Car Accident
Getting involved in a car accident can range from a mild inconvenience to a life-changing traumatic event. When someone else is driving recklessly, ignoring posted signs, or driving under the influence, they’re putting not only their own life in danger, but also the lives of the people around them.
If you’re injured in a car accident, you may not know what to do next. You may be suffering from the pain of your injuries, dealing with the stress of medical bills, and wondering whether that insurance settlement offer is really the only compensation you’re going to get.
That’s why we’re here.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Working with a car accident lawyer can help you in several ways.
For starters, you’ll have someone on your side. Rather than making every decision yourself, and getting short-changed by insurance companies, you’ll have a representative who’s willing to fight for you. Your lawyer will be able to evaluate your case, and determine the appropriate course of action moving forward; in some cases, you may be able to negotiate for a higher settlement. In others, you may want to go to court.
Ultimately, your lawyer will help you get more compensation for your car accident injuries and make your life easier and less stressful in the meantime. Best of all, the initial consultation is free—so there’s no risk or cost in reaching out.
Types of Compensation Commonly Awarded in Car Accident Cases
If you pursue legal action after a car accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation in several different areas, including:
- Direct damages - If the car accident caused damage to your vehicle, or other items of property, you could win compensation to cover those costs—much more thoroughly than an initial insurance settlement might offer. Additionally, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the loss of value to your vehicle (or the “diminution of value”).
- Medical costs - You can also win compensation for any and all medical costs you incur. These include short-term costs, long-term costs, and everything in between; for example, you could win compensation for hospital bills, prescription medications, surgery costs, and long-term physical therapy costs.
- Lost wages - If you lose work due to your injuries, or the trauma of being in the accident, you could earn compensation for any wages you lost in the process. This could include lost future earnings—such as if you’re disabled and unable to work the way you used to.
- Pain and suffering - You may also be entitled to compensation for your subjective pain and suffering. Going through a car accident is traumatizing and mentally exhausting. You can’t make up for that experience with a lump sum of cash, but the extra compensation can help you recover more smoothly.
- Loss of consortium - If you lost a loved one in the accident, you may qualify for additional compensation, due to your “loss of consortium,” or loss of partnership. It’s only a small form of solace in the wake of such a tragedy.
Common Causes for Car Accidents
Most accidents are the direct result of someone’s neglect, with these common root causes:
- Drinking/intoxication -
One of the easiest root causes of accidents is also one of the easiest to prevent. Despite public awareness, intoxicated driving remains common. Over 5,000 accidents involving alcohol occurred in 2018 alone.
- Fatigue - Tiredness can affect your ability to drive in a similar way—and people underestimate its effects.
- Lost wages - If you lose work due to your injuries, or the trauma of being in the accident, you could earn compensation for any wages you lost in the process. This could include lost future earnings—such as if you’re disabled and unable to work the way you used to.
- Speeding/recklessness - Posted speed limit signs are there for a reason. Reckless driving and speeding cause accidents.
- Distractions - All it takes is a second of distraction to result in a collision with a car or an object in front of you.
- Tailgating - Following too closely can get both you and the driver in front of you hurt or killed.
Common Injuries in Car Accidentss
Some accidents are minor, with both people walking away injury-free, but others can result in injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions or head injuries
- Herniated / bulging discs
- Whiplash
- Broken bones/fractures
- Paralysis
- Chest/rib injuries
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Jaw injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- Scrapes, cuts, and bruises
If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, and you sustained any of these injuries, it’s in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer right away. The Law Offices of Manny Arce is standing by to talk to you about your claim—contact us today!