Minor Injuries Can Become Major Injuries

Have you ever had a car accident? If not, you can count yourself among the lucky few. Statistics show that thousands of people are involved in accidents in Philadelphia each year. Unfortunately, these accidents lead to injuries for both drivers and passengers

Is An Injury A Good Reason to Call A Car Accident Lawyer Philadelphia PA?

Car accidents can be terrifying experiences. Often, at least some of the people involved are injured, sometimes severely, and the automobiles that crashed are damaged. The legal system can help the parties sort out who is at fault for the accident, and which party needs to pay the doctors' and mechanics' bills. (1)

Questions regarding your rights or possible legal options should be directed to a car accident lawyer northeast Philadelphia. These attorneys specialize in the laws surrounding automobile accidents and the consequences surrounding those accidents. They can help you determine if you have a case or not. Particularly contact them if more than one person was injured in the accident.

Minor Injury or Major One?

Over 3 million Americans are injured annually in vehicle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2)  Of those injured, many of them assess their injuries as being minor without consulting a doctor. How do you know the difference? Here are some examples of minor injuries as well as examples of major ones.

Minor (treatment can be postponed)

• Cuts and abrasions that aren’t deep
• Strains and sprains of muscles
• Minor lesions or bruises
• Minor burns that don’t cover much skin

Major (immediate treatment is needed)

• Compound fractures of any limb
• Wounds to the eyes or head
• Stab wounds or deep lacerations
• Gunshot wounds
• Expansive, severe burns
• Injuries that include unconsciousness, severe bleeding, paralysis, chest pain, or confusion

Any minor injury has the potential to become a major injury if left untreated for long periods.

Common Car Accident Injuries 

Probably the most common of all injuries sustained in a car accident is whiplash. It’s one of several soft tissue injuries that are considered to be minor even though it affects the neck. Other common soft tissue injuries include bruises, muscle pain, and tendon and ligament issues. These injuries often require physical therapy or occupational therapy to help speed the healing process.

Any injury that is severe enough to require surgery is considered a major injury. These include, but are not limited to, herniated discs, compound fractures, and spinal injuries.  Major injuries can be life-altering, and even sometimes life-threatening.

Have you sustained an injury in a major car accident? If so, calling a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA could help you sort out your rights and responsibilities after the accident. Be prepared with documentation of your injuries as well as your treatment, so the car accident lawyer northeast Philadelphia can better assist you with determining what can be done for you legally.

When Should You Seek Medical Care After an Accident?

Even if you think you aren’t injured or your injuries appear to be minor inconveniences, it’s best to seek the counsel of a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. The doctor will document the injuries present at the time of the initial visit. These documents can be used later to assess late-developing pain.

A minor injury such as a bruise can be an indication of a more major issue such as internal bleeding. Assessments made by a medical practitioner immediately following a mishap can later be used in court should a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA file a lawsuit on your behalf or be commissioned to defend you against someone else. These medical costs have the potential to be reimbursed to you should you win a lawsuit stemming from your accident.

Conclusion

Car accidents can be terrifying experiences with or without injuries involved. Sadly, thousands of accidents occur in Philadelphia alone each year. Those accidents sometimes occur with injuries to one or all of the parties involved.

Injuries that initially seem like minor inconveniences can lead to major medical issues. For that reason, everyone involved in an accident must assess their injuries at the scene and continue to do so for days and even weeks following the mishap. A car accident lawyer in northeast Philadelphia can be helpful to you as you assess your legal rights and responsibilities as an injured party in a motor vehicle accident.

Morgan & Morgan FAQ

1. Will you work with my medical team to help sort out my injuries and treatments?

The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan strive to provide the best legal advice possible to those who have suffered an injury in a car accident. They will help to evaluate your injuries in terms of legalities.

2. Will a car accident lawyer negotiate with insurance companies, or do I have to do that myself?

This depends on the situation. You should make initial contact with your insurance company. However, if they are dragging their feet regarding payment of your claim, a car accident lawyer Philadelphia PA from Morgan & Morgan can assist you with important negotiations.

3. If I win my case, what kind of settlement can I expect?

The settlement you’re awarded varies depending on a few factors. The extent of your injuries, as well as the amount of work missed, are both considerations before you are awarded any monetary settlement. Another consideration is whether either driver in the accident was considered negligent according to the law.

4. Are all car accidents lawsuit material?

The short answer to this question is no. All car accidents are not legally viable candidates for a lawsuit. If one of the drivers involved in an accident exhibited gross negligence in their handling of the motor vehicle before the accident, a car accident lawyer in northeast Philadelphia could recommend filing a lawsuit to recoup personal expenses incurred during medical treatment. It’s best to consult with an attorney specializing in the laws surrounding automobile accidents before deciding to file a lawsuit.