Personal Injury
There are a variety of claims you can make after a car accident. A claim will be based on what happens in a specific accident. For example, a claim will have multiple categories of claims if your car was damaged, or if you, your passengers, or anyone else is injured or hurt, and if you lose wages because you are unable to work as you recover from an accident.
Types of Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Soft Tissue
A soft tissue injury is the damage of muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. In a car accident, soft tissue injuries are extremely common.
Head Injury - TBI, Concussion
Tramatic Brain Injury or a concussion is common after a car accident. Symptoms might include, headache, blurry vision, and extreme fatigue. If you hit your head it is important that you see a medical doctor to make sure you don’t have a brain bleed or other severe trauma.
Neck & Back Injuries
Neck and Back pain is the most common type of pain that happens when you get injured in a moving car. Often times these types of pain indicate a soft tissue injury or other concerns.
Broken Bones
Any bone in your body care break or be fractured from a car accident. Because there is a lot of force in an accident even a “fender bender” and depending on all of the circumstances, can result in broken bones.
Strains/Sprains
Typical strains and sprains come from overuse, but in an accident, it can be caused by an overextension or twist of a tendon or ligament.
Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries typically are related to the tendons and ligaments in your shoulder or the three joints in your shoulder.
Knee Injury
Knee injuries in an accident are typically the result of a forceful twist or hyperflexion of your knee joint. Pain, swelling, and not being able to support your weight are common symptoms and we encourage you to get it checked out if you have pain after an accident.
Do I Need an Attorney if I Have a Personal Injury?
Are You Confident About Making a Claim?
Needing an attorney is based on your opinion and knowledge. If you are not experienced with the process after an auto accident you may need an attorney. It never costs anything to consult with a good Personal Injury attorney. It is important that you have the resources and knowledge on your policy, coverage, and what your rights are in an accident.
How Well Do You Know Your Rights After an Accident?
Attorneys can help you better understand your rights, and what insurance companies are required to cover by law when you are injured, based on the legal agreement of your policy.
Are Your Medical Expenses Covered Now & in the Future?
In the state of Utah if your medical expenses exceed your Personal Injury Protection limits you have a right to receive compensation to cover necessary medical treatment. If you are unsure of how this process works then we encourage you to reach out to an Insurance Myth approved Attorney which you can find here >
Understanding the Severity of Injury
Injury Coverage
There are two components to insurance policies that influence injury coverage, and your ability to have your injury claim covered.
There is personal injury projection and then there is bodily injury.
Personal injury protection will cover your initial medical expenses and other medical expenses. If your expenses cost more than what is covered in your policy then you will make a bodily injury claim towards the insurance of the person who injured you. If they have no insurance you will make instead an uninsured motorist claim.
How can you find out how severe your injuries are?
If you are in an accident and you need to go to the hospital or have surgery, you likely have a more severe injury. While whiplash is not considered a severe injury, it is important to know that any injury or pain should be taken seriously. Getting medical treatment and an evaluation can help you to know the severity and what you need to do to feel better.
Some symptoms do not present themselves until a few days after an accident so it is important that you pay attention to how your body feels, discomfort, stiffness, and pain levels. Even headaches, later on, can be related to an accident.
Why & When to File a Claim
Filing a claim is the only way to have your medical expenses after a car accident injury covered. Sometimes paying for medical care stops individuals, or families from getting the care they need to feel better because they are worried about payment.
In the state of Utah, if you have car insurance, by law you have PIP, which covers medical expenses up to $3000 per person. This means you have no out of pocket costs to get necessary medical treatment.
It’s Your Right to Use the Coverage You Pay For
You pay for car insurance already, so if you have any of these injuries, do not hesitate to file a claim. If you are injured and you need medical treatment, seeking medical treatment will not increase your rates. There are other factors that can increase your rates but this is not one of them.
Brain Injury
Broken Limbs or Joints (Arm, Shoulder, Neck, Back, Leg, etc)
Hit by a Semi-Truck
Herniated Discs in Your Neck, Back
Severe Pain in Arm or Shoulder
Whiplash and Headaches
Neck or Back Pain
Do I Actually Need an Attorney?
Working with the right attorney can help you make sure you have the right information, paperwork, and vital legal forms to get approval for your claim coverage. An attorney can also help you throughout the settlement process, helping you know what steps to take along the way.
It is important to know that an Attorney cannot direct medical treatment, but they are supposed to be with you along the way and give you the knowledge, and information you need through the legal process of your claim and settlement.
Most times in Utah, if you exceed your Personal Injury Protection coverage, of $3000, you have a right to file a settlement claim. We encourage you to work with an Insurance Myth Approved provider helping you to know that who you choose to work with has your interest, your recovery, and your wellbeing at the forefront of their actions.
LET’S GET
REAL
What Affects My Auto Insurance Coverage Rates?
The cost of insurance has gotten more and more complex over the years. Insurance rates are based on many factors including your age, gender, car make, model, and year, your accident history, credit history, driving record, your relationship to others on your policy, and where you live.
If I seek treatment will it influence the cost of future coverage?
It is your right to receive medical treatment for injuries after a car accident. This is one of the reasons why you pay for insurance. Having the right coverage amounts, and coverage categories are vital for your ability to have what you need throughout your accident recovery, car repairs or replacement. Sometimes insurance companies try to scare you from seeking treatment, these threats are not real, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or stiffness after an accident you deserve access to the care you need to feel better and get back to your life.
If I caused an accident will that influence future costs?
If you caused an accident and there is damage to your car or others property this will increase your rates. If you caused an accident and you get treatment for your injuries this will not increase your rates, because seeking out treatment is your right.
Will repairing my car increase my rates?
When your car is damaged in an accident, there may be repairs needed for your car to work and function again. These repairs will not increase your rates and are covered under your insurance policy. IF you hit another vehicle and have to pay for repairs to another vehicle it can influence your rates.
Looking for More Support Through the Process?
We know that sorting out what to do after an accident can be stressful. That is why we are here. To help you make the best choices because you have the knowledge and support you need to make the best choice for you and your family.
Let us know if you are looking for a specific resource and we will help you find the information you need. If we can't help you we will connect you with an Insurance Myth Approved provider for FREE.
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