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Injuries and accidents can suddenly upend lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers become essential allies. They advocate for those injured due to others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the vital role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and rebuild their lives.
Car wrecks can be incredibly traumatic, often resulting in severe injuries that can have lasting impacts. While some injuries may heal over time, others can lead to chronic conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Additionally, navigating the process of settling car accident claims can be daunting and lengthy. This comprehensive guide will explore CRPS, common car accident injuries, and the factors influencing the settlement of car accident claims in Iowa.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a Car Wreck
CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb after an injury. The pain associated with CRPS is often disproportionate to the initial injury and can persist long after the injury has healed. Common triggers for CRPS after a car wreck include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Strains/sprains
- Lesions
In approximately 90% of cases, trauma is the cause of CRPS, although it can also develop without a known cause.
Symptoms of CRPS
CRPS manifests through various symptoms, including:
- Prolonged, extreme pain in a previously injured area
- Changes in skin texture around the injury
- Changes in hair and nail growth (hand, foot, leg)
- Stiffness in the corresponding joints
- Difficulty controlling muscle movements and decreased mobility
- Abnormal jerking or twitching of the injured limb
The pain is often described as burning or "pins and needles," and even a light touch can be excruciating.
Diagnosing and Treating CRPS
Diagnosing CRPS can be challenging, as there is no single test to confirm it. Doctors often rely on ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as arthritis, muscle diseases, clotted veins, and diabetic nerve pain. MRI scans can sometimes identify CRPS-related bone changes.
Treatment for CRPS may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, nerve blocks or surgery. The effectiveness of treatment varies, and while CRPS can improve over time, it often requires ongoing management, especially in older adults.
Common Car Accident Injuries and Treatments
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Common injuries include:
1. Fractures and Broken Bones: Severe fractures may require surgery, while less severe ones might be treated with traction and casting. Follow-up x-rays ensure proper healing.
2. Spinal Injuries (Herniated Discs, Fractured Vertebrae, Paralysis): These injuries can lead to significant long-term effects and often require spinal surgery, such as laminectomy, discectomy, or fusion.
3. Shoulder Injuries, Strains, and Sprains: Car accidents can cause tears in tendons and muscles. These injuries may not always be visible on imaging tests but should be treated if pain persists.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even minor accidents can cause serious head injuries. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent permanent brain damage.
5. Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash causes severe pain in the neck, back, head, and shoulders. Symptoms may appear hours or days after the accident.
Steps to Take After an Injury
If you sustain an injury in a car accident, follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention: Document your injuries by visiting a doctor immediately.
2. Follow-Up Care: Continue to seek medical care if your symptoms persist.
3. Get a Second Opinion: If you're not improving, seek another doctor's opinion, preferably one not closely tied to insurance companies.
Settling a Car Accident Claim in Iowa
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim varies based on several factors:
- Seriousness of Injuries: Severe injuries require more time for a clear medical prognosis.
- Disputed Fault: Claims can take longer if there is a dispute over who is at fault.
- Extensive Damages: High-value claims may involve more negotiation and scrutiny from insurers.
- Complexity: Cases involving multiple parties or third-party claims can be more complicated and time-consuming.
Tips for Speeding Up the Claims Process
- Be Diligent and Timely: Provide requested information promptly.
- Collect Evidence: Gather police reports, medical records, and other documents to support your claim.
Making Ends Meet During the Claim Process
If you're unable to work due to your injuries, consider:
- Personal Loans: Borrowing from family or friends.
- Utilizing Savings or Insurance: Using available resources to cover expenses.
- Lawsuit Funding: Discussing personal injury lawsuit funding with your 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.