Car Accident Injury Attorney
Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?
Accidents happen at an alarming rate. If something were to happen to you or a loved one, it is important for you to get help from an experienced car accident attorney – a professional who can talk with you about your options and help you find the best way forward.
It only takes a moment and your life can change after being injured in a car accident. It’s common for those who have been hurt physically to also experience emotional and mental suffering, such as depression and anxiety. You may feel immobilized physically and emotionally.
Even though going through a painful and serious car accident injury can be one of the most devastating and difficult experiences of your life, the physical and mental anguish you go through should not be endured alone. Nor should the burden, both emotional and financial, fall exclusively on you and your family.
Our team of experienced car accident injury attorneys can help you after your car accident. Often times car accidents can lead to traumatic injuries and car damage that can be a huge financial drain on anyone. Hiring a car accident attorney can get you the compensation you need to get your life back.
Call (801) 704-7704
Free Case Review
Know Your Rights
Tell Us Your Story
Serious Injuries After a Car Accident
Serious injuries can impact you for the rest of your life. They can greatly change your quality of life, leaving you with crippling pain or limited mobility. Some serious injuries can make it difficult or impossible for you to work, or you may have permanent scars that affect your self-confidence.
When you’ve suffered these injuries due to another person’s negligence, you should be compensated financially for all the ways in which your suffering will impact your life. Compensation for your injuries will correlate with your injuries’ seriousness, as well as how they will impact your future.
All car accidents have the potential to cause serious injury, but some injuries are unique to vehicle crashes, such as whiplash. Below, you’ll find some common serious injuries associated with car accidents:
- Spine, back, and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Dismemberment and amputation
- Severe burns
- Permanent scarring
At Bighorn Law, we have helped victims and their families find justice for years. Our personal dedication to getting you the compensation you deserve is second to none. If you’re not sure of whether or not you need a car accident injury attorney, please call for a free and fair evaluation of your situation.
1. Stay at the Scene
Never leave the accident scene until it’s appropriate to do so.
2. Check on All Drivers and Passengers
Before assessing property damage, make sure everyone involved in the accident is okay. Get medical attention for anyone who needs it.
3. Call the Police
Ask that a police report be filed in situations where cops do arrive at the scene, and obtain the name and badge numbers of the responding officers.
4. Exchange Information
Get the names, numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all drivers involved. In talking to other drivers, try to be cordial and cooperative.
However, you shouldn’t apologize for anything at the scene. For example, if you say, “I’m so sorry I ran that red light! Is everyone okay?” you may be admitting legal liability for what happened. Immediately after an accident, it might not be clear who was at fault or primarily at fault.
5. Talk to Witnesses
Ask every witness what he or she saw. Get their names, numbers, or addresses, if possible. Ask locals if they’ve ever witnessed other accidents in the same place.
6. Inform Your Insurance Company
Promptly tell your insurance company you’ve been in an accident. Cooperate with them and tell them the truth about what happened and the extent of your injuries. Explain the facts clearly. Obtain and review any police report filed, so you can point out who broke what traffic laws or who was at fault.
7. Keep Track of Your Medical Treatment
Note any doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical professionals that you receive treatment from, and each medical provider that referred you to other caregivers. Keep a detailed account of the treatments and/or medications you receive. Also, request copies of all medical reports and bills as these help you prove your medical expenses later.
Medical expenses are relatively easy to document, but pain and suffering is trickier to prove. Keep a record of how your injuries have impacted your daily life. Include any missed workdays, list any routine activities you can’t undertake, and describe how the injuries have affected your family life.
8. Take Pictures
Take photographs of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Photos helps your insurance adjuster determine how much you should be compensated for the damage to your car and can help in court.
9. Get a Property Damage Valuation
Obtain your insurance company’s damage valuation. If you aren’t satisfied with how your insurance company has valued your vehicle, don’t give up. Get two independent repair estimates or replacement quotes. Assertively inform the adjuster of your concerns. If you can’t agree on your car’s value, consider mediation or consult your attorney.
10. Obtain an Attorney
An attorney can help you maximize your recovery claim if you’re injured. Many accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that your lawyer only receives a fee if you’re awarded damages or receive a settlement. Call us today and tell us your story.
Use Caution in Discussing the Incident
Don’t talk about the accident to anyone other than your lawyer, your insurance company, and the police. Don’t talk to a representative from another insurance company without first consulting your attorney. If called by the other insurance company, be polite, but ask them to call your attorney to arrange an interview. Also, tell your lawyer about the call.
Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
Be careful if you’re offered a settlement from an insurance company. Confirm all your physical injuries have been treated. Some injuries don’t show up or reach their greatest level of discomfort until many days, weeks, or months later. Don’t settle a claim until you know you’ll be compensated for all your injuries, and consult your attorney before signing any settlement documents.