcare professionals; medical accessories such as crutches or other accessories; disability or disfigurement; physical or cognitive therapy; and in-home care services. It is important to take into account medical expenses the victim has incurred as well as future medical care costs they may incur.
Personal injury legal resources are available to help protect victims when they have been injured by the negligence of another party. Car accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages and should be familiar with the damages that may be available to them through a personal injury claim when they have suffered harm in a car accident.
Don't make these mistakes after a car crash
The second you are part of a car accident is when you begin to worry about the future. Who was at fault? Do I have any injuries? What type of damage did my vehicle sustain? What impact will the accident have on my finances now and down the road?
These are the types of questions that will run through your mind (and need answered at some point).
While there's a lot to think about, don't lose sight of the fact that you can only move through the process one step at a time.
Before we discuss the mistakes you don't want to make after a car accident, make sure that your health and well-being is your top priority.
Forget about everything else as you check yourself for injuries and decide what to do next.
Here are a handful of mistakes to avoid after a crash:
- Don't feel compelled to move your vehicle, unless it's required by law or necessary to enhance your safety
- Don't stand in or in close proximity to traffic, as you risk being part of another accident
- Never leave the scene of an accident until you exchange information and/or police tell you that it's okay to do so
- Don't throw away anything you could use as evidence in the future
- Don't engage in conversation with the other people involved in the accident, as you don't want to say something that could work against you in the future
- Don't share too much information with your insurance company until you first learn more about your policy and coverage levels
When there's no pressure, it's easy to assume you'll never make one of these mistakes. However, if you are part of an accident and there's a lot happening, you may fall prey to one or more of these mistakes.
After you check yourself for injuries and receive medical attention, you can turn your focus to the cause of the accident and the next steps to take. By knowing and exercising your legal rights, you can protect yourself and the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Injured in an accident? Don't forget to do these things.
Every time you leave home you are at risk of getting into an accident. For example, you could be part of a motor vehicle collision or a slip-and-fall accident.
While you can't live your life in fear, accidents still happen. If you are injured in an accident it's important that you know which steps to take, as well as a timeline for what you can expect in the days and weeks to come.
Before we discuss the steps to take immediately following an accident, it's important to note that your health is more important than anything else. So, even though there are things you need to do, seek medical attention if you need to and take care of your well-being.
Here are a few other steps to immediately take:
- Collect evidence. You want to collect any evidence that shows who was responsible for the crash. Photos of your injuries, property damages and the accident location only strengthen your case.
- Write down everything. Even if it doesn't seem important at the time, still include every last detail. That could be anything from what the other person said after the accident to how many days you had to take off of work.
- Collect witness information. Just as with other evidence, you should collect contact information of any witnesses. A name and phone number is best, as you may need to get in touch with these people as your case moves forward.
- Learn more about your insurance coverage. If you were involved in a car accident, you need to review your policy, contact your agent and file your claim.
Just because you are part of an accident does not mean you can make a personal injury claim. Some minor accidents only result in property damage, thankfully. However, if you sustained injuries or injuries develop in the days following the accident, you need to protect your legal rights at all times.
As you focus on receiving the right type of treatment, turn your attention to what happened during the accident and where you fit into the equation. This will help you better understand what to do next and how to hold the negligent party responsible for his or her actions.