Drivers and passengers can suffer chest injuries in car accidents. This is mainly due to where occupants are sitting during a crash. The steering wheel and dashboard, which are usually at chest level, become dangerous objects during an impact. Passenger seat belts can also cause chest injuries.
If you or a loved one is recovering from injuries after a car accident, you could reach out to a Gainesville chest injury lawyer to determine your legal options to recover damages. Get an attorney to fight on your side to help ease the financial strain of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and more. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
Chest Injuries in a Car Accident
Chest injuries may be apparent right away, or they may take time to notice. Either way, see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Medical professionals can detect warning signs of complications. Even a dull pain in the chest after an accident should receive medical attention. Chest pain can be a sign of something severe and time-sensitive, like a heart attack. Also, receiving medical care can help support your claim or lawsuit as evidence that you sought medical treatment soon after your injury.
People are often hurt by the things that are designed to keep them safe, like airbags and seat belts. (However, this is not a reason to avoid wearing a seat belt. Overall, seat belts keep you safer than you would be without one. Wearing one is also the law in some places.) A blow to the chest may cause:
- External bruises and lacerations
- Internal organ injuries
- Heart damage
- Lung injuries
- Bruised ribs
- Fractured ribs
- Muscle strain
When you can, you may seek help from a Gainesville chest injury lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 today for a free consultation. Insurance companies might reach out to you, even from your hospital bed. After all, it is their job to find justification for a smaller payout. You have the option to speak with a lawyer first before talking to an insurance representative.
Potential Damages
Some chest injuries require expensive medical treatments. Also, physical therapy could follow your initial medical care. You should not have to feel the burden of all the bills. This question is answered by carefully calculating the hardships resulting from your accident. Some standard costs are:
- Medical Expenses: One of the most expensive parts of recovering from a chest injury after a car accident is the slew of medical bills. These bills include all medical treatment you receive to recover, from the day of the injury until now, the present. You can also seek recovery for future medical bills. Other related costs might consist of medical equipment, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
- Lost Income: The time you were away from work adds up, so you may be out thousands of dollars while you heal. Often, those hours can be calculated and included in your claim or lawsuit. You may also have diminished earning capacity, especially if you were disabled in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: While financial support will not erase all of the pain, suffering, and hardships you face after suffering a chest injury, it can help you as you restore your health and well-being. After an accident, trauma may cause a ripple effect in all areas of your life. The at-fault driver should be held accountable, allowing you to fully heal.
Some victims wonder what a fair settlement is in their chest injury accident. Many factors will adjust the outcome, such as the severity of your chest injuries and the amount of time taken off work.
Wrongful Death Due to a Chest Injury
If a family member died from a chest injury after a car accident, you could consult with a lawyer about pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. These suits aim to benefit the decedent’s family members. The death of a loved one often causes a tremendous financial and emotional toll on survivors. Family members might recover losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Funeral costs
- Burial costs
- Loss of decedent’s proposed income
- Loss of decedent’s support, friendship, and guidance
Florida Statute of Limitations
You have only a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. According to Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a), plaintiffs should bring forth their cases within four years. Consult your attorney to determine if you still have time to file. It is usually helpful to start the process sooner rather than later.
Beginning sooner means that witnesses are likely still around, and the accident should be fresher in their minds. The first responders and police officers who provided emergency care in your car accident may also be around and easier to locate. However, if some time has passed, do not let this stop you from filing a lawsuit if you are still within your statute of limitations.
What to Expect When Hiring a Lawyer
Each case’s elements are unique, and your lawyer will guide you through the process. Of course, not all lawyers are the same. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine goes the extra mile to help secure all the compensation you deserve.
During an investigation of your accident, your Gainesville chest injury lawyer will gather information, examine the evidence, interview witnesses, and review documents showing your accident-related expenses. Also, your lawyers help you tabulate a fair settlement.
Next, a demand letter requesting your compensation will be sent to the liable parties. Your team will manage all communications, so you do not have to speak to any other attorneys or insurance representatives. If your lawyer and the opposing side do not reach a fair settlement, your lawyer will know what steps to take next.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
No matter if your accident was big or small, you deserve to be made whole. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile for clients. If you have a chest injury resulting from a car accident that was not your fault, we fight for you and do not collect a fee unless we win. You worry about getting better. We take care of everything else. Call 1-800-747-3733 to speak with a team member today.
We Can Help.
