Car accidents are terrifying and, in worse cases, can lead to permanent injuries. Car accidents often impact victims physically and they leave mental wounds too. 

These mental wounds typically change the victims’ lives in every aspect. The life someone has known before an accident is no more, only adding to the nightmare of accident trauma. 

PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions are typical of emotional trauma after a car accident. All of these conditions can, unfortunately, give way to even worse emotional problems. 

That’s why it’s essential to ensure you contact a car accident lawyer who can adequately handle your case. It’s also critical that you take the right steps after an accident, not only legally but health-wise too. 

Understanding your options regarding compensation is also critical. It’s especially important when pursuing personal injury claims. 

Depending on the severity, the road to recovery can be tough, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain of stress and any physical or emotional trauma. 

Signs of Emotional Trauma After a Car Accident

Experiencing emotional trauma after a car accident is typically expected if the accident is very bad or ends in tragedy. However, it’s essential to understand you can experience the effects of trauma no matter the intensity of the accident.  

So, even if the accident resulted in no serious injuries or tragedies, one can still feel the emotional impact of the accident.

Unfortunately, sometimes the effects are long-term.   

Emotional suffering can be a very detrimental problem in the lives of those affected. Perhaps the worst part of accident trauma is the victim and their loved ones all feel the impact.  

These injuries can cause a separation within households as the victims may experience short-term effects, or they may potentially never be the same again. 

There are several signs of trauma after an accident. It’s tough not to see these signs or symptoms since they typically onset fairly quickly after the event takes place.  

At the first sign of mental or emotional change, it’s best to seek help. Talk to your doctor or someone you trust to let them know what’s going on. The lawyers at Stoy Law Group can recommend the best local doctors for treatment and help.

Ideally, it’s best to be a few steps ahead and seek professional help shortly after an accident. Taking this step may help to prevent any detrimental impacts on your mental health. 

Having physical injuries alone can cause severe distress to one’s psyche. If the accident you were involved in was unfortunately fatal, that alone can cause nightmares and sleep deprivation. 

There are several other signs of emotional trauma that can occur after involvement in a crash. Some are more common than others, but all should be treated right away if noticed. 

Common signs of trauma after a car accident include:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• A loss of appetite
• Crying
• Feeling humiliated
• Mood swings 
• Feelings of anger
• A loss of interest in activities
• Problems sleeping and nightmares
• Mental anguish or agony 

Other signs include:

•  PTSD
•  Chronic depression 
• The development of certain phobias
• Flashbacks
• Withdrawal from loved ones and society 

Physical Symptoms Following Emotional Trauma  

It’s prevalent for victims to experience the tough change of emotional trauma developing into physical symptoms. Unfortunately, this often makes it more challenging to recover as various physical symptoms accompany this issue. 

Trouble Sleeping 

Unfortunately, trouble sleeping after a car accident is prevalent. In addition, emotional and physical trauma can cause you to not sleep from the stress alone. 

Stress or anxiety when trying to sleep can manifest into other physical problems like an upset stomach or muscle tension. 

Loss of appetite also accompanies this sort of stress. High levels of intense nervousness also lead to an upset stomach, naturally making you lose your appetite. 

Memory Loss and Problems Concentrating  

Problems concentrating or memory loss often follow traumatic head injuries. However, they can also occur because of stress or physical or mental complications. 

It may also be hard to form thoughts or simply concentrate on a simple task. 

How to Properly Heal From Car Accident Trauma 

Although physical wounds after a car accident can eventually heal, mental injuries may take equal or more effort. So it’s imperative you take the proper action to ensure you properly heal any psychological trauma after a car accident.    

If you’re traumatized after a car accident and don’t properly heal, it can, unfortunately, lead to long-term emotional trauma.  

It’s also essential to account for healing physically as well as mentally. It will be a little tough to heal one without healing the other. 

The best ways to properly heal are to: 

• Get enough rest
• Ensure you take your prescribed medications 
• Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water 
• Stretch and exercise 
• Properly manage your pain 
• Make sure you have a good support system  

Lastly, you must remain patient. Life after an accident can be uncertain, frustrating, and stressful, but it’s possible to recover. 

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Car Accident Trauma? 

