Getting hurt in a car accident can really impact your everyday life in Spokane. It’s not just about the physical pain and health problems; it can affect you mentally and emotionally, as well. And depending on how serious your injuries are, it could be extremely impactful to your finances.
To put it simply, injuries mean going to the doctor and getting bills. Sometimes, you need a lot of medical treatment to get better. And the more treatment you need, the more it could cost you and your family. That’s why it’s really important to know what you can do legally to help yourself.
Experienced Spokane Personal Injury Lawyers Can Guide You
Since 1948, the team of Spokane personal injury lawyers at Crary, Chuang & Domanico, P.S. has been serving Spokane accident victims with legal support and guidance. If you decide to work with us, we’ll carefully look at your case to see if someone was careless and to figure out the right amount of financial support available to you. Then, we’ll be there to guide you through the entire process, so you can focus on getting better.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Spokane car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
How Can You Be Injured in a Spokane Car Accident?
No two car accidents in Spokane are alike, from the type of collision to the resulting injuries and damage. What’s worse, even a seemingly minor car accident can eventually mushroom into more extensive injuries. Basically, when you’re in a car accident, you never know just how hurt you could be. Still, understanding the impact and circumstances of your particular accident can be helpful if you ever find yourself in that situation. Usually, you can be injured in the following ways after a Spokane car accident:
- Broken bones and fractures – These injuries occur when bones in the body suffer either a break or a crack. They often affect areas like your arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
- Head trauma – Head injuries can vary widely in terms of severity, ranging from concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have lasting consequences on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, impacting sensation and motor function below the site of the injury.
- Back and neck injuries – This includes issues like herniated discs, whiplash, or strains/sprains, leading to pain and restricted mobility.
- Soft tissue injuries – These injuries involve harm to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues, leading to strains, sprains, or tears.
- Internal organ damage – Internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys, can sustain harm in accidents, potentially causing internal bleeding or other complications.
- Lacerations – Accidents can lead to cuts, lacerations, or deep wounds, necessitating medical attention and possibly resulting in scars.
- Burn injuries – Burns can occur due to fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces, causing varying degrees of damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
- Psychological and emotional distress – Accidents can also inflict emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
While it’s important to understand how impactful a car accident can be on your life, the reality is you never know when or where a car accident will happen. Thus, it’s very important to always drive carefully and follow the rules of the road. Still, if and when you’re involved in a car accident, getting medical treatment right away is vital to your recovery.
What Types of Medical Treatment Do You Need After a Spokane Car Accident?
Obviously, when you’re in a car accident, you might not realize how hurt you are right away. With any car accident comes a rush of adrenaline that can sometimes mask the extent of your injuries. That’s why it’s extremely important to get medical treatment right away, even if you don’t feel hurt at the moment. A doctor can examine you and find any issues before they get bigger. That said, the specific type of medical treatment you need will depend on the circumstances of your accident and could include:
- Emergency treatment – If you have severe injuries or if anyone involved in the accident is in critical condition, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical care may involve stabilizing your condition, treating life-threatening injuries, and transporting you to the hospital.
- Medical evaluation – A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential to identify and diagnose any hidden or apparent injuries. This evaluation may include physical examinations, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.
- Orthopedic treatment – If you have fractures, broken bones, or musculoskeletal injuries, you may need treatment from an orthopedic specialist. This could involve setting broken bones, casting, or surgery in severe cases.
- Neurological treatment – Head injuries or suspected traumatic brain injuries require assessment by a neurologist. They may recommend brain imaging, monitoring, and a treatment plan based on the severity of the injury.
- Physical therapy – After injuries, physical therapy may be necessary to regain strength, mobility, and flexibility. Physical therapists can create customized rehabilitation plans.
- Pain management – Part of your recovery will be dealing with chronic pain. Pain specialists can offer various treatments, including medications, injections, or alternative therapies like acupuncture.
- Wound care – If you have cuts, lacerations, or burns, proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and minimize scarring. This may involve cleaning, sutures, or wound dressings.
- Internal treatment – In cases of internal injuries, internal medicine specialists can monitor your condition, provide medications, and recommend any necessary surgical interventions.
- Psychological counseling – Car accidents can lead to emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Psychologists or counselors can provide therapy and support to address these psychological injuries.
- Rehabilitation – Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require rehabilitation, which can include occupational therapy or speech therapy in addition to physical therapy.
After a car accident, you could need all kinds of different medical treatment. While this treatment is necessary, it ultimately means that you’ll be facing numerous hospital bills. Thus, it’s vital that you understand what your options are for recouping some of these costs.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Spokane Car Accident?
If you’re facing significant injuries and hospital bills after a car accident in Spokane, you’ll likely need all the help you can get. There’s no legal requirement that says you have to have a lawyer represent you in an injury claim in Washington, but having our team is certainly in your best interest. While you may worry about paying for our legal services, you don’t have to. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t need to worry about paying upfront. Instead, our fees come from a portion of your settlement or trial outcome. This arrangement benefits both you and us. You avoid the immediate financial burden, and we’re motivated to work hard to maximize your case’s value and cover our expenses.
With the financial aspect settled, it’s wise to consider your legal options. These involve specific steps to seek financial support under the law from the responsible party for your injuries. Typically, the at-fault party is held responsible for damages if their negligence caused your injury. Keep in mind Washington’s “comparative negligence” system, where your role in the accident can affect the awarded amount.
Another crucial aspect in Washington personal injury claim process is the “statute of limitations,” setting a three-year deadline to file a lawsuit from the injury date. Missing this deadline means losing the opportunity to pursue legal action.
You have three main options when starting a claim: filing with your insurance, filing against the at-fault party’s insurance, or initiating a lawsuit.
- Filing a claim with your insurance – After an injury, start by filing a claim with your insurance provider. Provide essential documents like medical records, insurance estimates, and police reports. These documents are crucial if your case goes to court.
- Filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance – The next step often involves negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance to reach a settlement before considering a lawsuit. This may work for smaller claims but may not be suitable for substantial damages or severe injuries. The decision to settle or sue is yours.
- Filing a lawsuit – Personal injury cases can be complex and involve negotiation, litigation, and possibly a trial. Filing a lawsuit initiates the discovery process, which can be time-consuming. Both sides may object to specific requests, extending the process. If the case goes to trial, it can be costly and unpredictable. Throughout, our firm will keep you informed and collaborate with you for the best possible outcome.
Damages
In a Spokane personal injury claim, the goal is to recover financial support for your injuries, including hospital bills. These “damages” typically cover:
- Medical expenses, like hospital bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Legal Guidance from Dedicated Spokane Personal Injury Lawyers
Coping with injuries after a car accident, especially with mounting hospital bills, is challenging. CCD Law is here to help. Our experienced Spokane personal injury lawyers have assisted numerous clients with their cases and are dedicated to ensuring you receive the financial support you need for your recovery.
Don’t wait. Contact us today to set up a free initial consultation with our office to learn more.
