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Sudden accidents and injuries can disrupt lives. During these tough moments, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for those injured due to others' carelessness, ensuring fair compensation. This piece emphasizes the important function these lawyers serve in helping people navigate their claims and restore normalcy.
Iowa Insurance Claims: Dos and Don'ts
After a serious personal injury accident, most people file an insurance claim. Before starting the claim, there are important details to note that can help or harm it. When ready to begin, first talk to a personal injury attorney in Woodward to ensure the right steps are taken.
Six “Dos” that Will Benefit an Iowa Insurance Claim
An insurance settlement depends on the strength of the insurance claim, so it’s important to give the case every advantage possible. The following six tips may benefit a case:
1. Contact an Attorney Early: As soon as it’s determined that an insurance claim will be filed, hire a lawyer. The sooner a lawyer is hired, the sooner they can get familiar with the claim and prepare it for negotiations or trial for a fair outcome.
2. Report the Accident: Contact the insurance company to report the accident promptly. If an accident goes unreported for too long, it may lose integrity. Iowa’s statute of limitations only allows for a lawsuit to be filed up to two years after the personal injury accident.
3. Collect Evidence: Take pictures of the accident, including injured victims, damaged property, and the weather conditions. In the case of a car accident, contact the police to create a report and obtain the contact information for any witnesses.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Get a checkup even if you feel fine after the accident. Injuries like whiplash can take a few days to manifest, so be checked shortly after the accident.
5. Keep Records of Communication: Start a file to keep organized correspondence from the insurance company, healthcare providers, an employer, or any other entity related to the accident or treatment.
6. Follow Doctors’ Orders: Continue to follow all of the doctors’ orders for medication, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments, even if you feel better.
Six Things to Avoid to Prevent Damaging an Iowa Insurance Claim
Just as there are steps to help a claim, there are actions that can harm a personal injury accident claim. Avoid these six actions:
1. Don’t Talk About the Accident: Until after speaking with an attorney, don’t discuss the accident with anyone. Insurance companies often try to get claimants to give a recorded statement immediately after reporting an accident to admit fault or suggest that damages were not severe.
2. Don’t Destroy Evidence: Keep any damaged items, clothing worn during the injury, or the damaged vehicle.
3. Don’t Post on Social Media: Insurance companies may use social media postings as evidence to deny a claim. Avoid posting about feeling good or any other statements that could be used against you.
4. Don’t Delay Medical Evaluation: Seek medical care immediately after the accident. Delaying an exam can result in a condition not being properly treated and negatively impact your claim.
5. Don’t Sign Paperwork Without Review: Don’t sign any paperwork from the insurance company until it’s reviewed by an attorney. Insurance companies may use signed medical releases to access past medical history against your claim.
6. Don’t Accept the First Settlement: The first settlement offer may not reflect the true value of your claim. Work with an attorney to estimate the full value before negotiating a fair settlement.
What to Do if You Suffer Whiplash from an Accident?
Whiplash, or cervical strain, is an injury to the muscles and/or tendons in the neck. These injuries can sometimes tear muscles and tendons, leading to long-term effects such as permanent loss of motion, neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and in severe cases, loss of use of hands, arms, and legs.
Whiplash injuries can occur in car accidents, work injuries, falls, and other personal injury accidents. Some whiplash injuries heal within weeks or months, but immediate medical care is crucial. Failing to seek medical care not only impacts your condition but can also harm a personal injury claim.
Treating Whiplash
Treatment for whiplash includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, injections, radiofrequency denervations or ablations, facet blocks, nerve blocks, ice, heat, stretching, and massage. Prompt treatment improves outcomes and reduces the chance of permanent injury. Attend all medical appointments and avoid gaps in treatment to prevent harming your case. If one doctor can’t help, seek additional medical care. Avoid doctors likely to side with insurance companies. Consulting a qualified personal injury attorney can guide you to effective treatment and strengthen your case.
Understanding Lumbar Strain Injuries After a Car Accident in Iowa
Car accidents often cause back injuries, with lumbar strains being particularly common. A lumbar strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons in the lower back, often caused by sudden stopping or impact. Symptoms include intense localized pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
Causes and Treatment of Lumbar Strain
Lumbar strains occur when muscles or tendons in the lower back experience twisting, pulling, or tearing due to trauma. Treatment options include pain medications, massage therapy, and physical therapy, which may be required for weeks or months. These injuries can impair daily activities and work performance.
Legal Actions After a Car Accident
Iowa follows an “at-fault” system for car insurance liability. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover your damages. If the settlement is inadequate, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Iowa’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case is two years from the date of the injury. Consulting an attorney can assist in navigating the process and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.
Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.
That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.