Most common searched phrases after a car accident 

After an accident, most people go online to figure out what to do. Most people have a lot of questions about how to handle the situation. In this article, we have collected all the top searches and answered each one.

“What to do after a car accident, not your fault”

Let’s go over a few essential steps to take following a car accident:

  1. Call the police and emergency services. 

Police will direct traffic away from the scene, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. The police officer can also draft an official accident report that can be used to make your case stronger. Additionally, they can coordinate with first responders to ensure all injured parties get essential medical care. They will also take statements from any eyewitnesses, which could be valuable later when making your claim.

  1. Collect as much information as possible.

Get the other driver’s name, insurance details, and contact information. It is also essential to get the name and contact information of any witnesses. If possible, ask them to send you a text message with their statement of what happened. It is also wise to take down the name and badge number of the officer in charge of writing the report.

  1. Photograph the area.

If you can walk and do not need immediate medical care, photograph all the vehicles involved in the accident. Take photos from all angles. Make sure to capture traffic signals, crosswalks, stop signs, and other crucial details that might help accident experts piece together what happened. Pictures don’t lie, and these will come in handy when your attorney is negotiating with the insurance companies.

  1. Visit a doctor. 

Even if you don’t feel any pain right away, it is crucial to get examined by a medical professional. With the shock of the accident and adrenalin rushing through the body, you might not feel any pain right away. Pain and injuries can get worse days after the accident. It is crucial to get checked by a medical professional right away to get proper treatment for any unseen injuries that you may have.

  1. Call a Personal Injury Attorney

Contact a trusted attorney that specializes in accident cases. After leaving the scene, your first call should be to a lawyer. Some required evidence may be time-sensitive; it is wise to seek legal guidance and start building your claim as soon as possible. 

Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.

“Injured in a car accident as a passenger”

“Passenger injury lawyer”

Injured as a Passenger

Being in a car accident as a passenger can be confusing and scary. If you happen to get injured, it’s even more complicated. Figuring out which insurance covers your injures can be complex. You need to figure out if the other driver’s insurance will cover you or the owner of the car you are in. This gets even more complicated in a friend or loved one’s car. 

Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer

Your first step after an injury as a passenger if you file a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy. This can only happen if the other driver is at fault. After filing a claim, the insurance company should pay for your medical needs and pain and suffering. 

Filing a claim through your friend or car driver’s policy

You can also receive compensation through the policy of the person driving the car you were in as a passenger. Although you are going after your friends or loved ones’ insurance, this does not mean you are going after their money. You file a claim against their insurance policy, and the insurance company will compensate for your injuries. Your friend will not have anything to do with everything after you file the claim. 

“Should I get an attorney after a car accident”

When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

Personal injury attorneys typically specialize in specific areas of law such as medical malpractice or car accident injuries. The following are a few situations where you might need to hire a personal injury lawyer:

  • Insurance company refusing to pay for your injuries
  • You have suffered a long-term or disabling injury
  • You’ve endured a severe short-term injury that resulted in significant medical costs
  • You’ve sustained an injury or illness due to negligence by a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other health care provider. In this case, you would hire a medical malpractice attorney
  • You have been exposed to a toxic substance due to negligent contamination of air, water, or food
  • You’ve experienced psychological trauma or illness as a result of someone else’s negligence
  • You have been sued by someone claiming negligence on your part

What does a personal injury lawyer do?

A personal injury lawyer provides legal representation to anyone involved in a personal injury. A lawyer can:

  • Decide if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit
  • Make sure you receive the maximum compensation for your case
  • Negotiate with the insurance company
  • Tell you the best options for your settlement
  • Fill out forms, obtain records and perform administrative work
  • File motions on your behalf
  • Convey the seriousness of your claim to insurers and medical providers

“How long after a car accident can you claim injury”

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim After an Accident

Every state is different but in the state of California has a two-year statute of limitations for car accidents. Even though you have two years to file a claim, you should always do it right away. The longer you wait to file your claim the easier it is for the insurance company to fight the claim. When you file the claim right away through an attorney, your attorney will advise you to seek proper medical help and build a strong case to receive the maximum compensation. 

