Are you wondering what to do when injured in a car accident in Orange County, LA or the Inland Empire? The first and most important thing to know about a car accident is it is important to have a thorough medical examination within 48 hours of the accident – even if you think you feel fine. It surprises many people to learn the body has a way of covering things which might be wrong, and many injuries can take weeks or months to present actual symptoms.
For example, the discs which pad the vertebrae in your spinal column are very susceptible to the severe forces of the impact in a Mission Viejo car accident. The strain can result in small tears in these fluid filled membranes. It may take several weeks or a few months for the fluid to leak out to the point where your body starts to feel it. Many car accident victims feel fine after the accident only to learn 3 to 4 weeks down the road they have serious injuries to their neck and back, or that the small bump to their head has resulted in a long term head injury.
If you do not visit the ER, urgent care or see your primary physician within 48 hours of the accident you will likely forfeit your ability to file a successful injury claim to recover associated expenses down the road. The insurance company will assert “you did not even see a doctor after the accident, so these injuries must have come from something else.” Legally, this will often hold up and you may lose the right to pursue what would otherwise be a legitimate personal injury case.
Second, if you are in a car accident in Mission Viejo the insurance company who is responsible for paying for what has happened has one goal in mind: settle with you for the lowest possible amount to maximize their retained profits. How do I know this? I represented the major insurance companies for the first 20 years of my practice. I know how they think and the strategies they employ to reduce or outright deny valid injury claims.
After more than 40 years of experience as a personal injury attorney I can tell help you with what to do when injured in a car accident in Orange County, LA or the Inland Empire – especially if it has resulted in serious injury. See a doctor and get thoroughly checked out. At the least it will provide peace of mind and preserve all options down the road. Many people are often surprised to learn weeks after the accident that they have been injured after all.
Third, we invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry as well as our successful verdicts and settlements and contact Rivers Morrell or call today to speak with us personally for a free, substantive consultation at (949) 305-1400.
Ask why trial experience is so important in these cases and what it will take to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. You may be interested in the video of a recent client (a Marine Corps Captain) who was seriously injured while riding his motorcycle and his thoughts on how to select a personal injury attorney.