It’s essential to understand what happens to you mentally after a car accident is common and in some ways, inevitable.

However, this trauma will take some time to get past. 

Physically and mentally, recovery can and usually does take some time. However, the time it takes differs depending on the severity. 

Generally, the recovery process for physical injuries varies from weeks to months. This includes physical therapy, surgeries, running tests, hospital stays, etc. 

However, there is not a specific amount of time a victim can heal from emotional trauma. Unfortunately, this can impact the driver or even the passenger, long-term after an accident. 

While long-term impacts are very much a real possibility, there are some steps you can take to help lessen the traumatic impact after involvement in a collision.   

How to Mentally Recover From a Car Accident

Recovering from an accident can be a difficult feat. It’s challenging in many aspects however, there are steps you can take to make recovery just a little easier. 

It’s crucial you are proactive during this process. Although you won’t have control over how long it could take, being proactive can guarantee fewer challenges throughout this new journey. 

Try to Stick With Your Daily Routine  

Although it’s very challenging, keeping with your daily routine can help immensely. Depression and anxiety from any traumatic situation can easily cause you to want to remain in bed and withdraw from life altogether. 

However, keeping with your routine will help you to maintain normalcy for yourself while you recover. Your routines can also help you to keep in a lifted mood while helping you stay connected to the outside world. 

Of course, you want to be careful if your routine includes a lot of movement as you don’t want to aggravate your physical injuries. It’s essential to take it slow but keep the momentum of your everyday life.  

Talk to Someone

This step is one of the most essential steps in your recovery. It would help if you talked to someone and did not bottle up any emotions. 

Someone could be a family member, a close friend, or a therapist. Unfortunately, there is a stigma that comes with talking about your emotions. 

However, you mustn’t have any fear. It’s essential to not let any emotions fester as this could lead to potential long-term damage to your mental health.  

Talking about how you feel will allow you to be comforted and lift the weight of your emotions off your shoulders. Victims of trauma, including car crashes, often feel alone. 

By talking to someone consistently, you can keep negative emotions at bay while effectively healing emotionally.   

Make Follow-Up Appointments

Make sure you follow up with, and talk to your doctor. It’s essential because your doctor can refer you to other specialists who can assist you through this tough time.  

Try to Get Back Out There 

It’s easy to recluse and shy away from driving, especially after a traumatizing event like a car crash. But keeping yourself inside will only make matters worse. 

Getting some fresh air outside will help you in many ways. Although you may be unsure about driving again, at least ensure you interact with the outside world. 

Avoiding leaving your house will only cause your trauma to develop into something worse. For example, you could easily develop a phobia of leaving home or of driving. 

So, get fresh air and try your best to continue moving forward. 

Drive Defensively 

Defensive driving is an excellent skill for anyone, but especially for those who have experienced a bad accident. Defensive driving is the practice of driving to avoid potential dangers. 

Driving defensively helps you avoid certain road events while allowing you to think ahead and navigate specific scenarios as carefully as possible.

Learning to drive defensively after involvement in an accident can help to build confidence after getting back on the road. This technique can also strengthen awareness and help you become less fearful and prepared.  

How to Reduce Driving Anxiety after a Car Accident 

Developing driving anxiety after a bad accident is not uncommon. Studies show between 25% and 33% of victims of collisions develop driving anxiety or PTSD. 

Working through driving anxiety after an accident often takes therapy and exercises that help to reduce the trauma. 

Take Driving Lessons 

Taking up driving lessons can help you gain confidence on the road again. But unfortunately, trauma often takes away our faith and can cloud our memory. 

Driving lessons can help you relearn anything you may have forgotten due to the trauma while helping you get comfortable behind the wheel again.  

You can go at your own pace and set goals that will assist you in becoming more relaxed while rebuilding your skills. But, eventually, as with anything else, you will become used to being behind the wheel once more. 

Practice Anxiety Exercises 

After an accident, victims tend to experience high levels of anxiety in their everyday life and behind the wheel. Thankfully, several anxiety exercises you can practice will help you calm down during those moments of anxiousness.   

Some helpful exercises include:

• Muscle relaxation
• Taking deep breaths
• Visualization
• Counting 

All of these exercises are quick and can even be done while driving. They can help to relax your mind and body while helping you maintain your focus. 

