admin, Author at Quintana Law Group

It’s wintertime and if you live in Chicago, you’ve probably seen your fill of ICE this year. The road crews have been out salting, but regardless, every year we see the news filled with the headlines of accidents on the road from a small fender bender to major collision with multiple car accident injuries. The Association for Safe International Road Travel approximates 2.35 million people injured or disabled due to auto accidents throughout a typical year. Here at Quintana Law Group, your safety and the safety of the people you care about are a top priority to us. Please consider sharing this helpful information with your family and friends during this dangerous season, and if you have been a victim of an automobile collision, contact Quintana Law Group immediately.

Often after a car accident, people feel frazzled, upset, and assume they are physically ok, but what many people don’t realize is that there are several major injuries that can occur during an auto accident that often do not demonstrate symptoms immediately. Not being treated for medical concerns immediately after an automobile accident can lead to problems with insurance claims and in some cases even death. Here are a few examples of automobile-related injuries that may not present physical symptoms right away:

Herniated DiscsNeck and back like whiplash are a frequent find on the list of car accident injuries. These injuries can be much more serious than assumed, and if untreated can worsen over time. A herniated disc or other spine injuries can irritate or damage nerves in the spine and cause severe pain and other physical issues throughout the entire body.

Traumatic Brain InjuriesAny time your body is shaken or you hit your head via trauma, your brain can be injured. This injury is called a “traumatic brain injury” (TBI) and can cause long-term damage to brain function. These injuries are the worst of the tricksters as they don’t always present symptoms right away. Similar to mild strokes, trauma victims may notice becoming forgetful, or personality changes, often becoming less patient or even extremely irritated or angry, when that was not their normal state previously.

Knee InjuriesOften during a car wreck, a driver or passenger can strike their knee on the dashboard. This can result in injury to the bones in the knee joint. The cartilage of the knee can also be damaged.

Shoulder InjuriesCar accidents and safety belts can cause different injuries to the shoulder, ranging from deep bruising, to shoulder strains or even severe tears of the shoulder ligaments that will require surgery to repair.

Psychological InjuriesWhen anyone suffers a traumatic event, it is not just physical injuries that require attention. Our psychological and emotional state can also suffer.

Clearly, traumatic injuries are very serious, but don’t always present symptoms immediately after a car accident, so be on the lookout for them. Most of them are can get worse over time if not given attention early on.

Quintana Law Group can help or the people you care about identify if your symptoms are something you should consider having looked at. If you or anyone you care about have been victims of a traumatic accident, contact Quintana Law Group NOW to protect your rights and see to it that your medical bills, disability, and loss of quality of life are met with the resources that can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Call Quintana Law Group or visit QUINTANALAWGROUP.COM to learn more about how our attorneys can assist you.

Quintana Law Group wishes you the safest arrivals to all of your joyous destinations this holiday season, but we want to make sure you know the best courses of action to follow should an accident occur!

DMV.ORG published a phenomenal guide defining steps you should and should not take if you’ve been the victim of a car accident injury.

First things first. A car accident can be scary, but it’s important to keep calm and aware. Your first response can affect the reimbursement that you get from car insurance companies if you need to file a claim.

THINGS TO DO IF YOU’VE SUSTAINED A CAR ACCIDENT INJURY

If you’ve experienced an injury, seek medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel well or think your injuries aren’t very serious, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, dizziness, numbness, and other issues can appear days after the accident.

Immediate medical attention isn’t just the best thing for your health. Seeking treatment for concerns strengthens your personal injury claim and creates a trail of documentation. Postponing medical attention can negatively affect evidence that your injuries were the result of trauma caused by your accident.

Take Detailed Notes and Photos of your injuries and medical treatment to help you get full reimbursement. Be sure to take detailed notes of names and locations of any Doctors, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Medical Facilities, or other professionals you may have been referred to after the accident. Also, keep receipts for medications prescribed, crutches, splints, bandages, or any other expenses you may have incurred.

Keep a journal or daily diary about your injuries and medical care. Be sure to include specific details including the degree of pain and any inconveniences you experience from your injuries.

Keep a file of every form of correspondence with medical professionals during the course of treatment including e-mails and notes from during and after telephone communications and doctor’s visits.

Save all of your medical bills and receipts including prescriptions, special equipment (crutches, walkers, canes), special foods, and co-payments. Also, keep track of travel expenses for medical appointments.

Be sure to take several pictures of the accident location including stop signs and traffic lights, if applicable. Take detailed photos of your car’s damage from every angle including close-ups and long-distance shots.

Document proof of financial losses, such as lost wages and opportunities.

Document names and contact information of witnesses.

If you have trouble getting a settlement from the insurance company or you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, photos will be valuable evidence for your case.

THINGS TO NOT DO

Don’t Admit Fault. You may be inclined to apologize for the accident when you are at the scene or admit fault to your car insurance agent or public agent on the scene. Doing so can seriously jeopardize your claim.

Instead, get a police report.

Give a detailed description of the accident, along with photos.Even if you believe you might have been fully or partially at fault, don’t say to the other party, your passengers, witnesses, or your car insurance company that you were to blame. Instead, provide an honest report of what happened and let the insurance companies determine the details.

The best way to make sure you’re making the best choices regarding your injury or property damage claim is to contact Quintana Law Group immediately. Even if you are entitled to reimbursement, a few mistakes can jeopardize your personal injury claim. Contact Quintana Law group to make sure you get a fair settlement for your claim.

Remember these important tips.

Don’t settle on your car accident injury claim until you have completed all of your medical treatment and your injuries are as healed as they are going to get. Otherwise, you don’t know the total cost of your injuries.
Don’t sign release forms or checks with releases on them before you’re ready to settle completely.Signing such forms can release your car insurance company from the responsibility of paying on additional claims.
Don’t talk to people about your car accident injury case unless you need to.
Don’t cave in to pressure not to file a police report.

QUINTANA LAW GROUP is experienced in dealing with a car accident injury and property damage claims and can help you understand your rights and get the highest amount possible for your claim. To speak to an attorney who will help you restore your property and recoup your damages to the full extent of the law, contact Quintana Law Group now!