Posted on February 04, 2020 in Car Accident

Car crash victims sometimes sustain injuries that require them to seek medical treatment. Of course, this care does come at a cost. Who is responsible for these losses, and what can victims do to ensure their medical expenses are covered? Depending on the circumstances that led to your car accident, the other driver may be responsible for the cost of your medical bills. An investigation may be required to determine who is at fault. If the other driver was deemed responsible for the collision, then the liability for your losses (including medical expenses) will most likely rest with that negligent motorist. 

Covering Your Medical Expenses

Unfortunately, it can take time to recover compensation after your accident. If you need ongoing medical treatment, that wait could compromise your health. To ensure continuity of treatment, you may need to initially cover the costs yourself. If you have health insurance, you can file a claim while paying any co-pays or other related expenses. Alternatively, you may be able to file a claim under your auto insurance policy to make sure your medical expenses are covered while you await your personal injury settlement.

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 Posted on January 31, 2020 in Car Accident

As is true in many cases involving injuries, it is not uncommon to think you are okay immediately after a car accident, apart from feeling shaken up by the impact. During these critical moments, you may not sense that there is anything wrong, as your perception of pain can be naturally subdued by the shock and adrenaline rush your mind and body have experienced in the collision. This is true for both minor and major car crashes. When you are stunned from a collision, it can take some time to sense the presence of any injuries. However, it is essential that you see a medical professional sooner rather than later so you can begin the recovery process. It is also important to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can determine liability for your accident and help you seek damages. 

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 Posted on January 28, 2020 in Car Accident

Aches and pains after a vehicle collision are normal, since your body has absorbed a significant amount of force from the impact. However, in some cases, this soreness is caused by more than just minor muscle injuries, and it may indicate a more troublesome condition, known as compartment syndrome. This is an ailment in which pressure builds inside the muscle compartments. If left untreated, it can begin to cut off blood flow to the affected area, resulting in serious complications. Such injuries are usually seen in the legs, but they can also occur in the hands, arms, or feet. Compartment syndrome may be either chronic or acute; most cases resulting from an auto accident are acute, which can be more dangerous. 

Warning Signs of Compartment Syndrome

How do you determine if your injuries are typical or something more serious? Look for these signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome:

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 Posted on January 24, 2020 in Car Accident

One of the most common questions drivers or passengers struggle with when they are hurt in a car accident is whether their injuries are considered serious, or if they should be concerned about their long-term health. In many cases, when people have a headache or some aches or pains for a few days following an accident, they are tempted to brush the symptoms off with the hopeful assumption that they will soon be on the mend. However, severe and minor injuries alike can be tricky to assess, as some are subtle at first and then gradually worsen over time, while others are immediately noticeable.

Injuries That May Result in Long-Term Damage

While some car crash injuries are thankfully minor or temporary, others end up being catastrophic personal injuries that alter our lives forever. A few examples of such devastating injuries include:

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 Posted on January 20, 2020 in Car Accident

The mere thought of your teenager experiencing a car accident or injury can be incredibly overwhelming, especially as you watch him or her venture out onto the open road as a new driver for the first time. Statistically speaking, the number of teen drivers has declined significantly over the past 30 years. According to a 2016 study, almost half of all 16-year-olds were licensed drivers back in 1983, but less than a quarter of teens had their license at this age in 2016. The increasing cost of insurance and fuel, paired with increased access to public transit systems and rideshare programs, are all believed to be at least partially responsible for this change. Yet, most teens do eventually get their license. In fact, almost two thirds of all 19-year-olds were documented as having their license in 2016. What do these trends mean for parents, and how can you help to ensure your teen is a safe and responsible driver, regardless of age? Below are a few tips for both parents and their kids when experiencing this milestone:

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 Posted on January 13, 2020 in Car Accident

Whether you are a driver, bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist, every time you venture out onto the open road, you are at risk for accidents and injuries. It is important to remember that everyone shares the same roadways and has the same rights by law. Depending on your mode of transportation, however, you may have different disadvantages that make you more susceptible to injury in a collision. Whether you are involved in a car accident or a motorcycle accident or have been struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. It is also important to understand the steps drivers and others on the road should take to decrease the chances of a collision, since failure to follow the proper safety procedures can lead to a driver being held liable for the injuries and damages that are caused in an accident.

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 Posted on January 08, 2020 in Car Accident

Even when motorists practice safe driving techniques, crashes are a fact of life. Winter weather conditions can sometimes cause a chain reaction if cars start to slide on icy roadways and cannot stop. In other scenarios, speeding or distracted driving may lead to a collision. While many auto accidents involve just one or two vehicles, multiple-vehicle car accidents do occur. In these instances, it can be difficult to determine who is truly at fault for the crash, which can complicate the recovery process for the victims. Thankfully, injured parties can recover compensation with help from the law and a seasoned personal injury attorney.

Who Is Financially Responsible in a Crash?

In Illinois, innocent victims of a crash have the right to seek compensation from the person (or persons) who caused the accident. This responsible individual is otherwise known as the “at-fault party.” It is also important to know that there can be multiple at-fault parties in a crash. The amount of compensation that each liable party must cover is determined by their percentage of fault in the crash.

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 Posted on December 31, 2019 in Car Accident

There are a wide variety of risky driving behaviors that can result in car accidents, including speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving. In many cases, serious injuries can be avoided by proper seat belt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seat belt properly is one of the single most effective things you can do to protect your safety in the event of a crash. A simple act of prevention can go a long way, and seat belts can protect against injuries and may even save a life in an automobile accident. However, serious injuries can occur even when a person is wearing a seat belt, and car accident victims should work with an attorney to determine their legal options for recovering compensation from a driver who was at fault for a collision.

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 Posted on December 30, 2019 in Car Accident

It is all too easy to miss signs of injury in the aftermath of a car accident, as the incident instantly triggers a cloud of confusion, adrenaline, and shock. Whether the collision is a minor fender-bender or a serious head-on crash at an intersection, the experience can have major consequences on a victim’s health and well-being. The human body is a fragile system, and it does not take much for a mild injury to cause significant damage. If you are the victim of a car crash, you may lose your ability to function normally, and in some cases, this can result in life-altering changes to your health.

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

It is important to take any auto accident injury seriously, since it can have devastating consequences if left untreated. That is why you should see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:   

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 Posted on December 26, 2019 in Personal Injury

Whether you prefer riding your motorcycle in warm, sunny weather, or you ride daily, come rain or shine, you know the risks that come with operating a motorcycle, regardless of the time of year. Doing your best to avoid a motorcycle accident begins with the understanding that operating a bike requires a different skillset and knowledge than the competence needed to drive an automobile. While you certainly cannot control the driving behavior of others around you, there are some safety practices that every motorcyclist can put into action to decrease their chances of accident and injury.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

1. Carry the proper license - While it is true that licensing regulations vary for motorcyclists from state to state, a motorcycle license endorsement is required, no matter which state you reside in. A combination of written and riding skills tests must be completed in order to obtain an official license endorsement and demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and knowledge to safely ride a motorcycle. Carrying the proper license may not guarantee your protection from a motorcycle accident and injury, but it definitely increases your chances of being able to ride efficiently and effectively so you are prepared to operate your bike in the safest way possible.

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