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What To Expect After a Car Accident

Thomas F. Shebell, III on December 2, 2024

It can be hard to know what to expect after a car accident. You can expect some challenges and some that are unique to your circumstances. Having an experienced personal injury attorney will give you confidence to face any problem that may arise after getting into a car accident.

Contact a lawyer today to learn more about your legal options after a car accident. You do not have to pursue compensation alone. Call a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to learn what options you have after a car accident.

Getting a Treatment Plan

Seeking medical treatment after a car accident is important. It is important to your physical well-being and to support your legal claim to see a doctor immediately after a crash. Be sure to complete any medical treatment plan created by your doctor and care team.

Common Injuries In Car Accidents

Some injuries are common in car accidents. It is important to seek medical intervention after an accident, even for seemingly minor injuries. Common injuries after a car accident can include:

Psychological Injuries

A car accident is a traumatic event. As with any other traumatic event, you might face mental health issues. Post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety can develop after a serious accident.

Knee Injuries

Damage to the victim’s knees can occur from hitting the dashboard or during the impact of a car accident.

Chest Injuries

Rib fractures or internal injuries can result from seatbelt use and the impact of the steering wheel. Seeking medical attention is the best way to ensure your injuries are fully treated.

Facial Injuries

A car accident can cause facial injuries. Cuts, bruises, or fractures to the face, including dental injuries, can happen from airbags or dashboard impacts.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are serious. Any damage to the spine, including herniated discs or muscle strains, can occur from the jolting motion of the crash.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and bruises to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are frequent due to sudden stops or movements. Soft tissue injuries can leave the victim struggling with chronic pain issues.

Fractures

Car accidents can easily cause broken bones and fractures. Common fractures from car accidents typically include broken arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, etc., resulting from the impact of the crash.

Head Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur, especially if the head strikes an object. Head injuries can have long-term consequences, so having legal representation will maximize your chances of the best outcome available after a car accident.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden stop where the victim is abruptly jolted forward and backward. Whiplash usually causes the victim to feel severe pain and stiffness.

Fighting With The Insurance Company 

After a car accident, you might face an uphill battle against the car insurance company. Having an attorney is the best way to get what you deserve from a car insurance company after an accident.

Bad-Faith Tactics Insurance Companies Use 

Insurance companies work hard to avoid making payments after someone suffers an injury in a car accident. Insurance adjusters often use bad-faith negotiation tactics to avoid making payments. Here are examples of how car accident lawyers can help accident victims financially recover after a car crash:

  • Targeting vulnerable claimants
  • Using complicated language
  • Ignoring communication about the case
  • Delaying claims 
  • Lowball settlement offers
  • Pressuring claimants to resolve their case
  • Conducting an inadequate investigation 
  • Misrepresentation of the terms of the insurance policy 
  • Denying valid claims 

How Can An Attorney Help Me During Settlement Negotiations? 

A car accident attorney can overcome the bad-faith tactics that many insurance companies use to avoid making payments. One way attorneys help their clients is by being involved in settlement negotiations.

Getting what you deserve from an insurance company can be challenging. An attorney will fight during settlement negotiations to leave no money on the table.

An attorney can be successful in the negotiation process by doing the following:

  • Understanding insurance tactics 
  • Avoid common pitfalls 
  • Legal representation 
  • Case strategy development
  • Communication with insurance adjusters 
  • Evidence gathering 
  • Negotiation skills 
  • Accurate valuation of the claim 
  • Experience in the law 

Having an attorney during settlement negotiations can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

Litigation 

If you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement with the insurance company, you can expect to take your case to court to resolve it. Your attorney might file a lawsuit in court on your behalf.

An attorney can provide crucial assistance during litigation in several ways, including:

Your car accident will help your case by drafting all necessary legal documents. Attorneys are skilled in drafting case documents.

Case Preparation

Attorneys can prepare your case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing a strategy tailored to your situation. Work with your lawyer to discover the best way to build a strong case for financial compensation.

Managing Discovery

The discovery process is the phase of the case when each side provides evidence to the other. An attorney can handle the discovery process for you, ensuring that all relevant information is gathered and exchanged appropriately.

Advising You on Risks

Attorneys can advise you on potential risks and outcomes, helping you make informed decisions throughout the litigation process.

Expert Witnesses

Attorneys can identify and engage expert witnesses who can provide testimony to strengthen your case.

Appeals Process

If the outcome of your case is unfavorable, an attorney can guide you through the appeals process, if applicable.

Your attorney will be available to answer your questions and offer helpful solutions. Having an attorney means that you have a valuable resource of legal knowledge.

