Automobile accidents occur throughout Missouri on a daily basis. As a result, many motorists suffer medical injuries, whereby sometimes the actions (or inactions) of other parties involved are to blame. While it would be impossible to reverse injuries that may have occurred, personal injury law allows a way for the injured to be “made whole” once again. Generally, such relief provides the injured with monetary compensation, also known as “damages.” Other remedies may also be available, for example, a judge’s order to take a particular action. However, lawsuits for auto accident injuries are typically settled out of court, prior to the court reaching a verdict.
Importantly, knowing your own medical history allows for better insight and preparedness should injuries occur. Oftentimes a lack of knowledge and awareness can cloud or confuse judgment when determining the scope and existence of a current injury. Although serious injuries are not always the outcome of every single accident that takes place on city streets and highways, the metal and various other materials used to construct vehicles can result in severe bodily damage for both drivers and passengers. Ultimately, whether the injury is minor, as in whiplash, or more serious, resulting in concussions, severed limbs, head trauma, broken bones, burns, and various other bodily harm, medical fees and expenses can be recouped for injuries against the party that caused the auto accident.
Following a few crucial steps immediately after an accident will put you in a better position, should you decide to pursue legal action after the fact. First and foremost, if you have any physical injuries as a result of the accident, it is imperative to receive medical attention as soon as possible. Sometimes, serious physical injuries are not evident immediately, particularly internal damage, so even if you believe you have only sustained minor bruises and cuts, it is in your best interest to get a full medical examination. The next step is to call 911 or law enforcement to report the accident, and to request an officer at the scene to make an official account for the record. Remember to tell the dispatcher your location, as well as any noticeable physical injuries you have suffered. Prior to law enforcement arriving, write down the details of your account of the accident and everything you have observed, summarizing the event for your own records. Also, if available, make sure to obtain the insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident.
In the event that it seems like a minor accident with no apparent physical injuries, a visit to the hospital soon after the accident should not be delayed. You may feel perfectly fine at the scene, but once law enforcement officers clear you, and the damage to your vehicle is minor, it is advisable to get checked out immediately at the closest hospital facility. If your vehicle is damaged to the extent that you are unable to drive it, ask for a rescue vehicle or ambulance to transport you to the nearest hospital before doing anything else. The most important thing post-accident is verifying the status of your health. Any expenses incurred as a result of the process, i.e. the ambulance bill, can be addressed at a later point.
It is also crucial to be aware of the fact that numerous physical injuries from accidents require medical care over a long duration of time, or for a greater period than originally expected. Additionally, a minor wound may entail a large amount of pain and discomfort, which could lead to more serious problems. If you have a legitimate claim for physical injuries sustained as a result of an auto accident, a personal injury lawyer will thoroughly prepare your case by dealing with insurance companies, analyzing the evidence, applying the law to your benefit, and negotiating a settlement, if necessary, to deliver the results you deserve.
If you have suffered physical injuries from an auto accident and seeking legal advice on how to pursue your claim, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, LLP today at (816) 472-HOPE (4673), for more information. Our staff of experienced attorneys has extensive knowledge of personal injury law in Missouri, and can provide you with the necessary expertise required to get you the damages you deserve!