Should I hire an attorney after a minor car accident?

Unfortunately, car accidents are common, meaning that will most likely involve you being in one at some point. A silver lining is that most are considered minor car accidents, however, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be significantly damaging.  Even if an accident may seem insignificant, if an injury is left untreated, it may lead to many problems down the road. 

What are the reasons why you should hire an attorney after an accident?

It is hard to determine if someone needs an attorney for a minor accident. This is due to everyone having different experiences, but we have outlined some reasons as to why you should consider hiring an attorney for a minor car accident. 

Damage and injuries may not be completely apparent 

As mentioned earlier, the damage to your vehicle isn’t a great indicator of the injuries you have sustained. As much as many like to file an insurance claim and put the crash behind them, unfortunately, isn’t always the case. What may seem like a minor accident can turn into a legal dispute you may not be equipped to fight on your own. 

Depending on how the incident happened, possible injuries, and damage to your vehicle, it may be in your best interest to hire an attorney, even for a minor accident. 

Help determine all potential damages

Although one may be able to handle a claim without an attorney, it’s not always the best way to handle such an incident. One needs to be aware of their rights, to the full extent of the damages, and what may be considered fair compensation for medical expenses, disability, property damage, and pain and suffering. 

In addition to determining all of the potential damages, you avoid the potential of financial loss. Remember, one may only have one shot at recovery. If anything is done incorrectly, one may lose the chance of seeking compensation for your damages and may be placed in a situation where they will need to be paying for an accident they didn’t cause However, a car accident lawyer can help you avoid being in this situation. 

Insurance negotiation and representation in court 

Insurance companies have their own agenda and can deny your claim or pay less than what one should be compensated. However, attorneys understand what information is going to give you a better chance of winning your claim. If your claim happens to be denied, a Carlson Law Firm car accident attorney is ready to fight for you. 

Insurance companies will try to settle fast to pay you the least amount of money and avoid any lawsuit. However, it won’t be a fair amount. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney at The Carlson Law is aware of when an offer is too low and can negotiate for a better amount. 

Filing a case may be difficult, but proving your case is harder. Most cases require an aggressive representation of an experienced attorney, especially if your case goes to court. Between insurance negotiation, determining all possible damages, and having a great depth of understanding of the law, having an attorney by your side is your best bet to earn the right compensation. 

What are possible injuries you may have suffered? 

No matter how small a car accident may have been, it is important to consider the severity of your injuries. Below are the most common injuries one may sustain when involved in a minor car accident. 

Soft tissue 

A soft tissue injury after an accident consists of injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that may cause bruising or swelling. Some of the most common examples include:

• Strains
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Contusions

Some symptoms of soft tissue injury after a car accident include:

• Pain
• Swelling discoloration
• Bruising
• Muscle spasms

Whiplash 

Another name for neck strain, whiplash happens when a vehicle stops, jerks, or turns too suddenly due to a collision, resulting in the neck turning or jerking. The sudden movement upon the neck and head can result in stretches, tears, and injuries to the muscles and tendons that with your neck. The symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Worsening of pain with neck movement
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Pain or tenderness in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches that stary at the base of the skull

Broken bones

The impact of the accident can cause your body to hit parts of the vehicle. After you’ve been in a minor car accident, you may realize a fracture right away. Along with intense pain, be aware of these other signs and symptoms of broken bones:

• Pain that worsens with movement or touch
• Redness, swelling, and tenderness
• Inability to bear weight on the injured area
• Visible bone exposure
• Bruising or discoloration
• Visible deformity 

Internal bleeding 

Due to the significant force and momentum when moving in a vehicle, the body isnt able to safely absorb the force when involved in a car accident. Therefore, the inside of the body can be severely harmed by the tremendous force that is released from the accident that may lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries.

Those who sustain injuries may suffer from:

• Fractured ribs
• Internal bleeding
• Brain bleeding 
• Kidney damage
• Damage to the liver
• Pneumothorax
• Abdominal aorta aneurysm

In addition to the ones above, other types of organ damage may occur in a minor car accident, the symptoms and complications of which will vary depending on which organ has been affected. 

See a doctor after the car accident

It is in your best interest to consult with your medical expert to get an inspection. Not only may this help later in the claim when trying to recuperate monetarily damages, but it will help you to a faster recovery.  

What are some forms of compensation an attorney can help out if involved in a minor car accident?

If another driver is responsible for the accident and the injuries you have sustained, it shouldn’t have to incur the expenses. If involved in an accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses either through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Some ways in which a personal injury attorney may be able to help you monetary include:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• menta l anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of everyday activities

The Carlson Law Firm is here to help. We care, we can help. 

It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies have a team of attorneys and adjusters on their side ready to evaluate your injury claim right away. Because of this, it is important to have a legal team on your side. Choose The Carlson Law Firm to be on your side.  We have a legal team ready to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.