That car crash? Not precisely a delightful surprise. Car accidents can leave you with severe injuries. Trauma may leave you feeling anxious and fearful on an emotional level.
You will feel pain as a result of the injuries you have sustained. As a result, you’ll have to worry about paying expensive medical bills, as well as how you’ll provide for your family – especially if you can’t work due to your injuries.
Accidents can cause all of these things and more, and it can be difficult for the injured to see a way out. You have to get your car fixed, find someone to look at your neck, and take a few days off from work. In addition, stress and confusion may result after a car accident.
Here’s what to do after you’ve been involved in or injured in a car accident:
01
Slowly and steadily, take a couple of deep breaths. To relax your nervous system and develop a sense of calmness, try focusing your attention on your breath and in the present time.
02
Examine your psychological and physical well-being. If you’ve been hurt, you should get medical help as quickly as possible. Because specific soft tissue or brain injuries have no symptoms, the extent of your injury may not be immediately apparent. Don’t be shocked if you’re still in pain a day or two later; the shock of the accident can sometimes mask the discomfort you’re experiencing. Make an appointment with a physician. Give us a call if you’re not sure where to go. We’ll put you in touch with a doctor who can assist you.
03
It’s essential to notify the police of the collision. Call 911 if there are any injuries. If not, dial (478) 751-9134 to reach the Macon Police Department’s non-emergency number. Call the Georgia State Patrol if you’re on a Georgia state road.
04
Discover the names of the players. What is the name of the other driver? What is the number on their driver’s license? What kind of vehicle did they have? What is the name of their insurance company? At the moment of the collision, are there any witnesses? Gather as much information as possible on the other parties involved. They’re going to come in handy.
05
Make a phone call to work and let them know what’s going on. “Hey, I was in a car accident, and I’m heading to the doctor. I’ll call you at the end of the day to let you know how I’m doing. I’m not coming in today.”
06
Before contacting your insurance company, contact Macon car accident lawyers Issa & Castro. Why? Because insurance companies, including your own, are more concerned with safeguarding their profits than with safeguarding your health. Because investigators are trained to use inquiries that do not reveal the entire narrative, you will be requested to provide a written statement. As a result, your argument will be undervalued.
How much is your case worth?
We’re all aware that lawyers are renowned for disclosing multimillion-dollar agreements to the general public. We’ve seen firsthand how such people would gladly exchange their health and mobility for money any day of the week. Despite this, the costs of an accident are high, and you are entitled to compensation for an occurrence that was not your fault.
So, how much is your lawsuit really worth? The conventional response from a car accident lawyer is, “It depends.” We’re not attempting to dodge your question in any manner. It’s absolutely your decision. Insurance policy limits and crash conditions fluctuate depending on the circumstances. And depending on the lawyer you consult, you may receive a different response.
A client of ours was told that their lawsuit was worthless. Guess what? We were able to reach a settlement for $1,000,000.00 in the same complaint. Is this something that happens frequently? Is this going to be your circumstance? It all depends on the situation. The only way to know for sure is to speak with a car accident lawyer.
We provide free case evaluations using Zoom, so you don’t have to leave your house to meet with us. We’ll listen to your story and give you our view based on nearly two decades of experience and expertise in nearly every Georgia county courtroom.
Ok, but how much do you charge after the free consultation?
We provide contingency-based services, meaning we don’t get paid until you do.
We only get paid if you are paid; thus, we work on a contingency fee basis. So that we can concentrate on what really matters to you: managing your case and improving your recovery, we’ll put our expertise, skills, and experience to work for you right away, offering documentation, investigation, and negotiation services at no cost to you.
Call or text 770-LAWSUIT today to schedule your free case consultation and learn more about what aggressive and empathetic representation can do for you after an automobile accident.
Couldn’t I just handle this on my own?
Of course, you can file a claim with your insurance company. You can make an appointment with your doctor by calling him or her. You have the option of accepting or rejecting any offer that comes your way. You do not need the assistance of a lawyer. This isn’t to say that hiring one isn’t a smart move.
Here’s how lawyers like us can help.
What happens to your car and your body after a car collision is only the tip of the iceberg. One of our customers was involved in a minor car accident and escaped with no obvious injuries, but his condition gradually deteriorated into severe neck pain that hindered his mobility. While things may appear to be alright for the time being, we are interested in the long-term consequences of this occurrence. We’ll stay in touch with your doctors to make sure your health is protected both now and in the future.