“File a personal injury lawsuit”

Personal Injury Lawsuit

To get compensated after an accident, you must file an insurance claim. Once you file the claim the insurance company might only try to pay for the vehicle and close the claim. If you file by yourself this might get complicated.  When you hire an attorney, their team will work vigorously to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you additional compensation for

  • Current medical costs 
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost wages from work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle repair costs
  • And much more

It is imperative to contact an attorney before calling the insurance company.

Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.

“How to open a car accident claim”

Filing a Car Accident Claim 

You can file a car accident claim by contacting the insurance company. Although that sounds easy it can get really complicated. The insurance company is a big business and their goal is to make as much money as possible. One of the ways they make money or “save money” is by paying you as little as possible on your claim. This is why it is highly advised to contact an attorney before contacting the insurance company. 

Hiring an attorney will ensure that the proper things will be said, and appropriate actions will be taken to get the maximum compensation.  When you hire an attorney, their team will work vigorously to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you additional compensation. When you hire an attorney, their team will work vigorously to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you additional compensation for:

  • Future medical costs
  • Lost wages from work 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle repair costs
  • And much more

“Are my medical bills paid in a car accident injury”

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

A car insurance policy is an agreement between the policyholder and the insurance company. The policyholder pays a monthly premium, and the insurance company agrees to pay for damages when an accident happens. That’s just the basic concept of car insurance, but it gets a little complicated. Here’s a breakdown.

Auto insurance provides property, liability, and medical coverage:

  • Property coverage pays for damage to, or theft of, the car.
  • Liability coverage pays for the policyholder’s legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.
  • Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

There are different types of insurance you can get when you purchase car insurance: liability coverage and full coverage.

Liability coverage only covers the cost of damage and injuries to others you cause in an accident. This does not cover damage to your car or injury to yourself.

Full coverage will cover both yours and the other party’s vehicle, property, and injuries. Full coverage also comes with comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance will cover for repairs in non-collision incidents, such as vandalism, theft, and damage from weather, natural disasters, falling objects, and animals.

California’s requirements are 15/30/5. This means that in California, you must purchase a policy that provides at least:

  • $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident caused by you.
  • With a maximum of $30,000 for everyone injured in that accident.
  • You must also carry insurance covering at least $5,000 of property damage.

All of these could be increased up to:

  • $250,000 of bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident caused by you.
  • With a maximum of $500,000 for everyone injured in that accident.

You must also carry insurance covering $100,000 of property damage.

“Settle a car accident”

Settling a car accident claim

Every claim is different and the duration of the claim can differ greatly. Suppose you get into an accident and you have minor damage to your car and minor injuries. In this case the claim might get settled very quickly. On the other hand, if there are major damage and severe injuries, then the case will take a long time. 

The reason it will take longer is that it’s never a good idea to settle before you know how severe the injuries are and the long term effects of your injuries. Your attorney will try to get you compensation for all current and future medical expenses. 

After a settlement has been signed, there should not be any delays in sending the check. The usual wait time is 1-2 weeks.

“How do I find a good car accident attorney”

So how can you find a good personal injury lawyer? 

A History of Success in Cases Like Yours

Just because an attorney accepts your case, it doesn’t mean he or she has a track record of success. Find out if the lawyer has represented other clients with similar cases.

For example, suppose you have suffered a spinal injury. In that case, you should find an attorney who has experience handling spinal injury cases. Suppose you were hurt in a crash with a commercial truck. In that case, you should look for a lawyer who has dealt with claims against motor carriers and their insurance companies. An attorney who has handled cases like yours will know the best legal strategies to use, given your claim’s circumstances. He or she will also be able to anticipate and avoid disputes, delays, and complications.

