La Porte City Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly disrupt lives. During these difficult periods, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They fight for those hurt by others' negligence, ensuring just compensation. This article highlights the essential role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and rebuilding their lives.

Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Tend to Medical Needs and Alert Authorities

The first priority after being involved in a hit-and-run accident is to ensure your safety and address any medical needs. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that about 11% of car accidents involve a hit-and-run driver. If you find yourself a victim of such an incident, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights.

Avoid the Temptation to Chase the Driver

It's natural to feel a surge of anger and adrenaline, prompting you to chase the fleeing driver. However, authorities strongly advise against this. The fleeing driver may be a dangerous individual or intoxicated, making the situation unpredictable and potentially more dangerous. Instead, stay calm, gather as much information as you can, and let the authorities handle the pursuit.

Collect Information

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, try to gather and record as much information about the incident as possible. Important details include:
- The make and model of the car
- The license plate number
- A description of the driver
- Names and contact information of any witnesses

Storing this information securely will help the police in their investigation and support your case when seeking compensation from your insurance company.

Contact the Police

Next, contact the police to report the accident. Provide them with all the pertinent information you've collected. Although they might not be able to locate the other driver, a police report is essential for your car accident claim. While at the scene, take photos or videos of the accident location and any damages, as these can aid both the police investigation and your insurance claim.

Broken Nose Treatment After an Accident in Iowa

A broken nose, often a result of car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or fights, can be quite painful and may require medical intervention. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely treatment. Symptoms of a broken nose include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Mucus discharge
- Blocked nasal passages
- Bruising around the nose or eyes
- Pain and tenderness
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- A misshapen or crooked nose

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention, such as:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Clear or watery fluid discharge
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Obvious nasal deformity

Treatment Options

Treatment for a broken nose can vary based on the severity of the injury. For minor fractures, home care with ice and over-the-counter pain medication may suffice. For more severe breaks, medical interventions like manual realignment or surgery might be required.

Paying Medical Bills While Awaiting a Settlement

Using Insurance

Most accident victims use their own insurance policies to cover medical bills while waiting for a settlement. Possible sources include:
- Employer health insurance
- Personal health insurance
- Medicare or Medicaid
- The insurance policy of the vehicle's driver (if you were a passenger)
- Medical payments plan under your car insurance policy (if applicable)

Repaying the Insurer

Be aware that many insurance companies expect reimbursement from your settlement. This process, known as subrogation, depends on your provider and policy terms. Consult your insurance carrier or attorney for specifics.

Managing Other Expenses

While health insurance might cover medical bills, other expenses can accumulate, especially if you're unable to work. In such cases, pre-settlement funding might be an option. These loans help cover expenses until your case is settled but come with high fees, so it's essential to consider all options carefully.

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.