Seek Therapy

There are also a variety of therapies you can try to help you get back to a safe place emotionally. After an accident, it’s best, along with medical attention, to also seek therapy. 

Talking to someone can assist you in getting back to normalcy. Despite the severity, emotions often become scattered after an accident. 

It’s not uncommon to experience severe depression, nightmares, panic attacks, and more. Likewise, accidents, especially those that unfortunately involve fatalities, can bring about an array of emotions and have a lasting impact. 

Sometimes, these situations can also bring up emotions that you may not have been aware of. This leads to further emotional distress, which is why speaking to someone is critical. 

Although therapy is highly recommended, a friend or family member works just as well. Bottling up emotions instead of properly dealing with the trauma will only cause more detriment to your emotional health. 

Have a Support System 

Having a healthy support system is critical at a time like this. It’s important you allow yourself to be vulnerable with those closest to you. 

Opening up can help them better understand your needs and what direction and actions to take to help you heal.  

Compensation 

A victim can be compensated for emotional damages following a car accident. You must understand how it works to get the best possible compensation for your case. 

The severity of the emotional trauma does have an impact on compensation. Ideally, it helps if you can show and prove the trauma occurred after the accident. 

It also helps if you take note of as much as you possibly can.

For example, having your doctor notate any emotional challenges you’re having, or physical challenges can help to show the negative impact the situation is having on your daily life.  

These actions can significantly assist you in a personal injury claim.  

Emotional Damages

Anxiety after a car accident is considered emotional damage for which victims can receive compensation. Physical injuries are challenging, but mental injuries are also tough to endure. 

A physical injury can potentially heal much faster than mental and emotional trauma.

However, just as a bodily injury disrupts your life, emotional wounds also impact you daily. 

Receiving Compensation  

Regarding compensation for car accident trauma, getting compensated for emotional damages can get a little complicated.

To start, you must ensure you have everything documented. 

Ensuring you keep documentation will enormously help with your case. The reason it will help is that emotional trauma or distress is considered to be non-economic damages.  

Non-economic damages are defined as emotional distress or pain and suffering due to a negligent injury. Emotional distress and pain & suffering include:

Emotional Anguish or Humiliation 

This includes any emotional trauma or distress due to the accident. An example will be if a victim has permanent physical changes or disfigurement because of a car accident. 

They should receive compensation due to the mental anguish they will endure from these physical changes.  

A Loss of Companionship 

Often once a victim experiences an accident of any kind, they are not the same. Victims themselves carry new challenges but these challenges also impact their loved ones.  

Sustaining short-term or long-term injuries may cause an inability to interact with their loved ones like they did before. 

It will impact the relationship with a spouse or the ability to spend quality time with kids. 

Sometimes, depending on the severity of the injury, intimacy is even affected within a marriage. 

For example, the spouse would be eligible for non-economic damages in a case such as this. 

The Suffering of Chronic Pains as a Result of Injuries Sustained  

Injuries can cause chronic pains that sometimes are untreatable. These pains heavily impact a victim’s daily routine and quality of life.  

In this case, non-economic damages can be compensated for pain and injuries. 

Inability to Enjoy Your Life   

It may not sound very severe; however, the inability to enjoy life can cause a strain on the victim’s emotional state and daily life. This stress and tension on emotions will also make a victim eligible to receive non-economic compensation.  

Pain or Suffering Throughout Recovery 

Victims often endure pain while going through recovery or treatment for their injuries, for which they are also able to be compensated. 

Emotional Distress Compensation Caps 

The number of compensation victims can receive for emotional distress varies by state. These compensation caps limit how much you can be paid depending on the injury’s severity. 

The cap will also depend on the laws in your state or jurisdiction and what type of case you have. Despite this, do remember that it’s possible to receive compensation for this kind of trauma. 

Everything that follows a car accident is, unfortunately, life-changing and very real.

Developing specific fears, changes to your mind and body, withdrawal, depression, etc., all are considered to be emotional damage for which you deserve compensation.   

Get Help from the Lawyers at Stoy Law Group

If you have recently been in an accident and are struggling day-to-day, call and speak with an attorney at the Stoy Law Group today. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will make sure you get the proper treatment, care and compensation you deserve.

