Car Accidents

A car crash may last only a second, but the consequences of an accident can last for weeks, months or even a lifetime. The catastrophic injuries that result from a wreck can leave you with unexpected medical bills, health care expenses, and time away from work that you and your family can’t afford. Here’s how a car accident lawyer can help.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Information is essential for securing proper compensation following a traffic accident – and this process is best started at the scene of the crash. When possible, collect vehicle information from all involved drivers along with license numbers and insurance information. Be sure to get the name, phone number, and email of all involved drivers.

If there are witnesses, gather their information as well. Their accounts can help your car accident lawyer during the investigative process. So too can pictures of the accident taken from multiple angles. Use your phone to document the scene.

Remember:

• Cooperate with EMTs and police
• Contact your insurance company
• Do not suggest you are at fault

Once released from the scene of the car crash, make an appointment with your doctor. Even if EMTs found nothing concerning, there could be head or neck trauma that remains undetected. Some car accident injuries do not show symptoms for days or even weeks.

If you have sustained a serious injury, you may want to consult with a car accident lawyer before accepting an insurance offer. In many cases, settlements from insurance are insubstantial and legal action may be needed to secure the full compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Far too many collisions are caused by reckless driving habits. These may include:

• Driving while distracted
• Driving while intoxicated
• Speeding/erratic driving
• Aggressive driving
• Failure to adhere to the basic rules of the road

While all of these behaviors are extremely dangerous, driving while intoxicated poses a very large risk to U.S. drivers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately one in every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.

Marijuana and Car Accidents

Fatal car accidents involving drivers who test positive for cannabinoids have risen significantly since the legalization of marijuana in some U.S. states.

Marijuana impairs driving ability. It is illegal to use marijuana before driving. When you suffer an injury in a car crash, no matter the cause, you deserve expert legal counsel to protect your rights. Our experienced and compassionate auto accident lawyers are prepared to get to work on your case right away. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is often thought of as cellphone use, but only a small percentage of the distracted driving accidents involve that particular device. Other causes of distraction that can result in serious or fatal injury include:

• Personal grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting the radio
• Reading a map or using GPS
• Looking at billboards
• Turning to talk to passengers

Onboard electronics also pose a threat while driving. The intention behind hands-free devices is to reduce distraction. Sadly, they have failed to do so. In fact, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reports hands-free electronics increase the risk of an accident, often to greater extents than traditional cellphone use.

When you are injured by a distracted driver, you have every right to hold them to account for your injuries. Our car accident lawyers welcome an opportunity to discuss this with you. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

No two car accident-related injuries are identical. Some injuries are minor and heal within a few days or weeks. Other injuries are more severe and may result in extensive medical care and treatment, permanent disabilities, and even death.

Although no two situations are exactly the same, car accidents often result in common injuries, such as:

• Fractured and broken bones
• Neck and back injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Brain injury
• Death

Although these types of injury are common, their impact on each individual is unique. No two people experience injury the same way, so no single approach to legal representation will work. Our auto accident lawyers offer personalized representation that meets the exact needs of the victim and his or her family.

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Minor injuries are often covered in full by insurance and don’t require any additional action. However, it is important to note that just because an injury seems minor at the moment doesn’t mean it’s not something to have checked out by a doctor. When you suffer a spinal cord injury, for example, the actual symptoms may not surface for days or even weeks to come. Similarly, you may not believe that your finger injury is significant enough to warrant a personal injury case. But what if you find later that your “small injury” prevents you from performing your occupational duties and puts your job and future earning potential in jeopardy? It’s important to contact our qualified car accident lawyers as soon as possible if you believe you have been injured in a crash. Your case review with our experienced lawyers is free of both cost and obligation, and can be instrumental in helping you understand all of your options.

The best lawyers for car accidents are those who have the experience background, and tenacity to investigate all aspects of an accident, identify all liable parties, and fight tirelessly for your rights. Our lawyers take time to listen and understand each situation, enabling them to provide honest answers to tough questions, and helping them fully understand how an accident has and may continue to impact a person’s life. These things help us answer the primary question most car accident victims have: “How much is my claim worth?”

Personal Counsel

Our lawyers provide personal counsel for individuals facing a personal injury lawsuit. In some instances, an insurance company will supply the attorney for a personal injury claim. These attorneys work for the insurance company and, while representing the defendant, may hold the interests of the insurance company above the interests of the individual.

As personal counsels, our lawyers act on behalf of the defendant, ensuring that rights are protected, proceedings are appropriate, and the best outcome possible is sought.

Hiring personal counsel can help shield your assets and protect your future when you are accused of negligence. 

Compensation Following a Car Accident Injury

Compensation following a car accident will need to take into account all of the economic and noneconomic consequences of your crash. These may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Current and projected lost wages
• Property damage
• Home modifications
• Changes to lifestyle
• Changes to ability
• Physical pain
• Emotional duress

When seeking compensation for a car accident injury, it is important that the full scope of the injury be considered. This is one of the reasons to work with a car accident attorney who takes time to know your situation and is legitimately interested in doing everything possible to help you get justice.

How Much Does a Car accident Lawyer Cost?

Fees for your legal representation will be based on a number of factors, primarily tied to the amount of compensation you are awarded. We work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid until you do. If we do not win your case, there is no fee for our representation. Call Daly & Black P.C., today if you have any questions.