Most people spend a lot of time in their cars. Whether you’re driving to work, taking a road trip, or running errands, chances are you’re behind the wheel for at least an hour each day. While spending long hours in a car can be convenient, it can also be dangerous. If you’re involved in a car crash, it’s important to know your rights and what steps to take next. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to protect your rights after a road crash and what to do if you’re injured.
Most common injuries from car crashes
If you’re involved in a car crash, there’s a good chance you’ll be injured. The most common injuries from car crashes include:
- Whiplash: This is an injury to the neck and shoulders that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. Whiplash symptoms can manifest as neck and lower back pain after a car accident, including headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Broken bones: Bone fractures are quite common injuries that often result from car accidents. They can occur when the body is hit with a great force or when the car itself is crushed in the collision.
- Head injuries: Head injuries, such as concussions, can occur even in low-speed car crashes. These injuries can be very serious and may require long-term treatment.
While many of these injuries can be serious, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, there’s no harm in being extra cautious and getting checked out by a doctor.
What to do after a car crash
If you’re involved in a car crash, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re able, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If the car is not safe to drive, turn on the hazard lights and move it to the side of the road. Most importantly, hiring a car accident lawyer in Pensacola is crucial if the crash happened at the same location due to someone else’s negligence. An experienced attorney from Pensacola can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Once you’re out of immediate danger, you can start gathering information about the crash. If possible, take pictures of the damage to both vehicles. Get the contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash. And be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver.
If you’re injured in a car crash, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could be more serious than you realize. A doctor will be able to properly diagnose and treat your injuries.
How to protect your rights after a car crash
If you’re involved in a car crash, there are a few steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Report the accident to the police.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Gather information about the accident, including pictures of the damage and contact information for witnesses.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident.
If you’re injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When to hire an attorney
It may be tempting to try and settle your car accident case without hiring an attorney. However, there are many laws and procedures involved in personal injury cases that can be complicated for someone without legal experience. An experienced attorney will know how to navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. Also, if the other driver was at fault, their insurance company may try to offer you a low settlement amount. An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company so that you get fair compensation for your injuries or damages.
Can you sue for emotional distress after a car accident?
If you’re involved in a car crash, you may be able to sue for emotional distress. This is a type of damage that can be awarded for the mental and emotional anguish caused by the accident. To succeed in an emotional distress claim, you’ll need to show that the accident caused you to suffer from a recognized mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Also, you’ll need to show that the emotional distress was severe enough to interfere with your daily life. For example, if you developed PTSD after a car crash and were unable to work or go outside, you would likely be able to recover damages for your emotional distress.
If you’re considering suing for emotional distress, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand the laws in your state and determine if you have a valid claim.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?
There are time limits for filing lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for car accidents varies from state to state but is typically two to three years. This means that you have two to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. On the other hand, if you’re filing an insurance claim, you usually have to do so within a year of the accident. This time limit is known as the insurance policy’s statute of limitations.
Research the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Your State
Every state has a different law dictating how long you have to file a lawsuit or insurance claim after being in a car accident. Make sure to look up your state’s statute of limitations so that you don’t accidentally miss the deadline.
If you’re involved in a car crash, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re able, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once you’re out of immediate danger, you can start gathering information about the crash. If possible, take pictures of the damage to both vehicles. Get the contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash. And be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver.