Thousands of people are injured every year in Washington car accidents. If you have been struck by another vehicle, you might have suffered devastating injuries that make it impossible to return to your everyday life.
At our law firm, we understand how expensive it can be to try and recover from serious car accident injuries. In our experience, you can help your case by following the steps below.
Identify Your Symptoms
Some of the most serious car accident injuries are surprisingly some of the slowest to develop. For example, you might have suffered a concussion but not have recognized any symptoms for a day or two. Or damage to your spinal cord does not manifest in any symptoms for a week.
If you’ve been involved in a horrific car accident, pay attention to the following symptoms, all of which might be clues that you have suffered a serious injury:
- Severe headaches or other body pain
- Loss of balance or lack of coordination
- Loss of control over your bowel or bladder
- Sagging muscles, including facial muscles
- Loss of strength in the limbs
- Tenderness or numbness in your extremities
- Mood swings or behavioral changes
Any of these symptoms could be related to a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, bone fracture, nerve damage, or other serious car accident injuries.
Obtain Prompt Medical Care
Receiving treatment as quickly as possible increases your chances of making a maximum recovery from your injuries. Some devastating car accident injuries will leave a person permanently disabled. Other people will be able to make full or nearly-full recovery.
After a crash, go to the hospital to be checked out. You might feel “okay” but still have suffered a traumatic bodily injury. Your doctor can listen to you explain what happened and then order any necessary tests, such as an MRI or CT Scan. If you feel worse a few days later, head back to the hospital again.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Serious car accident injuries often require months of rehabilitation and other physical therapy. You should follow your doctor’s advice as much as possible. Of course, some people suffer from depression or anxiety after a bad accident, which can impede their commitment to getting well.
Discuss any emotional distress you are feeling with your doctor. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Treating depression can also help you stay on track for making the most physical recovery possible.
If you don’t follow your doctor’s orders, then you could be
compromising your legal case. Under Washington law, you have a duty to mitigate your damages, meaning you must do whatever is reasonable to treat your injuries. If you don’t, you might receive less compensation than you were hoping.
Get the Help You Need
A severe brain injury or a spinal cord injury can leave some people unable to take care of themselves. Even if you have family who are looking out for you, don’t be afraid to draw on other resources in the community. You might qualify for a home health attendant who can ease the burden on your loved ones.
Also research community counseling groups. Many people benefit from connecting with others who are going through a difficult medical struggle.
Document the Expenses Associated with the Accident
Washington law allows injured motorists to sue the driver who is at fault for the collision. To make a strong case, you must fully document how much the accident has cost you financially. Remember to keep copies of the following:
- Medical bills for all treatment, even if your health insurance pays the bill
- Prescription drug receipts
- Receipts for devices like crutches, a wheelchair, splints, etc.
- Pay stubs if you cannot work because of your injuries, or proof of any self-employment income
- Repair estimates to fix damage to your vehicle
This documentation will be helpful at proving your economic losses caused by the crash. Many of our clients also qualify for additional compensation to cover their pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Meet with an Experienced Yakima Car Accident Attorney
Medical care is expensive. Although your health insurance might cover the cost of some care, the driver responsible for your collision should bear the financial burden caused by the accident.
At Kapuza
Lighty, we have sued many negligent and reckless drivers on behalf of our clients—and we know how to win. Our clients
have obtained compensation for medical care, future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Reach out to us today. We offer a free case evaluation to those who call 509-866-4166. Avoid delay.
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