As a car accident lawyer in Federal Way, WA knows, any type of car accident can cause you to become injured. Even a minor fender bender could result in whiplash or broken bones.
Hidden Injuries After an Accident: What to Do
Because some injuries do not show up immediately (whiplash and traumatic brain injuries are most notable), you may be tempted to brush the accident off and send the other driver on their way. After all, if there is minimal physical damage done to the car then no harm no foul, right? Many car accident victims make this mistake and believe if they feel okay immediately following an accident they do not need to get the other driver’s information. At Park Chenaur & Associates, we encourage you not to make this mistake.
What if I Really Feel Okay After the Accident?
If you really feel okay after the accident and you do not see any damage to your car, we still encourage you to do two things:
- Get the other driver’s information
- Go see a doctor
There is always the possibility that you were not injured and you feel like you wasted an hour or two going to the doctor. However, that is one of the best-case scenarios. If you do have hidden injuries, you could be in serious trouble if you do not have the other driver’s information and if you do not see a doctor. Especially when it comes to brain injuries, symptoms may not show themselves for a day or so. Even then, they may seem minor or unrelated: maybe you have a headache or you feel nauseated. Traumatic brain injuries present in different ways and if left untreated, you could lose your life. Our Federal Way, Washington car accident lawyer believes seeing a doctor can bolster your claim and save your life.
What if I Want to File a Lawsuit?
If you want to file a lawsuit, the biggest thing will be to make sure you do it within the specified statute of limitations. In the state of Washington, you have three years to file a lawsuit from the time of the accident. Car accidents happen every day. However, just because something is a common occurrence does not mean it is less dangerous. Always expect the worst from a car accident. Act like you will need to get as much compensation as possible, so gather the other driver’s information, take pictures of the scene, save evidence, and seek medical help. Finally, don’t forget to work with a Federal Way, Washington car accident lawyer you can trust.
What You Should Do After an Accident to Protect Yourself
There are steps to take after a car accident – if you are able – that can make it easier for your attorney to fight for your compensation. First is to call 911. Second is to seek medical treatment for your injuries – this is not the time to shake it off and press on. If you delay medical treatment, it can make your injuries worse and the insurance companies can blame you for damaging your own health! While at the scene, if you are physically able, snap photos with your phone of the position of the cars and anything else important before the vehicles are moved. If the EMTs want to transport you to the hospital, let them. Acting against medical advice at any stage of this process can interfere with your chances of getting fair compensation. If there any witnesses, and you are able, get their contact information. Within 24 hours, notify your car insurance carrier about the accident, but don’t make any statements. Stick to date, time, the location of the accident, and tell them you or your attorney will be in touch. After that, don’t make any statements to anyone about the accident until you call Park Chenaur. Call us as soon as possible, even while you’re still in the hospital so we can get to work on your claim! Reach out to a Federal Way personal injury lawyer.
How Park Chenaur Law Firm Can Help You
As soon as you contact us, we can get to work on your case. We’ll gather police and any investigative reports about your accident, your medical records about your injuries, physician’s statements and any witness statements we can collect. Armed with these and our extensive experience with car accident personal injury cases, we can fight for the highest possible settlement. With compensation, you can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation fees
- Time lost from work
- Any future impacts or limitations from your injuries
With Park Chenaur taking care of legal matters for you, it’s easier for you to recover and focus on your health. We will work hard to protect your legal rights and see you are properly compensated for your damages. Our attorneys pride ourselves on honesty, commitment to our clients, and assuring you get a fair settlement. Park Chenaur’s attorneys and staff will work hard on your case to settle it quickly and efficiently.
Head On Collisions
Head On Collisions
Head-on collisions almost always result in serious injuries due to the combined impact of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Rear End Accidents
Rear End Accidents
At Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers, we are driven to achieve justice and full compensation for injured people and their families.
Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing applications like Uber and Lyft have exponentially increased in popularity due to their recency. There are now an unprecedented amount of drivers and riders using these carpooling apps.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk Driving Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 28 people die every day in motor vehicle accidents that involve a driver under the influence of alcohol.
Property Damage
Property Damage
If you’ve been in an auto accident, your vehicle may have suffered serious damage, and may even be inoperable.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash Injuries
Even relatively minor accidents can end up causing debilitating injuries and seriously impacting victims’ lives.
