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Table of Content

How A Lawyer Can Help

Car accident

The Law Firm of Michael S. Braun

At the Law Office of Michael S. Braun, we represent seriously injured people, and surviving family members, victimized by auto accidents caused by others. We have many years of experience in pursuing these cases aggressively to obtain fair and timely compensation for our clients. Our combined experience and tenacity combine to produce results.

A lawyer can assist after a car accident in various ways, including:

  • Gathering evidence: They can help gather and preserve evidence to build a strong case, such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
  • Representing you in court: If necessary, they can represent you in court and provide legal guidance to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
  • Advising on your rights: A lawyer can advise you on your rights and responsibilities, including your right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

What To Do After A Car Accident

What to Do When The Insurance Company Calls You

If you are involved in a car accident, here are some steps to take:

  • Check for injuries: First, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
  • Call the police: Regardless of the severity of the accident, call the police and report the accident. They will document the accident and create an accident report.
  • Exchange information: Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and the make and model of their car.
  • Gather evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any injuries sustained. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
  • Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident to ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly.
  • Consult with an attorney: If you are injured or if significant damage was done to your car, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options.

Remember to remain calm and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and others involved in the accident, and begin the process of recovering from the accident.

Types of Injuries That Can Result From A Car Accident​

A car accident can cause a wide range of physical and psychological injuries, including:

  • Whiplash: This is a common injury in car accidents that occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward.
  • Concussion: A concussion can occur when the head is hit or jolted, causing damage to the brain.
  • Broken bones: Car accidents can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips.
  • Internal injuries: These are injuries to the internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, and can be life-threatening.
  • Cuts and bruises: Glass from broken windows and other debris from the car accident can cause cuts and bruises.
  • Psychological injuries: Car accidents can also cause psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The extent and type of injuries sustained in a car accident can vary widely and depend on several factors, including the speed and force of the impact, the position of the occupants in the vehicle, and the use of seat belts and airbags.

Soft Tissue Injuries After A Car Accident?

Soft tissue injuries are a common type of injury that can occur after a car accident. These injuries involve damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. Common soft tissue injuries that can result from a car accident include:

  • Whiplash: This is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then back, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments.
  • Sprains and strains: These injuries can occur in any part of the body and involve damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
  • Contusions: These are bruises that result from impact with a hard object, such as a steering wheel or dashboard.
  • Back injuries: Back injuries can include muscle strains, herniated discs, and other soft tissue injuries.

Symptoms of soft tissue injuries may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent after a car accident, and symptoms may take days or even weeks to develop. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t immediately feel injured, to ensure that any soft tissue injuries are identified and treated promptly. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from soft tissue injuries sustained in a car accident.

Traumatic Spine Injury After A Car Accident

A traumatic spine injury is a serious and potentially life-altering injury that can occur as a result of a car accident. This type of injury can cause damage to the spinal cord, which is the bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down through the spine and controls the body’s movements and sensations.

Some common types of traumatic spine injuries that can occur after a car accident include:

  • Herniated discs: These occur when the soft tissue between the vertebrae in the spine is compressed or ruptured, causing pain and other symptoms.
  • Fractured vertebrae: This can occur when the bones in the spine are broken or crushed, which can cause significant pain and limited mobility.
  • Spinal cord injuries: These can range from mild to severe and can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Symptoms of traumatic spine injuries may include pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, difficulty moving, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Treatment for these injuries may include surgery, physical therapy, and pain management. Recovery from a traumatic spine injury can be a long and challenging process, and may involve significant medical expenses and lost wages. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for these damages and work to ensure that you receive the medical care and support you need to recover to the fullest extent possible.

Traumatic Brain Injury After A Car Accident

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious and potentially life-altering injury that can occur as a result of a car accident. TBIs occur when the brain is suddenly and violently jolted or shaken inside the skull, causing damage to the brain tissue.

Some common types of traumatic brain injuries that can occur after a car accident include:

  • Concussion: This is a mild TBI that can cause temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, and other symptoms.
  • Contusion: This is a bruise on the brain that can cause bleeding and swelling, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the injury.
  • Diffuse axonal injury: This is a severe TBI that can occur when the brain is violently shaken inside the skull, causing tearing and stretching of the nerve cells in the brain.

Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and other neurological symptoms. Treatment for these injuries may include rest, pain management, physical therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. Recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be a long and challenging process, and may involve significant medical expenses and lost wages. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for these damages and work to ensure that you receive the medical care and support you need to recover to the fullest extent possible.

How Do You Suffer Mild TBI From A Car Accident?

A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur as a result of a car accident when the head is suddenly and violently jolted or shaken inside the skull. This can cause the brain to move around inside the skull, leading to damage to the brain tissue.

