If You Only Suffer a Minor Injury in a Car Accident, Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?
Many times, people who are in car accidents may suffer minor injuries, not requiring them to seek medical attention. If you sustain cuts, bumps, or bruises, you may consider forgoing the hassle of hiring a car accident attorney. While you may think that you are saving money overall, you would be sorely mistaken.
In this blog, our Anderson, SC, car accident attorneys discuss reasons to acquire an attorney, even following what appears to be a minor car accident.
Car Repairs Can Be Costly
Even if you are involved in a minor accident, repairs for your vehicle could end up being costly. Even something as simple as repairing an air conditioner condenser could cost upwards of $1,700. While it is encouraged to get a quote from a reliable mechanic (and preferably more than one!), the insurance company may refuse to cover the full cost of the repair.
Not All Injuries are Obvious
Roughly 3.8 million people visit the emergency room following a motor vehicle crash each year. Data shows that the South has the highest rate of emergency room visits for motor vehicle accident injuries. Even if you believe that you have only suffered minor injuries, it is often wise to get yourself checked out.
Possible injuries from a car accident may include:
Internal Injuries
Although your only apparent injuries may be scrapes or bruises, the impact of the crash could have caused damage to internal organs. Abdominal organs, including the spleen and liver, are particularly susceptible to damage. If left untreated, these injuries can become life-threatening.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The impact of a car crash can damage the soft tissue of various ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Soft tissue injuries can involve stress fractures (small cracks in the bone), strains (injuries to a muscle or tendon), and/or sprains (ligament tears), among others. These types of injuries can force a person to miss work and family functions. Instead, a person’s calendar will be filled with doctor appointments and physical therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Any strike or blow to the head can cause disruption to normal brain function, known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, mood changes, and communication difficulties. In more severe cases, a person may experience a loss of vision, convulsions or seizures, or lapse into a coma. While some patients make a full recovery following a TBI, others are burdened with long-term complications, impeding their ability to return to a normal existence.
You May Be Entitled to Damages
A car accident victim may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are any incurred losses that directly impact a person’s finances. These may include any of the following:
- Lost income
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries and procedures
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy
- Vehicle repair costs
In contrast, non-economic damages are any non-pecuniary losses that impact a person’s quality of life. These may include any of the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship and society
- Disfigurement and/or scarring
Although the insurance company may consider your car accident to be minor, medical treatment for your injuries and the cost to repair your vehicle can add up quickly. In the aftermath of a crash, our Anderson, SC, car accident attorneys are prepared to advocate on your behalf.
Discuss Your Case with Our Anderson, SC, Car Accident Attorneys
Even a minor car accident can place a screeching halt on upcoming plans. If you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle crash, our Anderson, SC, car accident attorneys are ready to answer any questions you may have. If you are ready to discuss your car accident case, contact us online or by phone to schedule your initial consultation.