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Automobile Accidents and Personal Injury

Automobile injuries can be quite severe, and many aren’t obvious at the time of the accident. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention immediately to ensure that what looks like a small problem isn’t a big one.

Automobile Accidents

Types of Injuries

When you get into an automobile accident, almost any part of your body may be injured. The most common injuries we see are soft tissue injuries, internal injuries, emotional distress/ psychological injuries, and orthopedic injuries.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur when the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, or ligaments) experience trauma. Soft tissue damage can look like swelling, soreness, discoloration, and a limited range of motion to the injured area. The most common types of soft tissue damage we see in automobile accidents are sprains, strains, bruises, and whiplash.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are any injury that occurs inside your body, such as to your skeleton or internal organs. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose after an accident, which is why it is important to have a medical expert check you as soon as possible. Watch out for symptoms such as pain, fatigue, thirst, nausea, bruising, symptoms of shock (lethargy, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, weakness), and blood in your urine or stool.

Emotional Distress / Psychological Injuries

Emotional distress and psychological injuries can be feelings of stress, panic, and anxiety that stay with you long after the accident has occurred. Tell your medical professional if you experience car accident flashbacks, nightmares about the crash, feelings of hopelessness, depression, suicidal thoughts, mood swings, or develop an intense fear of driving.

Orthopedic Injuries

Orthopedic Injuries are any injury to your joints or bones. Herniated disks, bone fractures, and joint dislocations are all types of orthopedic injuries, but sprains and tears to the tendons attached to the bone also count. Because of this, orthopedic injuries can occur alongside or as part of soft tissue or internal injuries.

What to do when you're in an automobile accident

When you are in an automobile accident, you might be confused about what you need to do. If you are hurt at the scene of the crash, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Your health and safety are the most important thing. 

Once any immediate danger has passed, you’ll want to call an attorney as soon as you can. Always do this before giving a statement to the insurance companies. 

There are also a few steps that you can take that will greatly help your case. If you’re able, be sure to:

  • Take pictures. Take pictures of everything: the scene of the accident, your vehicle, and your injuries.
  • Exchange insurance information. Give the other driver in the accident the information on your insurance card, and make sure that you receive theirs as well. You’ll want to give this information to your attorney as soon as possible.
  • Gather information. If there are any potential witnesses at the scene of the accident, try to get their addresses and phone numbers so your attorney can contact them later to help with your case.
  • Speak with the police. Make sure to provide any relevant information to the police at the scene of the accident. That information will be recorded and may be needed by your attorney later.

Remember, while we can help you pursue the medical treatment you deserve by gathering up your medical records and medical tests, you are ultimately responsible for your own medical care. If you fail to obtain prompt medical treatment, your medical claim may be denied.

The length of your case will depend on how severe your injury is and your settlement value based on the price of your medical expenses and the type of treatment you receive. Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we’ll fight aggressively through the legal system to get you the justice you deserve.

 

What to Look for in an Automobile Accident or Personal Injury Lawyer

You do not have to navigate your personal injury case alone. When you look for a lawyer, you’ll want to make sure they’re the right fit for you and your case. Look for a lawyer who:

Has a local presence. With a local firm, you can visit their office in person or by calling their local number. This makes it easier to keep up on your case and have your questions answered. We have offices located in Pittsburg, KS, Coffeyville, KS, Kansas City, KS, and Joplin, MO.

Has experience. Look for an attorney who has decades of experience and has helped clients with similar cases. It’s also important for them to have trial and negotiation experience. This means they have experience in getting cases settled or won no matter how hard they may be.

Has a personal touch. You aren’t just a case number, you’re a person, and you should be treated like one. A good attorney will make you feel comfortable by listening to you, answering your questions, and treating you with respect.

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