You’ll also need to set aside money for things like repairs and healthcare appointments. You will lose money if you miss work. You must pay for any therapy or medication that is prescribed to you. We can assist you in tracking and recovering these charges so that your financial situation is not jeopardized.
We’ll even deal with the insurance providers on your behalf, so you don’t have to. You’ll be stress-free, allowing you to recover as we protect your short- and long-term goals.
We’ll help you develop a stronger case by preparing your case as though we’re going to trial. Don’t get worked up over it; most issues can be handled without the need for a court appearance. We shall not, however, proceed with your case as if it has already been resolved. We’ll prepare your case as though it’ll go to trial. This means that you have a powerful advocate on your side who is constantly ready to battle for you against the insurance company.
We’ll take care of putting your mind at ease. Personal injury cases are complicated, and there are numerous decisions to be taken along the route, each with its own set of implications. We’ll provide strategic advice so you can determine whether to accept or reject any offers you get, as well as whether to settle or go to trial.
I’m interested. What kinds of cases do you handle?
We specialize in the strategic resolution of the following issues:
Car Accidents
In the event of a collision between two cars or light trucks, one or both of the following generally happens:
– Head-on
– Rear-end
– Sideswipe
– Hit and run
A range of factors, including vehicle weight, speed, and direction of movement, influence the intensity of each of these. Minor property damage might occasionally result in major health issues.
Truck Accidents
The majority of these collisions involve a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, a bus, or a vehicle transporting hazardous materials. Commercial drivers are supposed to follow strict criteria, and blame for a collision might fall on a number of people. These are complicated issues that will necessitate zealous representation to guarantee that the right people are held accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle exposes you to a variety of dangers because the majority of cars on the road are larger and heavier.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling is a terrific way to get some exercise or get to the store quickly, but it can be dangerous when traveling on a busy roadway. A negligent motorist may be held liable for your injuries even if they broke a traffic safety law.
Pedestrian Accidents
Isn’t it true that by writing about these events, we’re jeopardizing our own safety? When it comes to automobiles and traffic, walking can be more perilous than it should be.
Medical Malpractice
You have every right to demand a certain level of care when it comes to your health. If your provider does you harm, your life may be irreparably impacted.
Nursing Home Abuse
As difficult as it is for us to discuss, we understand the misery of watching a loved one become a victim of abuse. You should contact us if your older relative displays signs of distress, has new physical markings, or is missing money after being in nursing care. Abuse should not be tolerated in any form.
Premises Liability
Property in disrepair could be a trip and fall hazard. A dangerous slip and fall can be caused by shattered railings, restricted passageways, and destroyed carpeting.
Wrongful Death
It is awful when a person dies as a result of a personal injury. While filing a lawsuit will not bring your loved one back, it will enable you to seek justice and accountability.
You might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Contact Issa & Castro today for a free case consultation to discover more about your rights and how much your lawsuit is worth.
Ok, what kinds of expenses could I recover?
It is prudent to exercise the usual caution: it is debatable. Every case has its own set of factors to consider, including policy limits, property damage, the severity of your injuries, and what the future holds for you based on medical assessments. Here are some of the general costs we’ll think about:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.)
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices (crutches, neck braces, scooters, etc.)
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medication
- Lost wages
- Potential future income lost
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Caretakers or help getting around
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Of course, each one must be lawful, so examining your individual case may reveal something significant or account for something that the law does not. In either situation, having a case evaluation to determine how much money your lawsuit is worth is a good idea.
Wait. What do you mean pain and suffering can be compensated?
It takes a toll on your energy and mental health when you’re injured. Because so much of your life depends on the injury, you’re grieving the loss of what was and the pain of what you can’t do. Your injuries have effects on sleep, anxiety, and depression should not be neglected. That is the essence of suffering and anguish.
The insurance company will investigate your case and calculate the worth of your claim using a set of averages. But we’re not going to do it. As we battle for the compensation and restitution you deserve, we will consider your story and circumstances.
The insurance company offered a settlement.
It seems pretty good. Should we take it?
At this point, you can probably assume that we’ll respond, “it depends on the details of your situation.”
We can confidently state that personal injury claims are a one-and-done event. You won’t be able to go back and ask for extra money if you accept an offer and then need more medical attention for your injuries. When you’re dealing with a personal injury case, it’s not like having supper with Grandma. So, before you accept an offer, make sure it covers both the now and the future.