You can do some research on the lawyer before the consultation or during the consultation, ask them about previous cases they have worked on with similar circumstances.

Litigation Experience

Most injury claims are settled without litigation, but if the insurance company refuses to cooperate, it is vital that you have an experienced litigator by your side. If an attorney with litigation experience represents you, the insurance company may be more likely to pay a reasonable settlement to avoid litigation.

Ask the attorney how often cases like yours go to trial and what is their success rate in court.  

Honesty

No honest attorney would ever guarantee a specific settlement amount. You should find an attorney who is willing to address the potential strengths and weaknesses of your claim and various possible outcomes—even the ones you’d rather avoid. Your attorney should also be transparent regarding his or her fee structure.

Your attorney should be able to break down all possible outcomes and explain to you the fees that are going to be taken out of the settlement. 

Limited Practice Areas

Attorneys who specialize in only a few areas of the law, usually offer better representation. An attorney specializing in accident cases will know how to investigate accident cases and gather the evidence needed to give each claim the best possible chance of success. These attorneys also usually have more refined settlement negotiation tactics. They know when to bring in experts to assist with the investigation and provide a deposition.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney today call (281) 475-4535

Getting the right attorney could make the difference of a few thousand dollars on your settlement. Our services will take away the headache of finding the right attorney. We have handpicked each attorney in our network. They are some of the top trial attorneys in California, each with years of experience and a long track record of successful cases. The other advantage of using our network is that you never have to pay money out of your pocket. Our network of personal injury and labor law attorneys work for you on a contingency basis. You will only pay a percentage if you win a settlement. Our attorneys will vigorously fight for you to get everything you are owed. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us today. CALL US ANYTIME (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.

“Car accident injuries”

Injuries After a Car Accident 

When you’re injured in a car accident, you will need to work with an experienced car accident attorney to build a compensation claim. The compensation can help recover from your injuries and restore your life to normal. Here is a list of the most common types of car accident injuries:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. This is a common injury during a car accident, especially a rear-end accident.

Scrapes and Cuts

Scrapes and Cuts are another common injury after an accident. This happens from broken windows, your body coming into contact with various parts of the car, or loose objects that go flying during the accident. These injuries can be very painful and likely lead to infections or other complications.

Head Injuries

TBI stands for Traumatic brain injury. A TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the brain’s normal function. Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Some signs or symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event, while others may appear days or weeks later.

Broken Ribs

Even a minor impact can cause ribs to break. Any type of accident can result in broken ribs.

Broken ribs can be extremely painful and require a lengthy time of rest for recovery.  

6 Delayed Injury Symptoms After an Accident

After an accident, some injuries are recognized immediately, such as broken bones, cuts, and other injuries with apparent symptoms.  On the other hand, many injuries don’t show symptoms until later on. Even if you don’t see any physical signs of an injury, getting checked by a medical professional is always a good idea. 

In this article, we’ll be covering six of the most common injuries that happen during an accident. 

Headaches

It is common for a headache to develop days after an accident. The headache can range from mild to severe and can be a sign of something more serious. Concussion, blood clots, and whiplash can all have a massive role in your headaches.

Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness 

Whiplash is the most common injury during an accident. Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Signs and symptoms of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury, and may include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness.
  • Worsening of pain with neck movement.
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck.
  • Headaches.
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms.

Most people who have whiplash, recover within a few weeks after the injury. However, some people continue to have pain for several months or years after the accident.

Back pain

Back pain is another common injury that develops after an accident. This can be associated with damage to muscles, nerves, ligaments, or damage to the vertebrae.

Abdominal pain or swelling

Abdominal pain or swelling can be due to internal bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding could be: 

  • Abdominal pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain.
  • Dizziness, especially when standing.
  • Bruising around your navel or on the sides of your abdomen.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Black, tarry stool.
  • Bleeding from another area, including ears, nose, mouth, or anus.

