Accidents can happen when we least expect them to. You could be grilling your favorite barbecue only for the grill to burst into flames, causing severe burns and injuries. Other times, it could be a drunk driver t-boning you at an intersection, which results in severe injuries and damages. When you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence, it often is a confusing and overwhelming experience.
Unexpected and sudden injuries can leave you wondering where to start and how injured you should be to contact a personal injury attorney. This article aims to shed light on this question and highlight how invaluable a personal injury attorney can be. Keep reading to learn more!
Threshold of Injury in El Paso, Texas
In personal injury cases, there is no legal “cap” on how injured you must be to contact an attorney. If the accident you got into did not result in any injuries to you or others, you do not necessarily have to contact an attorney. However, you can and should contact a personal injury attorney when you have suffered severe injuries that affect your ability to work, even temporarily.
When involved in an accident, seeking medical care as soon as possible is highly advisable, even if you feel okay or the injuries seem minor. Sometimes, the adrenaline rush following an accident can mask the injuries and pain, making you fail to realize how hurt you are.
Even a seemingly minor injury like a broken bone can demand extensive medical care or even surgery, which can quickly raise medical bills. Therefore, seeking medical attention is essential as the doctor can perform a thorough check to ensure no hidden injuries.
Once you see a doctor and learn the extent of your injuries, contact a personal injury attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages.
Most Common Types of Personal Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 24 million individuals seek help in ERs yearly due to injuries from accidents. The most common injuries include:
- Severe burns and cuts
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Muscle or tendon tears
- Life-threatening injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
Most Common Personal Injury Claims
To be eligible to file a personal injury claim, another individual or entity must have caused your injuries. The most common personal injury claims include the following:
- Car and truck accident claims
- Dog bites
- Slip and falls
- Workplace injuries
- Pedestrian accident claims
Knowing When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident
Numerous accident victims are usually reluctant to seek legal help following an accident. However, there are instances where retaining an attorney is imperative to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Some of these instances include:
When You are Seriously Injured
Severe injuries often require extensive medical treatment, resulting in substantial medical bills and emotional and physical pain. If you are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately and contact a skilled personal injury attorney. Your attorney can assist in establishing negligence, hold the responsible party accountable, and recover compensation to aid your recovery.
When You are Facing Significant Expenses
You do not have to foot medical bills for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence/ carelessness. Contacting an attorney can ensure your financial well-being is protected so that you can focus on your recovery.
When There is a Dispute With the Insurance Companies
If the insurance company is disputing your personal injury claim, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney to prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you in your lowest moment.
Insurance adjusters are out to make the least settlement possible to maintain the company’s profits. They may, therefore, seek to downplay your injuries, shift the blame of the accident to you, or offer a low settlement. Do not let this happen to you, regardless of your injury. Let a knowledgeable attorney negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for the best compensation possible.
Benefits of Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney
In addition to the advantages of working with a personal injury attorney discussed above, an attorney can assist you with:
- Establishing whether you have a legal case
- Filing your personal injury claim within the statute of limitations
- Investigating the case and gathering time-sensitive evidence to prove your claim
- Calculating damages
- Representing you in court
Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in El Paso, Texas, are Here to Help
If you or someone you know has been injured due to another party’s carelessness in EL Paso, Texas, our experienced personal injury attorneys at the Ruhmann Law Firm can help protect your rights and work towards securing fair compensation, regardless of the extent of your injuries. Contact us at 915-910-5600 or online for a free consultation.