Do you Have a case? Call Today! 415-404-6395

Your day has started normally enough. The family is finishing breakfast and the kids are getting ready for school. You are going over all the things you have to get done for the day. Maybe you need to go to the bank and the grocery store. Of course, you might have to pick the kids up from one practice or another.

All of this involves you driving around. The last thing you are thinking about is getting into a car accident. Unfortunately, no matter how safe you are on the road, you can’t control other drivers. Accidents happen.

If you’ve been in a wreck, you may need a car accident attorney. At Allegiance Law, we know that this can be a stressful situation and we want to help.

You Don’t Expect It

Vehicle accidents happen in many different ways, but one thing is certain – they are all scary. They catch us off guard and can have a lasting impact on our health. If an accident is serious enough to send us to the hospital, we have to worry about even more.

Will insurance cover all of the bills?

How long before I can return to work?

How will I keep up with my regular bills?

Will I be able to afford another vehicle?

All of these questions and more will be running through your mind in the aftermath of an accident. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may wonder if you are entitled to more financial help.

Injuries From a Car Accident

There is a range of injuries that you may suffer after a Burlingame car accident. While some injuries can heal independently or with minor medical treatment, others can take months or even years to recover. In some cases, you may be permanently disabled with no cure in sight. Some injuries that are commonly seen after a car accident include:

  • Bruises and contusions
  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Concussions
  • Broken bones
  • Herniated discs

Many of these injuries will require medical treatment, and you should not be left to pay out of pocket for something that was not your fault. Contact a Burlingame car accident attorney immediately after an accident to ensure you get the medical treatment and compensation you deserve.

How Do They Happen

Car accidents may seem straightforward, but they aren’t. Sometimes it’s clear who caused an accident, other times it’s not as clear. Here are some examples of when another driver could be held liable for your damages or injuries:

  • If the driver who caused your accident was impaired by drugs or alcohol and their reckless conduct on the roadway caused your accident, they should be held liable.
  • More and more, we are finding that drivers are distracted by their phones or other devices, leading them to take their eyes off the road. This can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

What if a vehicle comes into your lane without using a turn signal, forcing you to swerve into another vehicle? The issue of liability becomes a bit less clear. While you know that the driver who came into your lane caused you to react, proving that may become difficult, especially if the driver flees the scene.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are many causes of car accidents in Burlingame, and although driving under the influence is one, there are several others you should be aware of while driving. Some of the most common causes of negligent behavior leading to an accident include:

  • Failure to obey traffic laws
  • Reckless driving
  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Road rage
  • Failing to signal
  • Changing lanes without regard for your surroundings

This is not a complete list, and you should always be alert when driving. Sometimes it may not matter how careful you are as an accident can happen in a matter of seconds. You may be entitled to compensation after an accident that can cover some of the following:

  • Medical expenses past and future related to the accident
  • Loss of income and potential earnings
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering damages

Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your case, there may be other compensation you are entitled to. Talk to a Burlingame car accident attorney to determine what they are.

What To Do

The time immediately after an accident can be confusing, and you should try to stay calm as best you can. You should check on your passengers if there are any and immediately call 911. It is essential to remain on the scene until authorities tell you. Even if you do not feel injured, the accident should be reported and medical treatment sought.

Often, the adrenaline from the accident can mask any possible injuries making you think you are fine when you are not. Reporting the accident and seeking medical attention will directly link your injuries and the accident. You mustn’t make any statements except the police regarding the accident and how it occurred.

If possible, you should take pictures and videos of the scene and get eyewitness contact information, which can help build a strong case. When you are able, write down everything you remember from the accident. Memories fade, and it is essential to have a fresh perspective of the incidents leading up to the accident. You will need to contact your insurance company to report the accident, but you should not make a complete statement. You will need a Burlingame car accident attorney on your side to handle the rest.

Car accidents can change our lives and, in the aftermath, you will have many questions. If you are injured and have to miss work, medical bills will pile up and you could lose income. If you end up with a short or long-term disability due to someone else’s negligence, the livelihood of your family could be at risk. If you need a Burlingame car accident attorney, the attorneys at Allegiance Law are ready to help you. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 415-404-6395.