The sooner after your accident that you seek medical attention, the clearer the link between the accident and your injuries could be. Accidents can result in serious injury, and some are not always immediately apparent. There is no time limit on when you can see a doctor after a car accident, but you should seek medical attention regardless of whether or not you think you are injured.
If your doctor discovers that you sustained injuries, documentation of your visit may prove important when trying to link these injuries to the car accident itself. Visiting a doctor shortly after the accident can deter any accusations that you sought out the visit for other reasons. A doctor’s visit may be very important should you ultimately decide to bring forth legal action after your accident.
These factors should help you determine how long after a car accident in Phoenix you go to the hospital.
Another Driver’s Negligent Behavior May Result in Your Injuries
When a car accident results in injury, then the person responsible for the accident may be liable for the losses of other parties. If you sustained injuries in a car accident and somebody else acted recklessly, then you could be eligible for damages.
Some common motorist behaviors that may qualify as negligence include:
- Trailing too closely behind the car in front, also known as tailgating.
- Driving at excessive speeds.
- Engaging in distracted driving, such as texting, making a phone call, eating or drinking, engaging the vehicle’s entertainment system, or taking their eyes off the road for any reason.
- Failing to yield to oncoming traffic, whether they are turning right or turning left.
- Changing lanes abruptly, especially if they do not signal first.
- Swerving in and out of lanes.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
These are just a few of the dangerous behaviors that could be grounds for a personal injury claim. If you believe that you were the victim of negligence, a lawyer can help you formulate your case after you go to the hospital after a car accident.
For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989
How a Lawyer Can Help Victims of Motorist Negligence After a Car Accident
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, and whether another motorist’s negligence caused or contributed to your injuries. Some ways that a lawyer can help include:
- Speaking with you to document your account of events.
- Initiating legal action promptly so that your case complies with any relevant statutes of limitations.
- Ensuring that you receive the medical attention you need and obtaining documentation of care for use in court.
- Collecting all evidence of your crash, including video of the accident, photos of the aftermath, police reports, and eyewitness accounts.
- Filing all paperwork in a timely manner.
- Communicating with all relevant parties on your behalf.
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process.
- Representing you in court, if necessary.
Note that the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Arizona is generally two years from the date of the accident. The sooner that you call a lawyer, the sooner we can get to work. If your accident was over two years ago, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit. Discuss your situation with a lawyer to learn more.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Negligence Case
A lawyer will aim to prove that the defendant in your case endangered you through their actions, and in doing so was negligent. Negligence is proven through a four-step process:
- Establishing the defendant’s duty of care.
- Proving that the defendant breached their duty of care.
- Establishing causation between this breach of duty and your injuries.
- Establishing that your injuries resulted in a loss.
If the jury finds that the defendant acted in a way that exposed you to an unreasonable risk of harm, you could be compensated for your losses. Note that, according to Arizona’s comparative negligence statute, you could be entitled to damages even if you are found partially at fault for the accident.
Possible Damages You May Be Eligible to Receive in a Car Accident Case
If you reach a settlement with the defendant or a jury awards you a favorable judgment, then you could be entitled to various damages. Some of these damages may cover:
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Emergency medical care
- Any tests, scans, surgeries, treatments, or future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Each case is different, and you may be awarded additional damages based on the circumstances of your case. It is important that you after a car accident you go to the hospital in Phoenix, AZ, to be treated for injuries and document them for your legal case.
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Call our team at Zanes Law today at (602) 999-9999 to discuss your case. We can visit you wherever it is most convenient, even in your home or hospital room. We will handle your case from start to finish so that you can focus on recovery.
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