We’ll provide you with advice, negotiate on your behalf, and do everything we can to safeguard your legal rights if you hire us. We will take your case to court and fight on your behalf if the insurance company continues to mistreat you.
Alright, what can I do to help my case?
Food is to a party what documentation is to a claim: It isn’t needed, but it would be a waste of time if it wasn’t. Make a thorough record of everything, to put it another way.
Put these at the top of your list:
- Take out your smartphone and document everything with images and/or video. And by everything, we mean property damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, the roads, signage, and other smashed items on the scene. Like potato chips, you can’t get enough of this stuff.
- On the side of the road, look for dashcams, security cameras, or cameras. However, you must act swiftly on this one because the tape may be wiped at any time. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can assist you in obtaining these recordings.
- Personal information for anyone who witnessed the incident. Record a statement if possible
- The other driver’s info, including their name, phone number, and insurance details
- How to get ahold of your insurance company
- Your medical provider’s information and all charges
- Any additional costs, such as emergency transportation; time off work (including sick and vacation time), the time you couldn’t get to work, and so on; changes to your living space; and any gadgets you needed to buy, such as walking boots, crutches, or walkers.
Those closest to you are often the first to notice changes in your mood, sleep, or appetite.
- Assume your injuries have rendered you to be forgetful. You have no idea where your keys are, what someone said just a few moments ago, or who your coworker is. Any of those things is an anticipated element of being an adult on its own. Taking all of these factors into account over time, on the other hand, could indicate a brain injury. So take out your phone and scribble or dictate a note about what occurred.
- Pay close attention to your feelings. Because few of us are perfectly balanced all of the time, expect some ups and downs during the day. Simply take note of any extremes or responses that don’t seem appropriate for the situation.
- Remember to keep your balance, five senses, and coordination in mind. Do you appear to be dropping items more quickly than usual? Do you find it difficult to write or type? Do you have trouble tying your shoes or buttoning your pants? Is walking more difficult for you than it used to be? Keep an eye out for these details.
This type of material can help us get a better picture of your injuries and what you’ve gone through, which could be crucial in obtaining just compensation for you.
What should I say to my insurance company?
Although it may appear that your insurance provider is on your side, it is almost probably a profit-driven organization. You want to file a police report, but you don’t want to give any information about your health, fault, or background. Make a recorded statement after conferring with a counsel.
Here are the dos and don’ts of talking to your insurance company:
- Don’t give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney
- Don’t offer details about your health
- Don’t say you’re “fine” or “ok” or “feeling great today”
- Don’t tell your story
- Don’t say anything like “I wasn’t paying attention” or “I don’t know what happened”
- Don’t accept any offers without consulting an attorney
- Don’t post on social media
Please contact Macon’s personal injury lawyers Issa & Castro to protect your rights.
Do mention the facts, for example: “Around 5:00 p.m., I was traveling 54 miles per hour east, when Mr. Smith’s vehicle struck my vehicle on the driver’s side,”
How soon should I file a claim?
A personal injury claim must be filed within two years, and a property damage claim must be filed within four years in Georgia. Why, on the other hand, should you wait? The further away you are from an event, the less likely you are to recall it. When a claim is brought years after an incident, it raises certain eyebrows!
What should I look for when I want to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Aside from our degrees and honors, one thing to keep in mind is that you can’t have a good transaction with a bad partner. When seeking solid representation, keep the following in mind:
- Do you have the impression that this attorney is sincerely concerned about your case? We understand you have a lot of options when it comes to hiring an attorney, so go with your instinct. When you’re with your lawyer, if you feel important and your story is meaningful, you’ve taken care of the most critical aspect: security and trustworthiness.
- Are you listening to what your counsel has to say? Although it may seem odd to pose such a question, we understand that many people utilize legal terminology. If your lawyer can communicate with you in a clear and direct manner that you comprehend, you’ve mastered the next phase: Clear and direct communication is essential.
- Is your lawyer including you in the conversation? It’s your case and your life at the end of the day; therefore, it’s all about you. Are you being questioned by your lawyer about your health and experience? Is it possible that what you have to say will catch their interest? You have a third reason to deal with your lawyer if they keep the dialogue centered on you: they are invested in your case.
Our goal is to provide you with a final product that meets your expectations. We’ll aid you with strategy and empathy while striving to make you whole. To schedule a free case review, call or text 770-LAWSUIT.
