Common Auto Accident Injuries And What To Do About Them
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
More than 18 million people live in the state of Florida, and when you factor in the millions who visit every year it isn't hard to see why there are often more people here than nearly anywhere else in the country. That also explains why dozens of accidents occur every day in the St. Petersburg area. Accidents involving automobiles can be incredibly serious, and while many are fairly minor it's still important to recognize just how many drivers are injured in some way or another.With that in mind, taking a closer look at some of the main injuries that occur is important – as is figuring out what to do if you're involved in an accident of this kind. Knowing the basics of auto accidents, what common injuries occur, and how to manage the days following an injury is important.
First, here are the most common auto accident injuries drivers in the state experience.
- Broken Bones
- Concussions
- Neck Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Bruising
- Abrasions
- Cuts
- Back Injuries
- Brain Injuries
As you can see reviewing the list above, there's a wide range of common injuries that occur in an accident. But what do you need to do about it? Under Florida law, every motorist is required to carry PIP coverage as a driver. This insurance works simply – if you're injured, it provides you with financial compensation to cover your own injuries. In most cases, if the other party is at fault your PIP coverage will pay you and then seek restitution from the other party – this isn't always the case, but is usually the basic process.
However, PIP coverage does have some fairly strict guidelines in place. For instance, you only have two weeks – fourteen days – to seek medical attention at the doctor. Even if you have a minor injury like a scratch, it's important to have it looked at. If it worsens later, you might not be able to get any compensation if you're past the deadline.
There are other reasons to get medical attention quickly, most notably so that you can get some form of paper evidence that you're actually injured and that your injuries are at the level of severity you claim they are. This helps prove your case in court, establishes a paper trail, and helps show that you're not just trying to scam an insurance company – your injuries are serious and real, and the medical records help document this.
From here, your next step will be figuring out whether or not you have the grounds to seek compensation for your injuries. Minor injuries usually won't be a problem, but if you're suffering from serious injuries it's important to take the time and effort needed to seek financial restitution. Consider some of the costs that can come with an injury:
- Lost wages from time way from work
- Current medical bills
- Medication costs
- Future medical costs
- And more
As a result of these costs, an accident can place you in a serious financial hardship. Compensation for your injuries is worth seeking out if you're not to blame for the accent. A good personal injury lawyer in St Petersburg will be able to help you figure out what options you have available and how best to proceed. Sometimes you may not have the right to get restitution, but if you do you'll want to ensure that you have a professional attorney on your side.