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Injuries and accidents can suddenly upend lives. In these challenging times, car accident injury lawyers become indispensable allies. They advocate for those hurt by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This piece emphasizes the crucial role these lawyers play in assisting people with their claims and recovery.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries & How We Can Help
Every year in Iowa, thousands of Iowans are injured in car accidents. The injuries sustained range from fractures and broken bones to severe spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and psychological trauma such as PTSD. Understanding the nature of these injuries and the necessary steps for medical and legal recourse is crucial. Below, we outline common car accident injuries, their treatments, and steps to take following an accident to ensure you receive proper care and compensation.
Common Injuries and Treatments
Car accidents in Iowa can result from various scenarios, including collisions with semi-trucks, uninsured or underinsured drivers, drunk drivers, and drivers of corporate vehicles. The severity and type of injuries, as well as the circumstances of the accident, will impact how each case is handled. Here are some common car accident injuries and their typical treatments:
1. Fractures and Broken Bones:
- Treatment: Severe fractures may require surgery to stabilize the bones. Less severe fractures may be treated with traction and a cast. Follow-up x-rays are essential to ensure proper healing.
- Legal Consideration: These injuries can have lifelong consequences, making it important to seek legal help.
2. Herniated Discs, Fractured Vertebrae, and Paralysis:
- Treatment: Injuries to the spine often necessitate spinal surgeries such as laminectomy, discectomy, or fusion.
- Legal Consideration: These serious injuries require both medical and legal support to address long-term impacts and secure necessary compensation.
3. Shoulder Injuries, Strains, and Sprains:
- Treatment: Diagnostic tests like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays can identify injuries, but some injuries may not be visible on these tests. Persistent pain should be documented with medical visits.
- Legal Consideration: Continuous medical documentation is crucial to substantiate injury claims.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):
- Treatment: Immediate medical attention is critical. Treatment may involve surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Legal Consideration: TBIs can have lasting effects, and securing evidence of the injury's impact on quality of life is essential for legal claims.
5. Whiplash:
- Treatment: Often caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash can result in severe neck, back, and shoulder pain. Medical evaluation and physical therapy are common treatments.
- Legal Consideration: Documentation of whiplash and its impact on daily life is important for compensation claims.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you have sustained one or more of the injuries listed above, here are crucial steps to take:
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately:
- Document your injuries promptly. Delaying medical attention can weaken your case in the eyes of insurance companies and courts.
2. Follow Up with Medical Care:
- If your initial treatment does not fully resolve your issues within a week, seek additional medical care. Consistent medical documentation is vital.
3. Seek a Second Opinion:
- If you are not improving, it’s okay to seek another doctor's opinion. Some doctors have close ties with insurance companies, which can affect your case negatively.
Psychological Injuries: PTSD
Car accident victims often suffer from psychological injuries, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing a severe or traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, bad dreams, and severe anxiety.
Side Effects of PTSD
Common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks and bad dreams
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Anger and irritability
Treatment for PTSD
Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and support from family and friends. Professional therapy might include stress inoculation therapy, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy.
Accidents Involving Delivery Trucks
With more delivery trucks on the road due to the rise in online shopping, accidents involving UPS, FedEx, and Amazon trucks are more common. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in such an accident:
1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention:
- Ensure immediate medical evaluation and document any injuries sustained.
2. Take Pictures:
- If able, take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
3. Refuse Recorded Statements:
- Avoid providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel to prevent potential misuse of your words.
4. Property Damage Claims:
- If the delivery driver was at fault, you should receive compensation for vehicle damage and related expenses.
5. Personal Injury Settlements:
- Severe injuries typically require the assistance of an attorney to secure fair compensation.
Legal Assistance
Understanding when and how to seek legal assistance can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
1. Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Laws:
- Your compensation can be reduced by your proportion of fault in the accident. An attorney can help minimize your attributed fault and maximize your compensation.
2. Negotiating a Settlement:
- An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
3. Filing a Lawsuit:
- In cases where settlements are insufficient, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. This requires knowledge of state laws and statutes of limitations.
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.