Just because a wreck was not catastrophic does not mean that minor car accident injuries cannot have major consequences in the victim’s life. A wide range of injuries can result from car accidents, but whether your injury was minor or severe, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver.
At Wright & Gray, our experienced New Orleans car accident attorneys represent victims who have experienced all sorts of injuries. We believe that victims should not have to worry about paying for their own medical bills and expenses when the accident was caused by someone else. Call us at 888-912-4944 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
What to Do if You Experienced a Car Accident
The time after the accident occurs can be stressful and overwhelming, but it is critical for the success of your insurance claim or lawsuit. Here are a few steps to keep in mind if you suffer an injury in a car accident.
Call the Police
Calling the police to the scene of the accident has a few benefits. First, the police can ensure that the scene of the accident is secured so no other drivers get involved. Second, the police can also write an accident report. The report will detail what happened and whether any injuries occurred. You should be sure to report any pain or discomfort you are feeling, no matter whether it seems minor or severe. This report will be used to support your claim for compensation. If there are visible injuries, 9-1-1 should also dispatch an ambulance. If you do not call the police, keep in mind that Louisiana law requires drivers to immediately give notice of the crash to their local police department.
Exchange Information
Be sure to collect the other driver’s information, including name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information. When there are multiple parties involved, you will want to be sure you can get in touch with everyone.
Document the Accident
If you can do so, take photographs and notes about the accident so you can easily remember what happened. This may also include speaking with witnesses and gathering their contact information as well. Take note of whether there are any street cameras or other recordings of the accident. You will want to preserve the scene as accurately as possible so you will be able to seamlessly tell the story to insurance adjusters or in a deposition.
Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms are not severe, or if they do not arise until days or weeks after the accident, you may be tempted to put off medical care. Delaying medical attention can come back to bite victims, however, so you should consider scheduling a doctor’s appointment right away. Doctors can identify any symptoms that you may not have noticed and create a record of their findings. Again, this record can be helpful when you submit an insurance claim or file a lawsuit.
Common Types of Minor Car Accident Injuries
Sometimes, when people suffer minor injuries in a car accident, they believe they do not need to consult with an attorney. There is a misconception that only victims of severe motor vehicle accidents can seek compensation from the at-fault driver. This is not true, however, as there are countless types of minor car accident injuries that can lead to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and chronic pain. Below are a few of the most common types of minor car accident injuries.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are no joke. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to moderate to severe. The most common example of a mild brain injury is a concussion. For some reason, concussions are often ignored or left untreated, but they can have serious long-term consequences. Concussions, according to the Centers for Disease Control, are brain injuries caused by a sudden bump or impact to the head, which causes the brain to shake back and forth inside the skull. People suffering from a concussion may feel headaches, nausea, trouble remembering, fatigue, or even loss of consciousness. Although most concussions heal by themselves over time, victims should avoid activities that will exacerbate the concussion. If you feel headaches or dizziness after a car accident, you may be suffering from a concussion. Seek medical attention right away so you can begin the process of healing.
Broken Bones
Most people have broken a bone in their life, so perhaps there is a misconception that a broken bone is a minor injury. However, even minor bone fractures can lead to severe consequences if they are untreated or treated improperly. This does not mean that you should not seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Broken arms, legs, and ribs are common car accident injuries. Identifying and treating a broken bone can lead to hefty medical bills, from X-rays to CT scans, to procedures to set and immobilize the bone. You should not underestimate the value of your car accident claim if you suffered a broken bone.
Back Pain
Car accidents can cause serious muscle strains and spinal injuries. It can be hard to identify the source of “back pain,” but if you notice any changes in your back or shoulders after an accident, be sure to get it checked out by a medical professional right away. We often see victims whose symptoms get worse over time, and it impacts their ability to work, take care of their loved ones, and do the things they loved to do. Chronic pain is one of many damages victims can seek against at-fault drivers.
New Orleans’s Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers
The attorneys at Wright & Gray have 20 years of experience representing personal injury victims. We have seen many of the common types of minor car accident injuries, and we have worked with our clients to understand the full value of their claim. It is our mission to level the playing field between victims and the large insurance companies that may seek to underpay them. If you suffered a minor car accident injury, do not assume that your claim is worthless. Trust the attorneys at Wright & Gray to fight for your rights. Give us a call at 888-912-4944 to schedule your free consultation.