If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be dealing with more confusion and stress than you expected. Injury-related accidents are stressful and scary, but there are ways to cope. The majority of injuries can be healed by themselves within a few weeks, including whiplash and concussions.
On the other hand, some injuries may require additional medical treatment and time off work. For example, the headache caused by a car accident can make you feel frustrated after the accident and take up a lot of your time. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you shouldn’t ignore your legal rights.
Here’s what to do after you’ve been involved in or injured in a car accident:
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Relax by taking a deep breath. Keep your focus on your breath and in the present moment after an upsetting experience to calm your nervous system.
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It is important to examine your mental and physical health. Seek immediate medical attention if you have been injured. A brain injury or soft tissue injury may not show up immediately. Be prepared to feel sore for a few days after the wreck since the shock of the accident may dampen your pain. Go to the hospital to be checked out. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you don’t know where to go. We’ll connect you with someone who can help
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The police need to be notified about the accident. Dial 911 as soon as possible if someone has been injured. Contact the Warner Robins police department’s non-emergency line at (478) 302-5378. Georgia State Patrol can be contacted if you are on a state highway.
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It is crucial to identify the players. Who is the other driver? What is his license number? And what sort of vehicle are they driving? Who is their insurance company? Did anyone witness the accident? Obtain as much information about the other party as possible. It is critical that you get this information.
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Call your employer to let them know what is happening. “I have just been in a car accident and am receiving medical attention. I will update you on where I stand later today. I am sorry I cannot make it in today.”
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Contact Warner Robins car accident lawyers Issa & Castro before filing a claim with your insurance company. Why should you do so? Companies that provide health insurance tend to prioritize protecting their pockets over protecting yours. Often you will be asked to give a recorded statement. Investigations are clever at asking questions that don’t reveal the whole truth, thereby undervaluing your case.
How much is your case worth?
A lot of lawyers advertise lucrative settlements. From our experience, these people will gladly give up the cash for their health and mobility any day. Nonetheless, you should be compensated for the damages sustained in a collision.
Could you please tell me how much your case is worth? Car accident lawyers will typically reply, “It depends.” We do not mean to dodge your question, but it really depends on the circumstances. Different insurance policies have different limits, and different crash factors are involved with different cases. Because of this, every lawyer will approach your case differently.
A client of ours had a case value of zero dollars. We were able to negotiate for him a settlement of $1,000,000 for his case. How often does this happen? How likely is it that the same will happen to you? Possibly. Until you speak to a car accident attorney, you won’t know for sure.
It is not necessary for you to leave your home in order to meet with us. We provide a free case evaluation through Zoom. Having represented clients in nearly every courtroom in Georgia for nearly 20 years, we will listen carefully to your case and provide our opinion.
Ok, but how much do you charge after the free consultation?
We provide contingency-based services, meaning we don’t get paid until you do.
We do not get paid unless you do since we work on a contingency basis. Consequently, you can be certain that we will handle your case correctly so that we can maximize your recovery. Providing documentation, investigation, and negotiation assistance, we will immediately put our experience, skills, and resources to work without charging you a penny.
To find out how aggressive and caring representation can benefit you following an accident, please call or send a text to 770-LAWSUIT.
Couldn’t I just handle this on my own?
You can open a claim by calling the insurance company. If necessary, an appointment with a physician can be scheduled. It is up to you whether you accept or decline any offers. A lawyer is not necessary. You may still want to hire one.
Here are a few ways we can help you.
Following a car accident, your vehicle and your body suffer damage, but the process doesn’t end there. A client we worked with suffered chronic neck pain after a minor collision. He had a couple of visible injuries, but his condition ultimately limited his mobility. Despite the fact that everything appears to be fine now, we need to find out if any future damage may result from this accident. We will work with your medical experts to ensure you’re protected both now and in the future.
It may also be necessary to spend money on a car repair or a trip to the doctor. Losing income is a consequence of missing work. Additionally, all therapies and medications should be paid for if they are initiated. Following a car accident, we can help you track and recover these expenses so that you do not suffer a financial setback.
