If you get into a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, there are a few things you need to do to preserve your claim. The first thing you have to do is call 911. They’ll do a thorough investigation of the accident scene. The next thing you need to do is get medical treatment. They’ll check to see that you’re okay. Finally, you need to call an experienced car accident lawyer in Charlotte.
If you don’t do these three things, you risk jeopardizing your car accident claim. Your attorney is actually going to depend on you to do these things after your crash. If you don’t, you’re going to make your car accident lawyer’s job a lot harder than it already is.
If You Don’t Get Medical Treatment, Your Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Can’t Prove Your Injuries
One of the most important things you can do after your car accident in Charlotte is going to the hospital. When you call 911, they’ll arrange for an ambulance to transport you to the hospital. If you do this, then you’ll get the treatment you need. This will ensure that you’re okay. It will also ensure that your Charlotte car accident lawyer has the proof that you were actually injured.
As soon as you get to the emergency room, the doctors will do the tests to make sure you’re okay. These tests will also determine if you’ve suffered any serious injuries. Some of these diagnostic tests and scans may include:
- An MRI
- Physical Exam
- Neurological Exam
- CT Scans
- X-Rays
Once these tests are done, the doctor will have a better idea of what injuries you’ve sustained. This will help determine what kind of medical care you need. It will also create a medical record showing exactly what happened to you after the crash. Some of the injuries you might suffer include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken neck
- Back injuries
- Neck and head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Facial lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury
If you experience any or all of these injuries, you’re going to have a claim for damages.
Your Car Accident Lawyer in Charlotte Must Prove Your Damages
As long as you go to the hospital, your Charlotte car accident lawyer should be able to prove your damages. They’ll need your medical records to prove that you were injured. Now they have to demonstrate exactly why you should have a claim for your injuries damages. Depending on your case, you may be able to demand any or all of the following:
- Medical Bills – Anyone who is hospitalized or just goes to the emergency room would be entitled to damages. Your lawyer will submit copies of any medical bills you’ve received. They’ll also make sure your primary health insurance is reimbursed for monies they spent on your care.
- Lost Wages – Chances are, you may miss a significant amount of time from work. You can submit copies of your payroll records or timecards to prove this. It’s not fair that you should lose wages when someone else caused the accident. But, if you can’t prove your injuries, you won’t get any damages at all.
- Property Damage – The defendant will have to reimburse you for any damage to your car. This includes a replacement vehicle if your car is totaled.
- Pain and Suffering – A lot of car accident cases involve a lot of damages in pain and suffering. If you experience physical or mental anguish as a result of your crash, you should be compensated. Your attorney will have to submit evidence to prove your pain and suffering. They’ll prove this using your own testimony and the testimony of other people. They can also rely on expert testimony from doctors and psychologists.
Your lawyer can only prove damages that you can prove. This means you need to get medical treatment or there’s no way to prove you were hurt in the first place.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Charlotte Today
If you or your loved one get hurt in an auto crash, you should call our office right away. Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in Charlotte, NC. They can review your case and answer any questions you may have. They can also give you an idea of what your case might be worth.
The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case. Your attorney will deal with the lawyers and the insurance company. You won’t be in any position to do this with your injuries. Contact us today.
