Every accident in California, whether it be a car accident or a slip and fall, is usually going to leave you with some form of injury. Sometimes, this can be a traumatic injury like a bone fracture. Other times, you may experience cuts and bruising. While it can seem minor, any injury has the potential to worsen over time. This is especially true if you don’t get the necessary medical treatment.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in California, you’ve probably been wondering if you even need a lawyer to assist you. The short answer is that you should. In California, it’s not a legal requirement that you need a lawyer to represent you in an injury claim. With that said, your ability to recover the available benefits and support under the law can be more fully realized with a team of experienced personal injury lawyers on your side.
Free Consultations For California Injury Victims
At Maison Law, our experienced California personal injury lawyers in prioritize client satisfaction by ensuring that your injuries and damages are properly addressed. We have years of experience in helping clients with their claims. We can provide guidance on your legal rights and the best approach for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about our process and how we can help you.
Common Bruising Injuries in California Accidents
It may not seem like it, but a bruise can be a serious injury. This is especially true if the bruising occurs internally or near a vulnerable part of your body. When your body experiences a strong impact or injury, the blood vessels under your skin can break, causing bruising. While every accident is different, there are some types of bruises that often happen:
- Contusions – These are the most common bruises and happen when small blood vessels near the skin get damaged. Contusions can range from mild discoloration to more severe bruises with swelling and tenderness.
- Hematomas – A hematoma is a lump or swelling caused by blood collecting outside the blood vessels. It can occur when a lot of blood gathers under the skin due to a strong impact in an accident.
- Ecchymosis – Ecchymosis is a medical term for larger bruises that cover a larger area of the body. These bruises can be more extensive and often cause significant pain.
- Petechiae – Petechiae are tiny bruises that look like red or purple spots. They happen when tiny blood vessels break. Petechiae can indicate more serious injuries.
- Patterned bruises – Sometimes, bruises have a specific shape or pattern. This can occur when an object or part of a vehicle leaves an imprint on the body during an accident.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience bruising after an accident, as it can be an indicator of underlying injuries. Additionally, documenting and reporting these injuries to your healthcare provider and legal representation is essential for your personal injury claim.
How Do Bruising Injuries Happen in California?
Because bruising is so common across different types of accidents, there are a variety of different ways these injuries can occur in California. Throughout our years of practicing law, we have encountered a number of different scenarios where bruising injuries have affected our clients. These can include:
- Car accidents – Collisions between vehicles can cause sudden jolts or impacts, leading to bruises on different body parts.
- Slip and fall accidents – When individuals slip or trip and forcefully hit objects or surfaces during a fall, it can result in bruises.
- Workplace accidents – In industries such as construction or manufacturing, employees may experience bruising injuries due to being struck by heavy objects or machinery.
- Bicycle or Motorcycle accidents – Crashes involving bicycles or motorcycles can result in bruises due to the impact of the vehicle, road, or other objects.
- Pedestrian accidents – When pedestrians are hit by vehicles or involved in accidents, they can sustain bruising injuries from the impact.
- Premises liability accidents – Injuries that occur on another person’s property due to negligence or unsafe conditions.
- Dog bites – When individuals are bitten by dogs, the force of the bite and subsequent shaking or impact can cause bruises around the bite area or on other body parts involved in the incident.
No matter what kind of accident or injury you’ve had, there’s a legal process to get compensation and support. It can be tough on you emotionally and physically, but our experienced legal team will be there to keep your claim strong.
Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After Bruising in a California Accident?
Whenever you’re injured, you’re likely facing medical bills and missed time at work. While you can usually continue with your daily routines with bruising, the more serious your bruising is, the more it can affect you. Sometimes, you may not be able to enjoy your life the way you once did. Under the law, California personal injury claims try to take this into account when figuring out how to compensate victims. In order to obtain this compensation, you’ll need to go through the claims process. It’s not a requirement to have a lawyer, but having one can make all the difference in how successful your claim will be.
In a personal injury claim in California, the first step is proving negligence. This means showing that the person or entity responsible for your injury:
- Had a duty to prevent the accident or injury.
- Breached that duty by causing the accident.
- The breach resulted in your injury.
- There is a clear connection between the breach and your injury.
Once negligence is established, our lawyers can assist you in your personal injury claim. The process typically involves:
- Gathering and analyzing evidence like medical records, reports, and photos/videos.
- Identifying all parties at fault and filing insurance claims against them.
- Negotiating with insurance providers to obtain a fair settlement.
- Filing a civil complaint and litigating in court if necessary.
The ultimate goal of a claim is to recover compensation for your bruising and other injuries. Legally speaking, these are known as “damages”. In a typical California personal injury claim, you can recover:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Medical expenses related to the accident, such as hospital bills, medications, surgeries, and assistive devices
- Costs for caregiving and transportation services
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs related to physical therapy and mental health treatment
- Compensation for disfigurement or severe scarring
- Loss of wages and future earning potential
- Property damage
At Maison Law, we pride ourselves not only on representing our clients against at-fault parties and insurance companies but also on providing open communication and emotional support. We consider every client as part of our family and are dedicated to helping them through these challenging times.
Take The First Step Toward Recovery With Maison Law
If you’ve been injured in a California accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our team of experienced California personal injury lawyers at Maison Law is here to help.
We offer free consultations to accident victims and are ready to listen to your story and assist you in any way we can. Take the first step toward your recovery by contacting us today for a free consultation.