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Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents happen, but when you are the injured victim in that accident, the impact the at-fault party’s negligence has on your life can be overwhelming. Under your state’s personal injury statute, you may be able to pursue legal action against that at-fault party for financial compensation for the losses your injuries have caused you. Even what appears to at first be minor incidents can end up resulting in major damages and expenses, so it is important to take the steps necessary to protect yourself when an accident does occur.
Common Types of Accident Injuries
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 28 million people each year seek care in hospital emergency rooms throughout the United States as a result of accidental injuries. Among the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Premises liability incidents
- Defective and dangerous products
All of the above may be the result of negligent or reckless actions on the part of another. Driving too fast or disregarding traffic signals, failing to alert customers or visitors to a property of potential dangers, and failing to correct dangerous conditions or defects are all examples of negligence. In these situations, you may be entitled to compensation, either through an insurance claim or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Even a minor ‘accident’ can result in major expenses. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that medical treatment costs alone for otherwise minor injuries can run as high as $10,000, while more extensive injuries can end up costing upwards of $1 million or more. To protect yourself and help ensure you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in a claim, it is important to do the following:
- Notify law enforcement, the property manager, or the product manufacturer as soon as possible to make sure a police or accident report is filed.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the incident or how it occurred.
- Get medical treatment immediately for your injuries, regardless of their severity. Even if you think you have not been injured, do not delay in seeing a doctor.
- Follow all of your doctor’s instructions on work or activity restrictions.
- Keep records regarding your medical care, treatments, and medications prescribed.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor;
- Refrain from discussing the incident or your injuries or posting about it on social media.
You may be approached by an insurance company on behalf of the at-fault party looking to settle any potential claims you may have. It is important to realize that these companies have a financial motive for undervaluing or even denying claims, no matter how sympathetic the insurance adjuster may seem. It is in your best interest to speak with an experienced black personal injury lawyer before having any conversations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will provide the professional legal guidance you need to ensure you get the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to in an insurance settlement or jury award.
Thank you to our friends at Council & Associates, LLC for the information about personal injury claims.