Moreover, we will speak with your insurers on your behalf, so you do not have to worry about saying the wrong thing. By relieving you of stress, we will help you recover while protecting both your short and long-term interests.
During the case preparation process, we will prepare your case as if it were going to trial. Generally, cases are settled without entering into a court case. Nevertheless, we won’t treat your case as though it’s going to settle. The strategy is to prepare as if your case is going to court. This means that you can be confident that your representative is fighting for you aggressively.
The peace of mind of our clients is our top priority. There are many decisions to be made when it comes to a personal injury lawsuit, and every decision has its own consequences. Let us assist you in making the right decision. So, whether you choose to settle or go to trial, you will know if the offer you receive is worth accepting or rejecting.
I’m interested. What kinds of cases do you handle?
We specialize in the strategic resolution of the following issues:
Car Accidents
In the event of a collision between two cars or light trucks, one or both of the following generally happens:
– Head-on
– Rear-end
– Sideswipe
– Hit and run
Speed, the direction of travel, vehicle weight, and many other factors determine the severity of each of these accidents. The most minor of accidents can result in serious injuries.
Truck Accidents
Hazardous material-transporting vehicles, 18-wheelers, and buses are involved in these crashes. It is possible for more than one party to be held responsible after a crash. All trucks on commercial roads are required to follow very strict regulations. This type of case involves several factors, so it is essential that you are aggressively represented to hold the right parties accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles share the road with bigger, heavier vehicles, which leaves them vulnerable to accidents.
Bicycle Accidents
Even though riding a bicycle on busy roads is a great way to exercise or do your grocery shopping, it can be a terrifying experience. No matter how carefully a negligent driver obeyed traffic safety laws, they may still be held responsible for injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
Writing about these cases seems to increase our risk, doesn’t it? The presence of traffic and the dangers associated with automobiles can make walking around more hazardous than it should be.
Medical Malpractice
When it comes to your health, you should expect a certain level of care. Your life can be changed forever if you are harmed by a healthcare professional.
Nursing Home Abuse
Even though it is difficult to talk about abuse, we understand the agony of seeing a loved one suffer from it. Please contact us if your elderly relative shows signs of distress, has money missing from a nursing home stay, or suddenly develops physical markings. Abuse must not be tolerated.
Premises Liability
In many cases, a property that is in disrepair presents hazards that can cause people to slip or fall. Ruined carpeting, broken railings, and obstructed sidewalks may cause slips and falls that result in injuries.
Wrongful Death
Serious injuries can result in death. The legal system can still provide justice and accountability even if a loved one cannot be brought back.
In the event that you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For a free consultation to learn more about your rights and how much your case is worth, contact Issa & Castro today.
Ok, what kinds of expenses could I recover?
Our standard response is, “It depends.” In addition to the policy limits, property damage, the extent of your injuries, and what the future holds based on your medical evaluation, each accident case is different. Below are some expenses we consider in accident cases:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.)
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices (crutches, neck braces, scooters, etc.)
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medication
- Lost wages
- Potential future income lost
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Caretakers or help getting around
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You may overlook something important or fail to consider an aspect of your case the law does not address if you attempt to evaluate your case on your own. To find out what your case is worth, you should get a case evaluation.
Wait. What do you mean pain and suffering can be compensated?
Losing energy and suffering mental health problems are consequences of injury. As a result of your injury, you are grieving over what you have lost and what you cannot do. You can experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and even depression after an injury. These symptoms indicate pain and suffering.
A number of averages are used by insurance companies to evaluate your case. That’s not what we do. With your story and the circumstances of your case in mind, we will fight for the compensation and recovery you deserve.
The insurance company offered a settlement.
It seems pretty good. Should we take it?
Now that you know what we’ll say, you can probably guess we’ll respond, “it depends on the facts.”
Personal injury cases are usually one-and-done in our experience. A settlement offer becomes final as soon as you accept it, so if you later need to seek more medical attention for your injuries, which can be expensive and time-consuming, you cannot ask for more money. If you accept an offer, make sure that it covers your immediate and future needs.