Internal bleeding may be life-threatening; you should consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. (1)

Numbness

Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet, or toes can be a result of damage to the neck and spinal column. Auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for almost half of new spinal cord injuries each year. Other signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident may include:

  • Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head, or back.
  • Weakness, coordination, or paralysis in any part of your body.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Difficulty with balance and walking.
  • Impaired breathing after injury.
  • An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back.  (2)

PTSD

When you’re involved in an accident, sometimes your body and mind don’t respond right away. It could happen right away, or it could kick in days after. You could start feeling

  • Shock.
  • Trouble believing what happened.
  • Angry.
  • Nervousness or worry.
  • Fear, uneasiness, and anxiety.
  • Guilt even if it was not your fault.

It is very important to get medical help after an accident for any physical injuries you might have, but it is just as important to get help for your mental health too. You should take time to:

  • Talk to a friend or a family member about what is going on.
  • Go outside more often and try to enjoy your day.
  • Follow up with your family doctor to see if they could refer a therapist that can help through these hard times.

You might not feel any pain right away with the shock of the accident and adrenaline rushing through the body. Pain and injuries can get worse days after the accident. It is crucial to get checked by a medical professional right away to get proper treatment for any unseen injuries that you may have. Your next step is to call a trusted attorney that has experience with car accidents.

At Attorneys For All, we are helping injured people get the compensation they deserve. Feel free to call us 24/7 at (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.

“Car accident injuries and compensation”

“Car accident compensation calculator”

How Is a Car Accident Settlement Calculated?

You are entitled to receive compensation if you are injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver. The insurance company might offer you a low and unfair amount to settle the claim. There are a lot of factors you might not consider if you file the claim on your own. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and accurately estimate how much you should receive on your settlement. 

Making a Compensation Estimate

The settlement you receive should include all past and future expenses related to the accident. For example, an attorney will assess the value of damage to your car, medical bills, and associated costs. The attorney will also calculate the wages you’ve lost after the accident. The amount of compensation will vary depending on your specific circumstances. 

After an accident, the insurance company is required to pay the following expenses:

  • Current and future medical bills and related expenses.
  • Lost wages from work and other lost income.
  • Pain and suffering (physical and emotional).
  • Permanent physical disability.
  • Emotional damages.
  • Cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

“What to do after a car accident injury”

What to do After Being Injured in a Car Accident

A car accident is devastating especially if you get injured. After being injured in an accident it is vital to get professional medical attention as soon as possible. It is essential to check in with a doctor after an accident to rule out damages that may have occurred. If left untreated, your injuries might get worse. A doctor can do a physical check and order an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI to diagnose the injury and rule out potential injuries.  

Visiting a doctor is also extremely helpful once you file a claim with the insurance company. The doctor can document all the injuries you have stained and the treatments you will need to recover. This will help your attorney recover maximum compensation when negotiating with the insurance company. 

“car accident total loss not at fault”

Who pays for a total loss car accident if it’s not your fault? 

Once an accident happens the at fault party’s insurance has to pay for the damages to your vehicle. Even if your car is a total loss the insurance company should pay you what your car is worth. It is always a wise idea to contact an attorney to negotiate with the insurance company. The attorney will negotiate to get you the maximum amount and ensure that the insurance company doesn’t send you a low ball offer. 

If the driver does not have insurance, and you have full coverage, your own insurance should cover the expenses. Even if you do have full insurance it is still a good idea to have an attorney represent you while negotiating with the insurance company. 

Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.

“passenger injury lawyer near me”

Finding the Right Lawyer Near You

If you have ever looked for a lawyer, you might have noticed it is hard to determine which lawyer is the best. 

Our services will take away the headache of finding the right attorney. We have handpicked each attorney in our network. They are some of the top attorneys in California, each with years of experience and a long track record of successful cases. The other advantage of using our network is that you never have to pay money out of your pocket. Our network of injury and labor law lawyers work for you on a contingency basis. You will only pay a percentage if you win a settlement.

