Denver Personal Injury Attorney Talks About Car Crash Injuries
A car accident is a devastating experience that can leave those involved suffering from injuries that can have severe financial ramifications; some injuries can be life-altering. Attempting to work with insurance companies while you are trying to recover physically and emotionally can be a challenge. It’s important to keep in mind that the goal of any insurance company is to pay out as little money as possible. What this means for you is that you may not get everything to which you are entitled. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. If you are involved in a car accident and have suffered injuries as a result of another driver’s negligence, you need an attorney on your side. Contact Denver personal injury attorney Mark Simon for a consultation and assessment of your case: 303-321-HURT (4878).
Common Causes of Accidents
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, car crashes in the state are on the rise. Winter and summer storms can cause Colorado roads to be dangerous, leading to accidents. Some of the other common causes of car crashes include:
Drivers who are not paying attention to what’s going on around them
Drivers who are eating or grooming themselves while trying to drive.
People who get behind the while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Reckless drivers who put others in danger with unsafe lane changes and other risks
Drivers who are going over the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions
People who text or talk on the phone while they are driving
Distracted drivers who are eating or grooming themselves
Common Injuries as a Result of Car Crashes
Injuries that occur because of car accidents can be severe. These include:
Back and neck injuries
Broken bones
Catastrophic injuries
Head trauma, including traumatic brain injuries
Internal injuries
Loss of a limb
Permanent disfigurement
Soft tissue injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Death
When another driver causes an accident that results in injuries, the at-fault driver should be held accountable.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
Many people do not know what to do after being involved in a car accident, but you should know that your actions will be critical when it comes time to recover compensation for damages—especially if serious injuries are involved.Here are the steps to take after a car accident:
Ask everyone in your car if they are okay to try to determine if anyone is injured. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes the adrenal rush after an accident can mask pain.
Call 911 immediately to bring the authorities to the crash. Injured parties need medical treatment, and there should be a police report to start a paper trail.
If you are able to do so safely, document the scene by taking pictures or a video. You’ll want to include the vehicles that were involved and damage to the vehicles. Be sure to take pictures of the surroundings, including traffic lights, traffic signs, road hazards, and the like.
Gather information from all drivers involved in the crash, including contact information and insurance details.
Get the name and badge numbers of any police officers who are at the scene.
Gather names, addresses, and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses to the crash.
Seek immediate medical treatment after the crash, even if your injuries seem minor. If it turns out your injuries are more serious than you originally believed, an insurance company might try to minimize them if you didn’t get medical treatment.
Get a copy of the police report as soon as it is available.
Contact a Denver personal injury attorney to go over the details of your case.
It’s important to remember not to admit fault at the crash site. Keep your comments to the facts only. Do not speak to or make a recorded statement with any insurance company until after you have spoken to an attorney.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover After a Car Accident
There can be serious financial ramifications after a car crash, particularly if your injuries required medical treatment. You might also find that you are unable to work because of your injuries. There is also pain and suffering and emotional trauma to deal with. Talk to your attorney about recovering compensation for the following:Medical expenses. These can include the following:
Cost for the emergency room and ambulance
Appointments with doctors and other healthcare professionals
Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
Treatment if you’ve suffered a disfiguring injury
Treatment for a disability, whether temporary or permanent
In-home services, which can include both medical and nonmedical costs
Equipment such as crutches or a wheelchair
Future medical treatment you might need
Pain and suffering. The emotional and psychological impact of a crash should not be underestimated, and your case might include damages based on this type of distress. The amount of damages you can recover will depend on the level of pain you suffered as well as the outlook for future pain.Lost wages. Depending on your job, you may not be able to work after the crash because of your injuries. If you cannot return to work for a long time, the loss of earning capacity can be devastating. Sometimes people will never be able to return to work because of the extent of their injuries, so this is also considered. You will need to prove that your ability to earn is permanently impaired.If your loved one lost their life in a crash, you may be able to sue for wrongful death.
Contact a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer
Having a compassionate attorney on your side can make all the difference in your case. Mark Simon is a Denver personal injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in a car crash. Mr. Simon can deal with insurance companies on your behalf, including filing a lawsuit if necessary, while you focus on healing from your injuries and getting on with your life. Contact us today to set up a free consultation at our Cherry Creek office.