You can rely on us to provide legal advice and negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected at all costs. We will go to court if the insurance company does not respect your rights.
Alright, what can I do to help my case?
Documentation is essential for success. Although it isn’t magical, documentation is important. You need to document everything.
Prioritize the following:
- If you own a smartphone with a camera and video capabilities, you can record everything you see. We include everything in the definition: the vehicle, the roadway, the signs, or anything else that was damaged. You have to look for dashcams, security cameras, and roadway cameras. However, you’ll need to be quick, as the footage can be erased at any time. You should contact us as soon as possible so that we can assist you in retrieving the recordings.
- Those who witnessed the incident may be able to provide personal information. It would be useful to record their statements.
- Name, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver
- How to reach your insurance company
- Your medical provider’s charges and information
- Aside from these expenses, you may also have to purchase devices such as walking boots, crutches, or walkers or take time off from work (including sick and vacation days).
If you wish to have your party feast stand out – by which we mean securing documentation, you need to keep a detailed health record. Those around you are usually the first to notice when your mood, sleep or appetite change.
- You may forget things after an injury. Maybe you can’t remember where you put your keys, what someone said just now, or who your coworker is. You can do these things on your own as an adult. Taken together, these things may be indicative of a traumatic brain injury. You can write down what happened or dictate it using your smartphone.
- Pay attention to your mood. We all experience highs and lows from time to time, without a doubt. If the highs or lows seem inappropriate for the situation, you ought to note them.
- Keep an eye on your balance, coordination, and five senses. Do you drop things more often than you usually do? Are you having trouble typing or writing? Do you find it hard to tie your shoes or button your pants? Is walking a challenge to you? You should pay attention to these things.
Using this type of documentation, we can gain a better understanding of what you have been through and the injuries you have suffered, which may just be what is needed to reach a settlement you are happy with.
What should I say to my insurance company?
Although it appears that you are getting the best deal from your insurer, it is mostly a for-profit enterprise. You want to share the details of your accident, but you don’t want to share any health information, faults, or story. Before filing an official record, consult an attorney.
You can communicate with your insurance company by following these tips:
- Don’t give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney
- Don’t offer details about your health
- Don’t say you’re “fine” or “okay” or “feeling great today.”
- Don’t tell your story
- Don’t say anything like “I wasn’t paying attention” or “I don’t know what happened”
- Don’t accept any offers without consulting an attorney
- Don’t post on social media
Issa & Castro, Warner Robins’ personal injury lawyers, can assist with your case.
Describe the details, such as “On August 3, at 5:00 p.m., I was driving 54 mph, heading east, when Mr. Smith’s car struck my vehicle on the driver’s side.”
How soon should I file a claim?
The process for filing personal injury claims in Georgia must be completed within two years, while the process for filing property damage claims must occur within four years.
Waiting does not make sense. As you get farther away from an incident, you’re less likely to remember it. The fact that an insurance claim is filed so many months after an incident causes some eyebrows to raise.
What should I look for when I want to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Despite our accolades and degrees, there isn’t a chance to make a good deal with a bad partner. Consider these factors to find solid representation:
- What is your level of confidence in the lawyer’s ability to represent you well? If you’re considering hiring an attorney, then you have many choices. Choose what feels right to you. It’s important to feel like you matter to your lawyer when you’re safe, and you trust them.
- Are you able to understand what your lawyer is saying? Although asking a question of this nature may seem silly at first, we know that many people use legal jargon. Additionally, your lawyer should be able to communicate with you in a clear and direct manner.
- When your lawyer talks to you, does he or she discuss things about you? This is your case, and this is your life, so the decision is entirely up to you. Is your lawyer interested in your experience and well-being? Would you consider him or her a good listener? A third reason to stay committed to your attorney is if they keep the conversation focused on you.
At the end of the day, we want you to be satisfied with the result. So we will fight in your interests to make you whole, and you can rely on our strategy and empathy to make that happen. You can schedule a complimentary consultation by calling or texting 770-LAWSUIT.
