Car wrecks are the number one cause of all spinal cord injuries (SCIs). In fact, they account for almost 40% of all SCIs. Car wrecks are also a leading cause of other catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), accounting for 20% of all hospitalizations for a TBI.
The unfortunate reality is that we are all only a red light or stop sign away from sustaining a serious injury. If you or a loved one has been in a car wreck, a DC car accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue a legal claim related to your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Driving Laws and Negligence
While each state has different laws related to operating a vehicle, it is known that all drivers in every state must maintain a minimum amount of insurance coverage on the vehicle to operate on the roads. Also, all drivers have a duty to follow the rules of the road, drive at a reasonable speed, keep their car in good repair, and pay attention to the road. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is illegal in every jurisdiction; if the driver has been found to be under the influence, there may be a presumption of negligence on the part of the driver.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Following a car accident that causes a spinal cord injury or other serious injury, it is important that you take certain steps to ensure your best path forward in a potential legal case.
Call 911
If you or a loved one has been in a car wreck that resulted in serious injuries, the first thing to do is call 911. Every second counts after a bad car wreck. You will want to make sure that trained medical and emergency personnel arrive as soon as possible.
Document the Vehicle and Your Injuries
Following a serious injury, such as a back or neck injury from a car accident, it is important that you or loved one document all the damage and injuries that you and your property have sustained. If the car you were in belongs to you, store it in a safe location. If there is a product defect that contributed to your wreck, your vehicle will need to be preserved as future evidence. If the vehicle does not belong to you, call a DC automobile wreck attorney at The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm as soon as possible so we can begin to work towards getting the vehicle safely preserved. Also, it will be important for you to take pictures of the property damage at the scene of the wreck as well as pictures of your injuries. You will need to document things as soon as possible after the wreck.
Seek Medical Treatment
Your health is the number one priority following a bad auto collision. Some injuries may be obvious, but others will require additional imaging and tests. Make sure that you are seeking all medical treatment necessary, including rehabilitation, to ensure the best path to recovery possible. If you have sustained a catastrophic injury like a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, finding a rehabilitation center that focuses on that type of injury will be most important.
Get a Team Working for You
There are many things that one must deal with following a car wreck that results in a catastrophic injury. While you will be focused on your health and recovery, it is critical that you get a team of DC car collision attorneys in place to help you in other aspects of your injury. The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm can provide you legal support, ensuring that evidence is preserved and that you are being treated fairly by the insurance company. They can also help you navigate life after a serious injury. The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm has personally lived through it and now helps others on their journeys to recovery.
Reach Out to a DC Car Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision that caused you to sustain a spinal cord injury, brain injury, or another catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the person who caused the wreck. Call our DC car accident lawyers today at 1-877-SCI-FIRM to discuss your car wreck and how The Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers can help you.
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