The post Trauma After Car Accident: Recovery & Treatment appeared first on Stoy Law Group, PLLC..

Auto accidents are a sad, frustrating, and scary fact of life for just about every driver. Even drivers with clean driving records have been in an accident at some point in their driving experience. That raises a key question:

Where do most car crashes happen?

A car accident can happen anywhere and involve just about anything. Additionally, recent studies suggest that car accidents are happening more frequently. The most common places that experience automobile accidents are rural areas, interstates, intersections, and parking lots. Additionally, most vehicle mishaps happen close to an accident victim’s home.

Here is a summary that answers the question “where do most car accidents happen,” as well as general similarities that exist across almost all vehicular mishaps.

Where Do Most Car Crashes Happen?

The following areas see the most accidents.

Close to Home

According to multiple sources, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA,) most car crashes happen within five miles of an accident victim’s home. 

Having a car crash near your home makes sense if you think about it. You drive most around where you live, and the more you drive, the more likely you will put yourself in a situation that can result in an accident. 

Rural Roads

Another place most car accidents happen is on rural roads. That rural areas see more accidents also makes sense. Most rural roads are two-lane, have few barriers to prevent animals from running out on them. Additionally, these roads have poor or nonexistent lighting, and because police are not present, drivers tend to push the envelope regarding speed. 

Parking Lots

In many ways, parking lots are free-for-alls that can be described as organized chaos at best. The chaos is particularly bad at busy intersections and during peak traffic periods such as major shopping days during the holidays. The good news is that most parking lot accidents are not serious, although the damage to vehicles can sometimes be extensive.

Intersections

Any intersection has at least two separate pathways for vehicles to maneuver, often coming at each other from the opposite direction. Most intersections have four separate pathways, plus traffic turning in front of oncoming traffic. You would be right in assuming that accidents happen frequently at these junctures since the risk for collision is high.

Stop Signs

These count under the umbrella of intersections, but many deserve their category. Often, people do not see stop signs until they are right in front of them. Other times, the order of right of way can be confusing. Both scenarios are recipes for disaster if someone is not paying enough attention. Additionally, motorists tend to beat red lights, thereby increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions.

Rush Hour

This statistic is also not surprising when you consider the average highway or secondary roadway during rush hour.

On any given rush hour, a motorist experiences:

• Slower traffic
• Stop and go traffic
• Speeding traffic
• Careless drivers
• Reckless drivers
• Tired drivers
• Stressed drivers
• Vehicles of all shapes, conditions, and capabilities
• Frequent stops and slowing down
• Environmental conditions like sun, rain, snow, ice, etc.
• More vehicles 
• Drivers of varying experience

Roadside Shoulders and Construction Zones

Each year, road construction workers and police on detail are struck and, all too often, severely injured or worse. Rear-end accidents frequently happen on road shoulders and in construction zones where the right lane is closed. If a driver is not paying attention, a construction zone can sneak up on a driver and not leave them time to take evasive action.

Accident Statistics

The following are common questions regarding where most car crashes happen and the frequency of accidents.

What Day Do the Most Vehicular Accidents Happen?

Saturdays and Sundays have the most accidents. Fridays from mid-afternoon through early Saturday morning also see a huge number of accidents. People trying to get home for the weekend, those who get moving on weekend travel, and those who are on the way to enjoy a night out on the town are the major influences in most cases.

People also pay less attention from mid-Friday through early Monday morning. If you must drive during the weekend, the safest times are Sunday from 8 a.m. through 11 a.m. However, the most dangerous day of the week to drive is Sunday, followed very closely by Saturday and then Friday. By far, the influencing factor during these times is:

• Drinking
• Fatigue
• Driver inattention

What Day and Month Do Most Car AccidentsHappen?

Most people assume that the winter months or a holiday known for drinking are when most accidents occur. One of the deadliest days with the most accidents, though, is July 4th. It is hard to imagine that drinking is a factor in that statistic since the 4th of July is not known exclusively for drinking.

Others include Memorial Day Weekend and Thanksgiving.

Most Serious Accidents Happen at What Time of the Day?