Attorneys For All was built to help provide justice by connecting local attorneys to individuals and their families after getting injured in an accident and help them protect their rights. Based on your case, we will connect you to one of our trusted and experienced attorneys that will fight for you.

Our Network of Attorneys handles personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout California, involving car accidents, truck accidents, trip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, workplace accidents or labor law issues, and other life-changing events.

They thoroughly investigate each case, identify all possible sources of compensation, and assign liability to the responsible party or parties. In cases involving severe personal injuries, they will place a priority on helping their clients obtain quality medical care and rehabilitation services that can truly make a difference in their lives.

Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation today.

“Why a chiropractor is important after a car accident”

6 Reasons To Follow Doctor’s Advice

Qualified Experts

Doctors are highly educated and trained in treating injured patients. They know what is best for you and how to prevent you from further damaging yourself. They have extensive experience understanding what’s best for treating your injuries, considering the unique circumstances and your medical history.

Avoid Complications

Doctors give you instructions for a reason. Whether it’s to improve mobility not to lose function, clean wounds or dressings to avoid infections or avoid certain foods while taking medications. These directions can be vital in preventing complications that could have significant consequences. They may also help assure that minor injuries don’t become more serious. For example, even initially, “minor” head trauma can pose fatal and long-term risks.

Allow for Adjustments

Following your doctor’s instructions and making follow up visits are extremely important. Based on your progress, doctors can adjust your treatment plans, medications or suggest other treatment options. In some cases, reporting problems with the treatment or difficulties with particular instructions may alert doctors to other or larger issues connected with your injuries or overall health.

Improve Long-term Outcomes & Function

Listening to your doctors’ instructions and the rehabilitation experts’ instructions can improve the long-term outcome of your injuries. Although every injury is different, patients who fail to follow the doctor’s recommendations after an injury may not experience the same recovery as those who did. For example, “training” your brain and being consistent with rehabilitation, in the beginning, months after a brain injury has been shown to increase patients’ cognitive function. The same is true for numerous orthopedic injuries and other disorders where following doctors’ advice puts patients on the best recovery path. If you stop following medical advice, you can put yourself at risk of experiencing more problems down the road. Problems that may not be accounted for in any compensation or settlement if your injury claim has already been resolved.

Documenting Records

Documentation, doctor’s notes, and medical records are all produced from following your doctor’s directions and following up with visits. These documents capture reports about your health, treatment plan, recovery, and new problems that may occur. These documents provide an important picture of your accident’s consequences. They are much more reliable and valid than a person’s word. They can be used to support an injury claim once you file.

Fight Insurance Company Tactics

Following your doctor’s instructions, keeping up with your treatment, and following up with your doctor is the best way to recover from your injuries. It also helps reduce or moderate many of the standard arguments insurance carriers will propose in their attempts to pay victims as little as possible. When victims don’t seek immediate treatment or follow the doctor’s instructions, the insurance companies will often argue they were never really injured. They might also say that the accident did not cause the injuries, or that it’s not as bad as you say it is.

“How much will a car accident attorney cost”

How are personal injury lawyers paid, and how much does it cost?

Personal injury lawyers take cases on contingency bases. The American Bar Association explains that “In a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client. If you win the case, the lawyer’s fee comes out of the money awarded to you. If you lose, neither you nor the lawyer will get any money, but you will not be required to pay your attorney for the work done on the case.”

The percentage a lawyer charges will often depend on how complicated the case is. Lawyers will usually require higher rates as a case goes further through the court system.

If you win the case, the settlement check is to your lawyer. Your lawyer will deduct their fee, and send you the remaining amount.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney today. Call (281) 475-4535 

It is imperative to contact an attorney before calling the insurance company. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, make sure to contact a trusted and experienced attorney. Our network of attorneys have years of experience dealing with accidents and personal injuries. They will negotiate with insurance companies to get you the medical help you need, cover expenses of your damaged vehicle, and get you the compensation you deserve. CALL US ANYTIME (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.