With hundreds of car accidents occurring in Visalia every year, it is no surprise that some of these accidents will end in serious injuries. From the moment that you get behind the wheel, you never expect that a driver’s negligent actions will lead to an injurious accident. When this has happened to you, you may be left with a wide array of medical expenses and missed time at work.
A car accident can be an overwhelming matter, especially when you have suffered from extensive injuries. At Maison Law, we understand what you are going through and want to provide you with the resources to navigate the legal system in California. Contact us to find out what options are available for you at this time.
Common Injuries in Visalia Car Accidents
When a car accident, many different types of injuries can occur, from impact to penetrating injuries as you are thrown around the inside of your vehicle. Even the most seemingly minor fender-bender can lead to serious injuries that can signal a long road to recovery that you are not prepared for.
We will take a closer look at some of the most common injuries that stem from Visalia car accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur in car accidents when the brain is jolted back and forth. In some car accidents, the force is so strong that a victim’s skull strikes the window, the steering wheel, or even the dashboard. These injuries can sometimes be long-lasting or even permanent in nature.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries always require immediate medical attention. Some of these injuries leave feeling beneath the injury site, while others paralyze a victim. It can take some time for these injuries to show themselves entirely, which is why you should never delay treatment.
Facial Injuries: Many types of facial injuries are serious and noticeable, from scarring and bruising to broken bones and damage to the eyes.
Injuries to Neck or Chest: There are many different types of neck and chest injuries when a victim is thrown forward in an accident. These include broken ribs, whiplash, or even a heart attack.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries are not always as simple as a strain. These injuries can be incredibly painful and make it difficult to return to work or enjoy activities that you once enjoyed before the accident.
Broken Bones: Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of broken bones each year. You may not discover that you actually broke a bone until hours or days after an accident depending on its severity.
Internal Organ Damage: These injuries occur in car accidents due to blunt force trauma and puncture wounds, leading to severe bleeding in some cases.
PTSD: You may believe that all injuries stemming from a car accident are physical but this is not the case. Some injuries are emotional in nature, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat. You may need help immediately if you see any symptoms of this condition.
Why You Should Always See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Many individuals believe that they should only seek medical care if their injuries are visible and obvious. However, there are many reasons to see a medical professional or go to the hospital immediately after your Visalia car accident.
The truth is, not all injuries are visible or could even be delayed. You may think that you feel fine after a car accident but suddenly, when the adrenaline wears off, you find that you are unable to see correctly or have a horrific headache. These could be symptoms of a brain injury that is not yet diagnosed. Because it can be days or weeks until your injuries show themselves, it is crucial that you seek medical help as soon as possible after your accident.
There can be many effects of delayed injuries on your health and well-being such as on physical, behavioral, and cognitive levels. On top of the physical trauma that delaying treatment can cause, you might also miss out on future financial opportunities if you decide to bring a personal injury claim. The party who is responsible for your accident might claim the following things if you never received immediate medical attention:
- You injured yourself in some way other than the car accident
- The injury you received happened before the car accident and the accident did not worsen your injury
- You are making up the alleged pain that you are feeling
You never want to give power to the other driver or their insurance company when you know that their actions caused your injuries and pain. This is why you should never delay in seeking treatment for any type of injury.
Determining Damages After Suffering Injuries in a Car Accident
A lawyer cannot tell you how much you will receive in total for your claim but they can help you gain a better understanding of what to expect. The compensation that you receive will depend upon how solid of a claim you have and whether or not you settle or go all the way to trial. Going to trial means that you could bring home a better deal than if you choose to settle with the insurance company.
You may find that you are eligible for some of the following damages after suffering injuries in a car accident:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Rehabilitation and prescription medical costs
The injuries that you have suffered can be long-lasting, which means that you will have to consider what your injuries will cost in the future as well. This is why you should never jump at the offer of a quick settlement that might not cover all of your required damages.
Contact a Visalia Car Accident Lawyer
California has many laws to consider when bringing a personal injury claim after a car accident. You will need to abide by a statute of limitations and also know which party to claim as the defendant in your case. It can be difficult to move forward after a car accident, which is why it can be beneficial to seek help from a Visalia car accident lawyer.
At Maison Law, we will compassionately stand by your side during this difficult time in your life. We offer you a free and confidential case consultation. There will be no upfront fees to speak with us until we help you win your case and then the amount comes out of your settlement. Contact us today for more information on your claim.
