Being involved in an automobile accident is traumatic and frightening. Your body reacts by producing adrenaline and endorphins. This is why people will sometimes be injured but not feel it immediately. There have been many reports of people who had walked for several days before they realized they had fractured bones in their feet. Other times people have felt numbness or dizziness and were unaware that these are signs of injury.
Do not assume because your car is not significantly damaged, that you have no injuries. Even minor accidents and side impacts jar the body. The jerking motion can damage the spine. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries suffered by accident victims. Often people will think they are simply sore from being thrown around, when in fact, the soreness is a warning sign of a potentially serious injury.
Immediately following an accident, you should seek medical attention. If you are seriously hurt, go to the emergency room. If you are unsure, make an appointment with your doctor. If you wait until your injuries make themselves known to you, they could be much worse than they were immediately after the accident. Therefore, treatment will be more extensive. When you are injured in an accident due to the neglect or carelessness of others, you deserve compensation. The pain, medical bills, medication, time away from work and other expenses can be recovered in a personal injury case.
Preparing for your case
Whether you know you are going to file a case or not, it is important to have everything in order.
- Take pictures of all your bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Pictures taken with your cell phone are perfectly fine. You may have bruises that do not show for a few days.
- Document any pain and symptoms you experience.
- Document any medical expenses you have including medications, over-the-counter medications, and any special items such as braces, bandages, and crutches.
- Document days you require someone to assist you during your recovery time.
If there were other people in your vehicle during the accident, insist that they also seek medical attention. This is especially important for children and women who are pregnant. A child may not be able to communicate their symptoms. It is imperative that they are thoroughly examined. Pregnant women could have an injury to the unborn child and not realize anything is wrong. Do not risk it. Seek medical attention immediately.
Laws are in place to protect the victims of accidents. A personal injury lawyer is your avenue for financial recovery. Most personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, which means they are paid when your settlement has been reached.
About The Author
Personal injury attorney, Adam Bowers is a graduate of Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University and a member of The Colorado Bar Association, The Denver Bar Association and a volunteer for the Faculty of Federal advocates. With an extensive background in various legal fields, Bowers is dedicated to his clients.
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