Regaining Your Life After a Car Crash
Car crashes are frightening events that we can’t fully control. Even with defensive driving, Bankrate states that insurance companies predict most drivers will get into 3 to 4 crashes in a lifetime.
Of course, different factors go into crashes, like where you live in Missouri, your driving experience and sheer, unadulterated luck. It’s hard to predict when or if you may end up in a serious crash, too, but just one major impact can alter your life forever.
If you’ve suffered from injuries after a crash, you’ll want a St. Louis car accident lawyer on your side. At Walton Telken Injury Attorneys, we’re ready to help you through the difficult process of dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, letting you focus instead on the most important things: healing and recovery.
Types of Car Collisions
The angle of a crash determines what type of collision it is. For example, a hit from behind is a rear-end crash, while a hit from the side is colloquially called “being T-boned.” Other types of crashes include:
- Rollover accidents, where your car rolls at least once
- Sideswipe accidents, where two cars parallel to each other collide
- Backing collisions, where one car backs into another
- Side impact collisions, the aforementioned “T-bone”
Some types of crashes are more common than others, but any crash has the potential to leave you suffering from severe injuries. A St. Louis car accident lawyer from Walton Telken Injury Attorneys will help you fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter what type of crash you have experienced.
Causes of Car Collisions
Unfortunately, many of the biggest causes of car crashes are entirely preventable, which makes the sheer number of crashes that happen every year an even more pointed tragedy.
Currently, the top causes of a car crash are:
- Intoxicated driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
Reckless driving encompasses actions like speeding and unsafe lane changes, too. Many drivers who engage in these risky behaviors are young or new drivers, but drivers in any age bracket may fall into one or more of the aforementioned categories.
Common Injuries in St. Louis Car Accidents
After you’re involved in a car crash, you’ll likely have injuries to show for it. Sometimes, injuries from a car crash are relatively minor, like light soreness the day after or bruising. Other times, these injuries can have a huge impact.
Some of the most severe car crash injuries include:
- Severe burns on the face or body
- Limb loss or other amputations
- Traumatic brain or spinal cord injury
- Damage to the organs
- Crush injuries
Needless to say, when you combine heavy metal vehicle frames and flammable material like gas, you have a strong potential for serious or even deadly injuries.
The most common car crash injuries are usually a little less severe and may involve:
- Bruising
- Whiplash
- Muscle soreness
- Fractured bones
Even these “less severe” injuries still require time to rest and recover, which can cost you in billable working hours.
On top of that, you also have your mental health to consider. Many victims who go through car crashes can suffer from anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the experience.
Some people experience personality changes, too, like becoming more reclusive or afraid of getting into vehicles.
These hurdles can get in the way of you living life the way you want. Financial compensation can’t solve all of these issues, but it can help get you on track for recovery.
What to Do After a St. Louis Auto Accident
After you get involved in a crash, what you do depends on what you’re physically capable of. If you had the misfortune of getting entangled in a serious crash, you may not have the ability to move freely.
However, if you aren’t immobilized or in too much pain to freely move about, you should follow these steps.
First: contact emergency services and police. They’ll provide official documentation of the crash.
Next: take pictures and video of the crash. You’ll also want to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Finally: you want to get to a hospital regardless of how injured you feel. It’s important to have official documentation of any injuries or potential injuries, as you can use this as evidence and testimony in court if needed.
A St. Louis car accident lawyer from Walton Telken Injury Attorneys can help you gather and sort through all of this evidence. We’ll stand with you as you face the insurance company and provide support while you continue forward with your healing journey.
Car Accident Claims and Negligence
Negligence could help prove legal liability in the case of a crash. The elements that make up negligence include:
- Duty of care and a breach of that duty
- Causation of the accident
- Damages accrued
When a driver is negligent, they fail to prevent foreseeable harm. This means they exercised less care than what’s expected of drivers in a given situation. For example, driving while texting takes a driver’s eyes from the road and can lead to a crash.
A St. Louis car accident attorney can help you gain compensation from a crash caused by negligence, covering financial hurdles like:
- Injuries
- Lost earning capacity or wages
- Vehicular damage
- Pain and suffering
This can give you what you need to stay financially afloat as you handle medical bills and loss of billable work hours.
Cases We Handle
When you’re searching for a reliable car accident lawyer in St. Louis, Walton Telken Injury Attorneys rises above and beyond. We handle a variety of collision cases, including:
- Car, motorcycle, truck and bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Boat, recreational vehicle and ATV accidents
- Accidents caused by drunk drivers, faulty vehicles or faulty parts
- Accidents that result in death
No matter your crash, we’ll help you move forward.
How a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
It’s hard to navigate the aftermath of a car accident on your own. With so many moving parts and your own recovery to consider, it’s best to leave the legalities to an attorney. Reach out to Walton Telken Injury Attorneys today and rest at ease knowing you can focus on your recovery instead.
