6 Car Crash Facts You Need to Know
1. The Law Favors Those Who Move Quickly
There are two main reasons to act quickly after a collision. First, in too many cases, important evidence is lost or destroyed. Vehicles are towed away and crushed or repaired, and other evidence can be overlooked because it is seen as “unimportant.” We have experienced investigators who know what to look for, and how to secure it. You want to have the evidence you need to get a fair recovery.
2. Investigation by qualified Attorneys Needed to Determine Fault
If they come to the collision scene, law enforcement officers may make an initial determination of who is at fault based on their impressions and what they are told. However, this initial determination may not tell the whole story. In our cases we quickly work to preserve evidence, including vehicles, before evidence is lost or destroyed, and to interview witnesses before memories fade or change.
3. SOME Serious Injuries Don’t Show Up Immediately After A Collision
Sometimes, what may look like a minor injury can actually be serious. If not diagnosed, it can lead to permanent harm. It’s important not to sign any insurance papers without the advice of a personal injury lawyer. You may be unknowingly giving up your rights to help get needed future medical treatment. Injuries that may not show up right away can include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Often caused by a blow or serious movement of the head, traumatic brain injury survivors may not even lose consciousness or show immediate signs of injury. Traumatic brain injuries are often not diagnosed in the hospital emergency room. Symptoms may appear later, including headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, vision problems, memory impairments, emotional issues, thinking problems, or sleep disturbance. It’s important to get medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Traumatic brain damage can lead to permanent disability.
Soft Tissue Injuries – These include injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and organs. They cannot be seen on x-rays. The most common injuries in crashes, severe soft tissue injuries can lead to long term disability and chronic pain.
Deep Bruising – Bruises can occur deep in the body and may not be immediately obvious after a collision. Severe bruises in the abdomen can indicate damage to internal organs, sometimes requiring surgery.
4. Don’t Fall for Insurance Companies’ “Get Quick Compensation” Offer
With medical bills and household expenses growing and little to no wages coming in, it’s tempting to accept an insurance company’s offer just to get quick cash. This could fall far short of what you will need in the long run. DO NOT TALK to any insurance company or sign any papers until you talk with a qualified personal injury attorney who knows how to protect your rights.
Whether to settle your case and for how much is a decision that depends on many factors, including the degree of the defendant’s fault, the nature and extent of the injuries, and the available assets to satisfy a judgment, including the available insurance coverage. The personal injury attorneys at The Corson & Johnson Law Firm will carefully review all the factors and give you the benefit of our years of experience to help you make the right decision about settlement. We are never afraid to take your case to trial if the insurance company’s offer is inadequate.
5. When to File a Lawsuit After Suffering Severe Injuries From A Car or Truck Collision
The law imposes strict deadlines for the filing of lawsuits, including those for personal injuries caused by cars, motorcycles, or other vehicles. In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases generally gives an injured adult two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, not just to contact a lawyer about a case. Shorter notice requirements apply in certain cases. (There are exceptions and variations to the general rule; specific legal advice for your case is required to know how time limitations apply in any given case.) Gathering evidence could easily take months. Give your lawyer plenty of time to build your case before the deadline runs out.
Anyone involved in a crash that results in death or any kind of injuries should seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible after a crash in order to preserve his or her rights to justice. Furthermore, this is a critical time for the lawyer to investigate the collision and preserve crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
6. Car or Truck Accidents On The Job Can Go Beyond Workers’ Compensation
Under certain circumstances, you may not be limited to workers compensation for an on-the-job vehicle crash. A worker who is injured on-the-job from the negligence of someone other than his or her employer or fellow employee may be able to file a lawsuit against that person and anyone else who may be responsible for that person’s conduct. Such a lawsuit may substantially expand the scope and amount of compensation available beyond what is possible in a workers’ compensation claim.