Seeking Compensation on Behalf of Injured Victims
With so many drivers on the road, car accidents are becoming increasingly common. Even in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be facing medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other expenses. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence or reckless actions, you deserve to hold them accountable and seek compensation for your injuries.
Being in a car accident is a frightening and overwhelming experience. Car accident victims may experience injuries that leave them with life-long symptoms. Making a claim through an insurance company on your own could get you some compensation, but it is unlikely to bring you the maximum payment that you deserve.
Our team of car accident attorneys at Cornell Injury Law is here to help you recover damages. We understand just how difficult this situation can be for you and your family members, and we are dedicated to handling the legal side of your case so you can focus on resting and recovering. To learn more about a car accident claim and receive a free consultation from our team, contact our law firm by calling 319-946-4019 today.
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?
After experiencing a car crash, it is essential to gather as much information about the accident as possible. Determining what kind of car accident you were in can help you find the main cause of your car accident.
The most common types of car accidents include:
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are the most dangerous kinds of car accidents. In a head-on accident, cars traveling in opposite directions hit each other when one car drifts into the oncoming lane. Many head-on collisions result in serious injuries and can be fatal. In most head-on collisions, the driver who was driving the wrong way is at fault.
Side-Swipe
Cars can brush each other when another driver drifts into the wrong lane. The struck car may panic and over-correct, causing them to crash. The fault typically lies with the driver who drove into the wrong lane.
Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are typically not deadly but can cause extensive property damage and injuries. They often happen when the rear driver is driving too quickly and cannot stop before hitting the front driver. The impact can cause both cars to crumple and even send the front driver further into traffic, causing a chain reaction.
T-Bone
When one vehicle hits the broad side of another, this is called a t-bone accident. These accidents often occur in intersections and happen because one driver fails to observe a red light or stop sign.
Angular
An angular crash happens when a turning car and a car driving straight through an intersection hit each other. They often occur when one driver does not stop for a red light or stop sign.
What Are the Most Common Injuries After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can cause severe injuries with lifelong symptoms. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. Even if you do not seem injured now, symptoms can appear hours or days after an accident.
Injured Iowans may experience injuries like:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Disc injuries in the neck and back
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Organ failure
- Amputation
- Severe burns
If you have sought any medical attention already, keep a record of the medical costs you pay yourself. Any medical costs you accrue because of your accident can potentially be recovered in your accident claim. The auto accident lawyers on our team can provide you with more information.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can be frightening and traumatic. Many victims go into shock after an accident and are unable to recall key details about the crash. Knowing what to do after an accident can help you recover compensation in a car accident claim.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, take the following steps:
Seek Medical Care
Injuries are very common after any auto accident. Seek medical care from a healthcare professional, and call emergency services if you or other passengers are severely injured.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
After making sure you’re okay, ask the other driver to provide their name, phone number, and insurance company. Also, write down their driver’s license number and their license plate number so you can get ahold of them later.
Take Photos of the Crash
Photos and videos will support your claim later. Photograph any damage to your car, damage to the other car, and injuries sustained by you and your passengers.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
In most cases, you must call the police for any car accident that results in severe property damage or bodily injuries. Once the cops arrive, give them the facts about the accident, then ask for a copy of the accident report to use in your claim.
Do Not Admit Fault
It is very common for victims to apologize after a car accident, especially if they feel they are to blame. However, admitting fault can prevent you from seeking compensation in a car accident claim. Do not admit fault to the other driver or any witnesses of the crash.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer on Our Team
The sooner you reach out to your team of personal injury lawyers, the sooner we can begin building your case. Contact our law firm today for more information about car accident lawsuits.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Claim in a Car Accident Case?
For most personal injury cases, you can recover damages for any financial losses you sustained because of the accident. You must prove that the losses you accrued were a direct result of the car accident.
Many car accident victims claim the following damages:
- Medical costs, both present and future
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Should I Consult a Car Accident Attorney?
Car accident cases can quickly become complicated. Your insurance company may try to offer you a small payout that doesn’t cover all of your expenses. Medical bills, property damage repairs, and other costs associated with a car accident add up fast, leaving you and your family in debt for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
If you would like to seek justice and recover the financial compensation you deserve, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney on our team. Our lawyers at Cornell Injury Law have years of experience advocating for clients in personal injury cases. We will keep fighting for you until you get the payment you deserve. For a free consultation, contact us today by calling 319-946-4019.