Car accidents are the leading cause of disability and death. Rear-end collisions are the most common, while head-on collisions are often the most dangerous: The latter is associated with traumatic brain injuries and death.
There are mental, emotional, and physical implications following an auto accident. Permanent and debilitating injuries after a car crash can impact a person immediately, or symptoms can slowly surface over time and force them to quit their jobs or change professions, lose income, acquire significant medical debt, and stop living life on their terms altogether.
At Constant Legal Group, we believe there is no reason another person’s negligent actions should take away your ability to live and care for yourself respectably, and with the help of one of our experienced car accident lawyers, you can financially recover and free yourself from unnecessary struggles.
What Is a Catastrophic Car Injury?
Some accidents result in minor injuries, while catastrophic injuries are serious and often life-threatening. Sadly those with devastating injuries may never recover or return to the person they were before the accident, as they lose some or all of their physical or cognitive function. Individuals might experience a range of ailments, such as memory or communication issues, strained relationships, and other challenges because of spinal cord injuries, neurological trauma, paralysis, or disfigurement.
Examples of catastrophic car injuries might include:
- Traumatic fractures to the head, ribs, or limbs
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Loss of limbs
Catastrophic injuries can affect one or more delicate areas of a person’s body, like the central nervous system, urinary, respiratory, circulatory, or reproductive systems. Some may experience a long-term disability, paralysis, or disfigurement.
They might require a long-term caregiver to help with daily needs like bathing, eating, getting dressed, or going to the bathroom. The physical and financial aftermath is often a shock to catastrophic car accident survivors. These changes often go hand-in-hand and result in significant medical debt.
What Type of Attorney Handles Car Accidents?
A good rule of thumb when considering an attorney is first identifying their specialty or practice area of expertise. It is similar to finding a specialist for a medical condition — you want to know if the professional treating you has successfully helped others with the same condition.
In the case of car accidents, a personal injury lawyer is an invaluable legal resource as they have helped clients retain compensation in similar circumstances. These experts have the appropriate knowledge of laws and strategies to succeed.
Personal injury attorneys usually also have experience with other motor vehicle accidents and injuries, such as truck injuries and motorcycle injuries.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
The best car accident attorneys serve as a legal resource for injured parties that need to pursue compensation after an unexpected injury hinders their quality of life in some way. This might include physical disabilities or mental impairments that force a person to leave their job, change occupations, or require long-term and costly medical support.
A good car accident lawyer should:
- Advise you on your legal rights and the applicable laws and offer sound legal assistance and guidance throughout your case.
- Work with your insurance company to negotiate a settlement and prevent you from accepting a smaller offer.
- Gather evidence on your behalf, including photos of the accident, medical bills and records, and police reports.
- Identify potentially responsible parties like companies, manufacturers of defective automotive products, and bars and taverns due to dram shop laws.
- Coordinate and file a car accident lawsuit so you do not have to.
- Negotiate with other constituents, like lienholders, if necessary.
- Coordinate settlement offers with insurance companies and others as needed.
Represent your interests in trial if the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement.
How Can I Recover Damages if I Was Injured in a Car Accident?
Car accidents can lead to unexpected injuries, expenses, and inconveniences, among other things. Sometimes the only way out of a financially draining auto accident is to pursue damages for your pain and suffering and economic losses with the help of an experienced car injury lawyer. A person can potentially recover money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering (or non-economic damages)
- Punitive damages in extreme cases where reckless or impaired driving was involved
The facts of your case determine the potential dollar amount you receive, and Constant Legal Group offers all prospective clients an initial, free consultation. Our dedicated attorneys can review and discuss your case, and following a thorough evaluation, our accident lawyers can begin gathering evidence to build a compelling case against the at-fault party.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
A car accident attorney can be a huge deciding factor in your finances after all the dust settles. Our role at Constant Legal Group is to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries after a serious car accident.
In contrast, the alternative is assuming the debt yourself. Getting nothing for your pain and suffering, or settling for a lesser amount from your insurance company will likely not cover your current or future financial needs.
A small fender bender or minor collision usually does not warrant an attorney. But, catastrophic injuries are different as they are life-changing and could require a lifetime of care and support. In helping with cases like this, we review all potential losses, current and future lost wages, long-term medical bills, and other expenses you might not consider.