Most accidents happen between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

That likely is due to the following factors:

• People in a hurry to get home
• Drinking
• Fatigue that starts in the afternoon
• Driver distractions (picking up kids, hurrying home, higher volume traffic, etc.)

What Time of the Year Do Most Vehicular Accidents Happen?

Summer is by far the time of year that most accidents happen. There are multiple reasons for this. Some include, but are not limited to:

• More vehicles on the road
• Distracted and hurried driving
• Drinking 
• Vacationers not paying full attention

Where Do the Most Car Accidents Happen in the World?

Libya has 73.4 car accidents per 100,000 people. Outside of that statistic, lower and middle-income countries have less than half the world’s vehicles but account for over 90 percent of traffic fatalities due to accidents.

There are several reasons for lower or middle-income countries having high traffic accidents and traffic fatalities:

• Poor road conditions
• Unsafe vehicles
• Little to no traffic laws or enforcement outside of cities
• Public transportation with little or no safety measures
• Few emergency services and dysfunctional or nonexistent emergency facilities

Do Most Car Accidents Happen Close to Home?

While a report maintains that most accidents happen closer to home, it is decades old. It stands to reason, however, that the data are still relevant and is still a reasonable assumption that accidents more likely happen close to home.

Familiarity

We tend to take risks when we are familiar with a setting. That holds with just about every aspect of life. You are far more likely to get into a vehicle of someone you know, for example, than to jump into a vehicle of a total stranger.

Likewise, if you know your way home, you are far more likely to take chances driving than driving somewhere unfamiliar. 

Younger Drivers

Drivers with less experience will generally venture closer to home than further away. Younger drivers contribute to a significant number of both nonfatal and fatal auto accidents.

In addition, restrictions tend to mean younger drivers will operate motor vehicles closer to home, such as:

• Laws governing who they can drive with
• Regulations on where and when they can drive
• Driver prohibitions that mandate younger drivers be close to home (miles restrictions, etc.)

Each has the default effect of keeping younger drivers close to home. Because they make up a disproportionate number of traffic accidents, those will happen closer to home.

Driving Caution

When you travel via car far from home, you tend to follow safety laws more diligently.

For many, the fear of being ticketed is enough to make them slow down, drive with more caution and take extra measures to be safe when they are far away from home than if they are right around the corner.

The great equalizer with this tendency is distracted driving.

Drivers tend to be just as careless with texting, talking on the phone, eating while driving, etc., far away from home as they do close to home. 

Where Do Most Fatal Car Accidents Occur?

Many people would guess that fatal accidents happen in more populated areas, probably at intersections, but most fatal accidents happen in rural areas on fairly straight stretches of road. Those accidents are due to speed and driver distraction.

Drivers tend to go too fast on rural roads, with more than the usual potential dangers such as deer crossings.

When Do Most Car Accidents Happen? Day or Night?

Fatal car accidents happen most frequently at night.

That stands to reason, given lower visibility and the likelihood that drivers have impaired focus during these periods. Nonfatal accidents happen more often late in the afternoon during the drive home. That also makes sense, given that people are hurrying to get home and traffic volume is greater than normal.

What to Do When Involved in a Vehicular Accident

There’s bound to be a time when you’re an injured party in a car accident. Once you’re able to contact the police, get the contact details of the other party as well as witnesses, and then contact a personal injury lawyer to help you. 

Final Thoughts

So, now you know where most car crashes happen.

Traffic accidents are a fact of life for most drivers. By using common sense, you can avoid or at least reduce the chances of being involved in one. If you pattern your driving habits to these facts, you can drive with more awareness and hopefully avoid becoming part of the statistics.

When the inevitable happens, however, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to assess the best course of action moving forward.

The post Where Do Most Car Crashes Happen? appeared first on Stoy Law Group, PLLC..

A concussion is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “a type of traumatic brain injury […] caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.” Concussions are also known as mild traumatic brain injuries, or mTBIs. 

With this definition in mind, it may surprise you to hear it is quite possible to sustain a concussion without actually hitting your head. 

Often concussions are caused through heavy contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, and even soccer. Concussions also occur through other means, such as car crashes and auto accidents. In some cases, you may not even know you’ve sustained a concussion. Other times, you may feel symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or in severe cases, you may even pass out.