Some common ways that a person can suffer a mild TBI in a car accident include:

  • Whiplash: This is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then back, causing the brain to move around inside the skull.
  • Head impact: If a person’s head strikes an object such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during a car accident, this can cause a mild TBI.
  • Shaking: If a person is violently shaken during a car accident, this can cause the brain to move around inside the skull and lead to a mild TBI.

Symptoms of a mild TBI may include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and other neurological symptoms. These symptoms may not always be immediately apparent after a car accident, and may take hours or even days to develop. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t immediately feel injured, to ensure that any TBI is identified and treated promptly. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from a mild TBI sustained in a car accident.

What Damages Are Recoverable After A Car Accident?

The damages that are recoverable after a car accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. However, here are some common types of damages that may be recoverable after a car accident:

  • Medical expenses: This can include hospital bills, doctor’s appointments, surgery costs, physical therapy, and other medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to the injuries sustained in the accident, you may be able to recover lost wages and income.
  • Property damage: If your car or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
  • Pain and suffering: This is a type of compensation that is meant to cover physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident and its aftermath.
  • Loss of consortium: This is a type of compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy with a spouse or partner due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior.

These damages may be recovered through negotiations with the insurance company, a settlement agreement, or through a court verdict. A personal injury attorney can help you determine what damages you may be entitled to recover and work to maximize your compensation.

How Long Do You Have To File A Lawsuit After A Car Accident?

The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies depending on the state where the accident occurred. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a car accident is between 2 years.

It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations in your state, as failing to file a lawsuit within the specified time frame could result in your case being dismissed. Additionally, it’s important to note that the process of investigating and preparing a personal injury lawsuit can take time, so it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that you have enough time to file your claim within the statute of limitations.

How Do You Determine Liability After A Car Accident?

Determining liability after a car accident typically involves reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident to determine who was at fault. Here are some steps that may be taken to determine liability:

  • Collect evidence: Gather as much evidence as possible, such as photographs of the accident scene and vehicles involved, eyewitness statements, police reports, and medical records.
  • Review traffic laws: Reviewing traffic laws and regulations can help determine whether any laws were violated by one or more drivers involved in the accident.
  • Analyze the accident: Analyze the physical evidence at the accident scene, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions, to determine how the accident occurred.
  • Consider factors: Consider factors such as speed, weather conditions, driver behavior, and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
  • Determine fault: Based on the evidence and analysis, determine who was at fault for the accident.

Liability for a car accident can be shared among multiple parties, or it can be primarily the fault of one driver. A personal injury attorney can assist with investigating the accident and determining liability, as well as representing you in negotiations with insurance companies or in court to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

How Do You Get Maximum Compensation After A Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault?

If you were in a car accident that was not your fault and want to get maximum compensation, here are some steps to consider:

  • Seek medical attention: Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if you don’t feel injured, to ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly.
  • Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene and vehicles involved, and witness statements.
  • Consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible: An experienced personal injury attorney can effectively help with treatment, dealing with insurance companies and adjusters, gathering of medical records, resolving the claim informally if possible, and litigating the matter if necessary to get you maximum compensation.

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries and damages after a car accident that was not your fault.

Anabel LucasAnabel Lucas
18:34 16 Oct 24
Cindy ClappCindy Clapp
03:26 27 Aug 24
In January 2023 I was driving on the highway when traffic stopped abruptly. I was able to stop safely but the three vehicles behind me were not. My car was hit three times from behind. I was seriously jostled and had soft tissue damage as well as damage to my spine and joints that caused considerable pain and impaired mobility. I had no idea what to do.Kevin was referred to me. From our first call he took care of everything. He found doctors who would work on a lien basis. When chiropractic care had gone as far as it could, but I was still in pain, Kevin found specialists who were able to perform blocks that alleviated my pain and gave my body time to heal.When it came time for a settlement to be reached the insurance companies attributed the pain to my age (arthritis) even though I did not hurt before the accident. Kevin was an absolute wall of strength for me when I didn’t have the strength to stand up for myself. The process was long. It was adversarial. Kevin fought for me. In the end Kevin was able to secure a settlement that was nearly triple what the insurance companies said was their highest and best offer.Kevin knows his business. He cares about his clients. He is a fierce advocate, a compassionate ally and he is well versed in pain management treatments that work - far beyond the “rest and take naproxen for two days” that the urgent care doctor prescribed. I recommend The Law Office of Kevin Hatanian without reservation.
Britney TezinoBritney Tezino
18:12 01 Feb 24
Brandy MaciasBrandy Macias
20:19 30 Mar 23
Thank you for such a helpful, professional, and efficient experience! Would highly recommend.
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