Economic Damages from Car Accidents
Economic damages in car accident cases are tied to specific dollar amounts related to ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medical bills, treatments like rehabilitation or physical therapy, and prescriptions. If there was any property or car damage because of a car accident that required repair or replacement, this is another consideration.
Car crashes cost American taxpayers about $30 million, and they are a burden on people and the economy. Car accident catastrophic injuries can cost a person anywhere from $30,000 to $4 million throughout their life. The reality is that people not even involved in crashes pay for about three-quarters of all crash damages, according to the same source.
In taking a closer look at the impact of car crashes, an auto accident attorney can help survivors recover money for:
- Lost wages due to job loss or a forced career change and any future lost earnings.
- Property damage, if another driver’s negligent actions damaged your home.
Medical treatment for issues that require medical attention or funds if you have to seek medical attention for current or future conditions.
Non-Economic Damages from Car Accidents
Another possible financial avenue for car accident victims is non-economic damages. Non-economic damages essentially “pay for” a person’s pain and suffering related to physical or emotional injuries, such as limb loss, mental anguish, anxiety, body function, or paralysis.
A car wreck lawyer should explore some of the following damages depending on your personal injury case:
- Pain and suffering or the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of consortium or strained family or personal and intimate relationships due to your injuries.
- Loss of society and companionship or the lack of love, comfort, and affection your loved one would have received if not for your accident.
- Type of permanent disability or disfigurement caused by accident, such as a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, are two of the more serious car accident injuries a person can experience.
These are generally intangible things and experiences not deemed part of a settlement offer, and they are harder to prove. A seasoned personal injury lawyer with Constant Legal Group can look at every possible angle to get you the most money possible to compensate for your loss.
How to Establish Fault in Car Crashes
A successful car accident attorney should dig deep into a personal injury case and pour over every detail. They gather important evidence to find holes and opportunities to retain maximum compensation, including:
- Driving records
- Cell phone records
- Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby establishments
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions
- Photos of the damaged involved cars
- Road marks
In car accident cases, a percentage of fault and negligence must be first assigned before compensation can be awarded. There are two types of negligence: pure comparative negligence and modified comparative negligence.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Ohio
The rules vary by state and, in action, look like this: Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence approach, which reduces damages in proportion to the claimant’s degree of fault. If a claimant is found to be at least 51% or more at fault, they may not recover any compensation. Meanwhile, here are examples of laws in other states:
- California relies on a pure comparative negligence system to determine liability: Every person at fault is responsible for a portion.
- Injured parties in Illinois and Arkansas may only recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
- Anyone who contributed to a car accident in Louisiana must pay their fair share and equal proportion to their proven fault.
Constant Legal Group can advise you on your state’s negligence rules and possible compensation for your case.
Car Accident Injuries FAQ
Below find answers to some of the questions we receive most often regarding car accident injuries.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Car accident cases and injuries vary. A minor car accident usually does not require the help of an attorney. However, there are general rules in states like Ohio that can help you determine the need for a car crash attorney.
Accidents in Ohio that result in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage must be reported to the police. An attorney can help you file a lawsuit, handle a claim and file for compensation, fight for a fair settlement, help determine fault, and represent you if the case goes to trial.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Many personal injury car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which is true of Constant Legal Group. Our firm offers free consultations and does all the heavy lifting regarding your case without payment. We only take a percentage if we win your case, so you don’t pay unless you win.
Is There a Limited Time After My Accident for Me to Take Legal Action?
Every state has a statute of limitations that people must abide by following an accident. It restricts the time to pursue legal action following an injury, as the courts must make a fair decision based on relevant and fresh evidence.
The statute of limitations window varies depending on the type of claim and the state in which the injury occurred. Due to these laws, we recommend seeking legal representation after an incident as soon as possible.
Attorneys with Constant Legal Group are ready to fight for your case. Schedule a free consultation with us today to get started.
Get a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney Today
Catastrophic car accidents can change who you are as a person, both mentally and physically. You can find peace in knowing that if you were seriously injured in a car accident because of another person’s poor judgment, you might be eligible for compensation.
Different damages are available to you, which we explore further in our free case review. If substantial medical bills, living expenses, or worries regarding lost wages are weighing you down, do not settle for less when you can take action.
Constant Legal Group is a trusted and experienced personal injury firm, and we want to take some of the pressure off and help you regain financial control of your life after an auto accident. See how we can help you recover from a car accident, and contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.