Having an attorney can be helpful in many ways. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have suffered an injury in a car accident.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today

You never know what you can expect after a car accident, but you can be prepared for any outcome with the assistance of an attorney. Do not delay. If you have suffered an injury or a loved one has been killed in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today. 

Types of Car Accidents

Thomas F. Shebell, III on December 2, 2024

Many Americans are involved in car accidents across the country every day. These accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or killed in a car accident, you need legal representation.

If you have a car accident claim, contact an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. Start today on the road to full and fair financial compensation. 

Types of Car Accidents 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 40,990 people died in traffic accidents across the country in one year alone. This shows a 6.3 percent decrease in car accident deaths from the previous year. In another year, authorities reported 42,514 traffic deaths.

These statistics do not reflect the number of people who survived a traffic accident but live with serious injuries. Whether you lost a loved one in a car accident or suffered injuries yourself, you deserve legal representation. Contact a car accident attorney today to learn more about your legal options.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of traffic accidents. Rear-end crashes usually happen because a driver is distracted, suddenly stops, or tailgates the forward driver. While authorities usually consider the driver of the rear vehicle at fault for the accident, liability always depends on the surrounding circumstances.

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision happens when two vehicles strike each other front-to-front. It can be caused by a variety of things, including speeding, bad road conditions, or wrong-way driving. A car accident attorney can help decipher liability issues.

Side-Impact Collisions

A side-impact crash, also known as a T-bone accident, occurs when a vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. This type of accident can also happen when a driver blows through a stop sign or runs a red light.

Single Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents only involve one car and can happen for a variety of reasons, including losing control of the car, weather conditions, mechanical failures, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents or pileups can happen for many reasons. Multi-car accidents can lead to complex situations on the road. An attorney can ensure you understand your right to recovery from a multi-car accident.

Hit-And-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into another vehicle and then leaves the scene without exchanging the information required by state law. Depending on state law, leaving the scene of an accident can be considered a criminal offense.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen between a motorist and a pedestrian. The pedestrian is usually at the most risk of serious bodily injury. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, contact an attorney to learn how to protect your legal rights and discover your options after getting hurt in an accident.

Cyclist Accidents

Cyclist accidents involve a vehicle colliding with a cyclist, often resulting in serious injuries. Driver inattention, poor visibility, left or right turns, and even opening car doors usually cause these accidents.

DUI Crashes

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and negligent. Impaired driving can lead to poor judgment and a lack of awareness of lane boundaries. A driver who caused a car crash because they were impaired might face criminal and civil liability.

Weather conditions can lead to serious accidents. Weather-related conditions significantly impact driving safety and can lead to various traffic accidents. An accident can easily happen because of slippery or hazardous road conditions caused by bad weather.

Vehicle Rollovers

Vehicle rollovers occur when a vehicle tips over on its side or roof, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. They often happen when vehicles make sharp turns and lose control and can happen often with vehicles with high centers of gravity, like SUVs or larger commercial trucks.

If you have suffered an injury in any type of car accident or you have lost a loved one in a crash, contact an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer can increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation after a car accident.

Common Car Accident Injuries

A car accident can cause many types of injuries. Some common car accident injuries include the following:

Neck and Chest Injuries 

Neck and chest injuries are common in car accidents and can range from mild to severe. Common neck and chest injuries can include:

  • Heart attack 
  • Broken or bruised ribs 
  • Whiplash 

Arm and Leg Injuries 

Arm and leg injuries are common in car accidents and can vary in severity. Some common arm and leg injuries include:

  • Amputation
  • Dislocated joints 
  • Broken bones 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Car accident victims often live with soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries damage muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue. Examples of soft tissue injuries include:

  • Bruising 
  • Sprains and strains 

You deserve compensation for your injuries. A skilled personal injury attorney can help get the financial recovery you deserve after an accident. Having an attorney means that you can focus on your physical well-being while your car accident attorney works on your legal claim.

How Much Are My Injuries Worth?

Each car accident is unique, so there is no guaranteed way to determine the value of a claim. However, some factors indicate an estimated monetary value of your case. An attorney can ensure you understand what compensation you might be entitled to after a car accident.

Factors that help indicate the financial value of your claim include the following:

  • State law 
  • Insurance coverage 
  • Medical expenses 
  • Property damages 
  • Lost income 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Disability 

An attorney can ensure you understand the full value of your car accident case. Contact a lawyer if you have suffered an injury in a car crash, as they can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today

You deserve full compensation for the losses you suffered after a car accident. A car accident attorney can get you there. There is no reason to delay creating the legal team that you need to help protect your legal rights after a car accident. Call an attorney today. 

