• Eldora Car Accident Injury Attorneys
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Lives can be instantly upended by accidents and injuries. In such difficult moments, car accident injury lawyers become essential allies. They advocate for those injured by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the crucial function these lawyers serve in assisting individuals with their claims and restoring normalcy.

Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car crash, you might wonder, "Why would I hire a car accident attorney?" While not all car accident cases require legal representation, there are many instances where consulting an attorney is beneficial.

When You Might Not Need an Attorney

1. Minor Property Damage: If your vehicle sustained only property damage and the other driver's insurance company has taken care of it.
2. Minimal Injuries: If your injuries are minor and required minimal medical treatment. Hiring an attorney in such cases may not be cost-effective.
3. Fair Settlement: If you can reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, ensure that all agreements are in writing, including who pays for outstanding medical bills and health or car insurance repayments.

When to Consult an Attorney

1. Hospitalization: If you were hospitalized due to your injuries.
2. Surgery Required: If surgery was necessary to treat your injuries.
3. Permanent Injuries: If you have sustained permanent injuries from the car crash.
4. Intoxicated Driver: If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Mistakes Without an Attorney

1. Low Settlement Offers: Accepting an offer that is too low and later discovering that you must pay back your health insurance, leaving you with no compensation for your injuries.
2. Unverified Coverage: Accepting the policy limits without verifying that this is the only coverage available, potentially missing out on additional coverage like a $1,000,000 umbrella policy.
3. UIM Coverage: Failing to contact your own insurance company for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage compensation and not following the specific steps required under the insurance contract.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

1. Protect Your Rights: Ensure your rights are protected under Iowa law.
2. Handle Insurance Communication: Manage all contact with insurance companies to avoid mistakes and stress.
3. Identify All Insurance Policies: Locate all applicable insurance policies to maximize recovery.
4. Manage Medical Expenses: Handle communication with subrogation companies, hospitals, and other medical providers to maximize your compensation.
5. Provide Expert Advice: Offer experienced advice on the case's worth and represent you in court if necessary.

Thoracic Strain in Car Accidents

Even minor car accidents can cause significant back injuries, including thoracic strain. In a collision, the body can be jarred, twisted, and impacted with considerable force, leading to injuries that might not manifest immediately.

What is a Thoracic Strain?

Thoracic injuries affect the mid-back region. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons, which attach bones to muscles. A thoracic strain can range from a muscle pull to a muscle or tendon rupture.

Seeking Medical Treatment

Treatment typically involves rest, and recovery can take weeks to months depending on the injury's severity. A doctor may order an X-ray or other tests and might prescribe medication or recommend physical therapy.

Filing a Bodily Injury Claim

Iowa is a fault state for auto insurance claims, meaning the at-fault driver is liable for bodily injury and property damage. If you are at fault, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. If another driver is at fault, you may file a claim with their insurer to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Undergoing Rhizotomy Surgery for Severe Pain after a Car Accident

Facet joints, located at the back of the spine, provide stability and flexibility. Injuries to these joints in car accidents can cause severe pain, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention like rhizotomy surgery.

What is Rhizotomy Surgery?

Rhizotomy is used to treat facet joint syndrome, spinal arthritis, or spondylosis. It involves using X-ray imaging to guide a needle with an electrode to the facet joint, applying heat to kill the nerve, thus stopping pain signals.

Are You a Candidate?

Rhizotomy is recommended when other treatments fail, and it's typically for severe cases of nerve spasticity. Patients undergo thorough testing to determine eligibility, and recovery usually involves physical therapy.

Medical Benefits and Workers' Compensation

Your employer may choose your medical care if pursuing workers' comp. To establish eligibility, prove the injury is work-related, potentially including repetitive movements or accidents. If you're dealing with facet joint syndrome or other back injuries, consult a workers' compensation lawyer.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.