by Attorney Eric D. PuryearWhen a person is hit by a car, it can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. That is true whether the injured person is a pedestrian or is in a car themselves.
A person who is in a car accident should immediately call 911, and report the accident to the police. If physically able, take pictures and video of the scene of the accident and gather insurance/license plate information. Accepting medical care is also wise, as a person may feel “fine” initially only to realize they are quite injured later after the adrenaline wears off. There are also many types of injuries that cannot be seen initially which can be very problematic later. Also be sure to report the accident to your insurance company. Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
The harm from a car accident can include medical and chiropractic bills, which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. It is common to miss work, either due to having to attend such medical appointments or simply from being able to work due to the injuries suffered. Pain and suffering itself is also compensable, both past and future. Similarly, there is often property damage to be addressed.
Insurance companies have a financial interest in paying as little as possible, which is why it is rarely wise for a person to accept the initial offers from insurance companies. The good news for those who have suffered a car accident is that the legal system can help. As an attorney whose firm handles car accident cases in Iowa and Illinois, I have seen the harm that a person an suffer when in a car accident, and the manner in which our legal system can help undo that harm by providing proper compensation. While the legal system can’t undo the car the accident, it can do the next-best thing. However, it can only do so when the case is handled properly, as delays in filing the appropriate legal documents (or doing the investigation that is necessary first) can result in great harm to a person’s legal interests. For that reason, I strongly recommend everyone who has been in a car accident retain counsel at once.