How To Check The Status of a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Thomas F. Shebell, III on December 2, 2024

Imagine going to work one day, beginning your day as you normally would, and then getting injured. If you are hurt at work, you might be entitled to recover monetary damages from your employer. An attorney can explain your rights and get the financial recovery that you deserve. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer today if you have suffered an injury at work.

Consider Taking These Steps 

After getting into an accident at work, consider taking these steps if you have questions about how to check the status of your workers’ compensation claim.

Keep Good Records

You should keep good records regarding your workers’ compensation case. Keep records of all case-related documents and correspondence. Having documentation can be beneficial if you need to escalate any issues.

Contact Your Insurance Adjuster

To learn more about the status of your claim, you can reach out to your employer’s insurance company. Their insurance provider handles workers’ compensation claims against the company. You should have their contact information in your claim documents.

Check the State Workers’ Compensation Board

Your state’s workers’ compensation board might have helpful information regarding your case. Depending on your state, you can typically check your claim status through your state’s workers’ compensation board.

Review of Your Employer’s Human Resources Department 

Your employer’s human resources department may also have information about the status of your claim and can provide updates.

Using Online Portals

Many insurance companies that represent employers offer workers’ compensation claimants an online portal where they can log in and check the status of their claims.

Handling workers’ compensation claims can be difficult. If you have questions about how to check the status and want to stay updated on your claim, consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney for guidance.

What Affects The Duration of My Workers’ Compensation Claim? 

Every workers’ compensation claim will face its own unique issues. Certain challenges will delay the progress of your claim. Here are some factors that can affect the timeline of your case:

  • Stubborn insurance companies 
  • Complex fact patterns 
  • State regulations 
  • Medical status and evaluation 
  • Appeals process 

You are not alone. An attorney will help you through each step of your workers’ compensation case. Contact a lawyer today to get the support you need throughout the workers’ compensation claim process.

How To Manage a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Having an attorney is the best way to manage your workers’ compensation case. As the victim of a workplace accident, you will need to properly manage your claim. Here are some tips to help you manage your workers’ compensation claim.

Attend Medical Appointments

It might seem obvious, but you must attend all of your medical appointments. Your physician will likely create a treatment plan to care for your injuries. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all medical appointments.

Be Aware of Deadlines

Making sure that you meet all deadlines is an important part of your claim. Be aware of any deadlines for submitting documents or appeals related to your claim. An attorney can ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines that might affect the viability of your claim.

Document Everything

You will need evidence to prove the facts of your case. Keep records of all medical treatments, communications, and any changes in your condition. Keeping good records supports the proof of your losses, allowing your attorney to build a strong case for compensation.

Stay in Communication

Stay in communication with important parties. Regularly communicate with your insurance adjuster to stay updated on your claim status. An attorney can handle communication with the insurance company and any other parties on your behalf.

Having an attorney work with you throughout the claim process is the best way to ensure that you always know the status of your case. Hire an attorney if you encounter issues such as claim denials or disputes about benefits.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

Workers’ compensation lawyers are experienced in helping injured employees get the help that they deserve after a workplace accident. Here are some of the ways that a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you throughout your case:

An attorney can explain your legal rights after a workplace accident. Your lawyer will also clarify your rights under workers’ compensation laws and ensure that you get the outcome you deserve.

Protect You Against Intimidating Insurance Companies

The negotiation process after a workplace accident can be difficult. Large insurance companies can intimidate individuals into settling for less money than they deserve or need to fully recover. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can work to obtain the benefits that you deserve after a workplace accident.

Navigating Complex Claims

A workers’ compensation process can get complex. An attorney can navigate the often-complicated process of getting full and fair compensation after an accident. You can rely on an attorney to get the best outcome possible after a workplace accident.

Gathering Evidence

You will need to have proof supporting your workers’ compensation case. An attorney can collect medical records, witness statements, and other vital evidence to support your workers’ comp claim.

Filing Worker’s Compensation Claim

Filing a worker’s compensation claim can be challenging. A lawyer knows how to properly file your claim, ensuring all necessary documents are submitted on time.

Appealing Denials

Sometimes, workers’ compensation claims are not approved. If your claim is denied, a lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and represent you in hearings or court.

Having an experienced workers’ comp attorney’s representation can significantly increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve and can alleviate the stress of dealing with the claims process.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today 

Contact a workers’ compensation attorney today to learn more about your rights after a workplace accident. You deserve legal support. Do not delay, as you take the chance of missing out on the benefits and compensation that you need. Contact a lawyer now to get started on the road to financial recovery after an accident at work. 

How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Take?

Thomas F. Shebell, III on December 2, 2024

After getting injured at work, you just want things to go back to normal. To get back on track, you might need to file a workers’ compensation claim. The time it takes to get things settled down and back to life, as usual, depends on how long it takes to resolve a workers’ compensation claim.

If you have suffered an injury at work, you need the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Do not delay, contact a lawyer now to get the benefits you deserve after suffering a workplace injury.

Typical Workers’ Compensation Claim Timeline

No case has a guaranteed timeline for resolution. However, workers’ compensation cases typically follow a specific timeline. Notable areas typically present on a workers’ compensation timeline include the following:

Initial Claim Processing

Every workers’ compensation case starts with the initial claim process. The initial claim processing phase can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months to complete.

Medical Treatment

The time it takes to complete your medical treatment depends on the severity of your injuries. The longer that it takes to heal from your injuries, the longer your workers’ compensation case will take to resolve. Many workers’ compensation attorneys will advise against settling your case before you reach maximum medical improvement.

Settlement Negotiations

Your lawyer will have a chance to negotiate a settlement with the workers’ compensation insurance representatives. If you participate in negotiations, then the settlement process might add additional time to the overall case, depending on how long negotiations take.

Hearing

If a hearing is scheduled, then it will take time for it to be heard by an administrative board. This process can take several weeks or months to complete.

Decision Making

After completing the initial investigation, the workers’ compensation insurer typically has a set period of time to decide whether the employee or the employer was at fault for the accident.

Payment of Benefits 

If the claim is accepted, workers’ compensation benefits should begin shortly thereafter, usually within a few weeks.

Final Resolution 

Settlements can also take time with negotiations that may extend over weeks or months depending on what parties are involved in the accident.

There is no guaranteed timeline for any workers’ compensation case. Working with an attorney can help you use your time wisely and effectively. Contact an attorney to learn more about each step in a workers’ compensation case.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

Having an attorney work with you can help any time you have a legal issue arise. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can get the compensation you deserve after a workplace accident.

Here are some of the most beneficial ways that an attorney can help you after a workplace accident:

An attorney can explain your legal rights after an accident at work in a way you can understand. A lawyer will help by clarifying to you your rights under workers’ compensation laws and work to ensure that you know what benefits you are entitled to.

Filing Claims

An attorney can properly file a workers’ compensation claim. An attorney will ensure that your case is protected from any threats of dismissal for missing an important deadline.

Gathering Evidence

Some evidence can be more difficult to find than others. An attorney can gather hard to find evidence like accident reconstruction reports or expert witness testimony.

Appealing Denials

Sometimes, workers have their claims denied. If you file a workers’ compensation claim and it is denied, your attorney can handle the appeals process and represent you in hearings or court.

Navigating Complex Claims

If your case involves a complicated set of facts, having an attorney work for you can help relieve some of the pressure you might feel. Hire an attorney to manage the complex claims process.

Protecting You From Intimidating Insurance Companies

Your attorney will help you throughout the claims process. Going up against an intimidating insurance company can be scary as an individual. However, having an attorney working with you can give you extra protection against insurance companies and some of the bad faith tactics that insurance companies might use to avoid paying you a proper settlement.

Offer Emotional Support 

Suffering from a workplace injury can leave you dealing with emotional fallout. An attorney working on your case allows you time to get the emotional and mental burden of surviving a workplace accident while trying

How To Manage My Workers’ Compensation Claim? 

Having an attorney handle your workers’ compensation claim can increase the speed of your case. Here is how an attorney can help you with your claim.

Communicate on Your Behalf

Your attorney can communicate with your employer and the insurance company on your behalf. Having an attorney speak with the parties for you can speed up the resolution of your case. Sometimes, employers and insurance companies can delay communications if the injured worker is unrepresented. However, when an attorney works with the employee, insurance companies tend to take the matter more seriously.

Collect Medical Evidence

An attorney can collect medical evidence to build a strong case. An attorney can get access to a medical expert who can help bolster the validity of your workers’ compensation case.

Stay Aware of Deadlines

It is important that you remain aware of every deadline in a workers’ compensation case. Missing any deadline, for example, the statute of limitations, can be fatal to your claim. Working with an attorney relieves the pressure of remembering every deadline and gives you peace of mind that your case is compliant with all applicable procedural rules.

Keep Records and Documentation

An attorney can keep your records and case-related documents safe and organized. Share your medical records, work documents, and other important information with your attorney for safekeeping.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today 

If you suffered an injury at work, there is no need to pursue compensation alone. A skilled lawyer can be invaluable in managing a claim while you heal. Call an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer today and get started on your road to recovery.