How do you get a concussion?

You can sustain a concussion in a variety of ways. High-contact sports are where most concussions occur, and a study done by MedStar health over 11 years found that the most youth sports concussions occurred in men’s football and lacrosse. Sports like these often involve bodily contact and an emphasis on tackling and running.

However, non-sports concussions can happen in high-impact accidents.

Many of these incidents occur during automobile accidents. Overall, approximately 5.3 million people in the United States live with concussion-related disabilities.

Getting a concussion after falling

Sometimes, a person may fall and have a headache after falling, but they didn’t necessarily hit their head during the fall. You may think, “I couldn’t have a concussion,” but as we discussed, this is still entirely possible. 

Because your brain is a gelatinous mass, any violent jostling to your head and upper body can actually cause it to move around. Falling can trigger headaches and even produce concussions if the movement is violent enough.

Headaches after falling aren’t necessarily a sign of a concussion, so you need to be careful to monitor yourself for possible symptoms after.

These symptoms include the following:

• Prolonged headaches or headaches days after falling
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
• Blurred vision

More severe symptoms include 

• Confusion
• Feeling like you’re in a fog
• Memory loss about events surrounding the event
• Dizziness or “seeing stars”

Can you get a concussion without a bump?

As stated previously, it is entirely possible to get a concussion without actually hitting your head.

Therefore, you are able to get one without actually having any physical bumps on your head. Though the skull protects the brain, it is not really attached to anything inside the skull. Rather it floats suspended in a substance made mostly of fat.

In fact, your brain is 60% fat, and the other 40% is water, protein, carbohydrates, and salts. Your brain, then, has an almost jelly-like texture. Unlike what you see in models, the brain is not hard, and would be impossible to pick up without chemical preservation.

What happens after you get a concussion?

Symptoms and effects vary between people.

However, there can be some lasting effects of severe concussions. These effects, as described by Mayo Clinic, are called “persistent post-concussive symptoms”. 

Persistent post-concussive symptoms occur “when concussion symptoms last beyond the expected recovery period after the initial injury.” Symptoms of this type usually show up around seven to ten days after the initial concussion.

However, for some people, symptoms can occur years after the accident.

These symptoms are similar to the ones that may occur directly after a concussion, and commonly include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Ringing in the ears

Some symptoms, however, are unique. These include such symptoms as: 

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Noise and/or light sensitivity

Persistent post-concussive symptoms often manifest themselves as tension headache. Neck soreness may also accompany them. 

Although experts aren’t sure exactly what causes persistent post-concussive symptoms, some research indicates they are the result of long-term damage or disruption within the nerve pathways of the brain. Others cite psychological factors.

How hard do you have to hit your head to get a concussion?

According to a study done at Michigan University, a concussion occurs when the head sustains approximately 90-100 g-force. For reference, that is equivalent to something hitting your head at 20 miles per hour.

However, concussions aren’t always caused by blunt-force trauma and sometimes occur in other ways, particularly in car crashes.

Although it may seem that a harder hit to the head would produce a more severe concussion, research by Dr Steven Broglio shows that the force of the blow does not necessarily produce a more severe injury. 

Even though you don’t need to hit your head to sustain a concussion, many concussion-like symptoms may produce a feeling like you did. If it feels like you hit your head, but you didn’t, it’s crucial to note that if you sustained violent back and forth shaking of your upper body, the same feeling may be produced.

Can you get a concussion from whiplash?

Car crashes are a primary proponent of concussions. Whiplash is the major player in giving automobile crash victims these troublesome injuries. Whiplash occurs when a person’s neck is thrown back and forth in a whiplike fashion. Although whiplash usually occurs during car accidents, other situations such as sports, physical abuse, or falling can produce whiplash.

Since the violent back and forth movement causes the head — and therefore, the brain — to experience the same thing, concussions regularly occur alongside whiplash. 

We see this most often in rear-end vehicle accidents. These accidents most often happen at red lights, but if a driver is engaging in “brake checking,” that could lead to an accident as well. Depending on where you live, this could be illegal.

Concussion and whiplash symptoms often are similar, so you’ll want to make sure to get an evaluation from a doctor to determine whether you got a concussion or not.

In addition to getting a concussion, many automobile accidents can produce painful neck and head injuries.

Even if these do not produce a concussion, it’s pivotal to know what to do after these injuries and know when to search for a doctor and get help. 

Concussions after a Car Wreck

Car accidents may cause concussions through whiplash, but it’s also possible the actual hitting of your head on the inside surface of the car could produce one. Years of research on concussions show the devastating effects of these traumatic brain injuries. 

Although it’s unlikely the average person will sustain repeated concussions within their lifetimes, studies show that repeated head traumas can bring about a certain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

CTE is an incurable neurodegenerative brain disease that can onset as early as 40s for some. The disease progresses quickly and often manifests itself through aggressive and violent behavior.

In addition, concussions after a car wreck may lead to long-term effects due to the way they impact your immediate wellbeing. Because some people can’t remember the events surrounding the accident, they may present faulty witness evidence in the case of a legal battle. Those who suffer concussions or other bodily injury can be liable for insurance claims.

With this in mind, it’s crucial to know what to do after an automobile accident. If you are able to, the first step after an accident is assessing the situation and then calling authorities. If you believe that others are injured, emphasize that to the dispatcher.

If you believe that you yourself are injured, then try and stay calm, remain in the vehicle if safe, and if you can, try to call or motion for help. If you experience symptoms related to concussions or another injury, then be sure to go to your doctor.

At-risk Groups and other Concussion Effects

Most concussions do not produce long-lasting results, and most people are able to live normal lives after experiencing them.

However, if you experience symptoms similar to persistent post-concussive symptoms, then be sure to contact your doctor. In addition, long-term concussive symptoms can be influenced by emotional factors.

Older people and those with prior head injuries are at risk for post-concussive complications. Young children whose heads aren’t fully developed also have an increased risk of concussions. Symptoms in children are similar to those in adults, but may manifest differently.

If your child hit their head or also was involved in an automobile accident, then look for concussion symptoms such as:

• Dazed appearance
• Tiring easily/lack of energy
• Unsteady walking
• Irritability
• Lack of interest in toys
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Contact Stoy Law Group

If you or a loved one experienced any sort of personal injury, including concussions and bodily harm during a car wreck, then it’s also important to contact experienced personal injury lawyers to deal with the aftermath of an accident.

Specific automobile accident lawyers are trained to deal with these cases and help individuals get compensation for their injuries and accidents. Not only that but legal jargon and rules can be tricky to navigate and puzzle out, especially after a traumatic event like a car accident.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our lawyers online or other means to help you bounce back from an accident.

The post Can You Get a Concussion Without Hitting Your Head? appeared first on Stoy Law Group, PLLC..

Leasing a car is an excellent way to make driving a new vehicle affordable. There are several benefits, including lower monthly payments and the option to trade it in for a newer model in a few years. 

One of the drawbacks to leasing a car is that you don’t actually own it. If you have an accident in your leased car, it could cost you. 

Before you sign a contract, you may want to know what happens if you total a leased car.

Insuring a Leased Car

In the event of a car accident, the first thing most people ask about is insurance. Having a general understanding of how car insurance works could save you a lot of time and money, especially if you lease a car.

Generally, your coverage must meet the state minimums, but you may want to purchase more to protect yourself.

At the bare minimum, states require drivers to purchase liability insurance before driving any car. Liability coverage pays to repair another driver’s vehicle if the accident was your fault. It usually breaks down to bodily damage and property damage. 

Unfortunately, if your liability coverage doesn’t pay for all of the damages, the other driver could sue you to recover the remaining balance. Consider what happens if you cause an accident with more than one vehicle or one that damages another party’s property. 

Of note, liability insurance does not cover you or your vehicle if you cause an accident. You may want to consider purchasing additional car insurance options to protect yourself and your assets.

In fact, some leasing companies require additional coverage as part of the lease agreement.

Collision Insurance

While liability insurance covers other drivers and their vehicles, collision coverage pays for your vehicle. Depending on how much coverage you purchase, it can repair or completely replace your totaled car.

Gap Coverage

Gap coverage is one of the best options for leased vehicles. Let’s say your leased vehicle is worth $20,000 at the time of your accident. That’s how much your collision insurance would cover. However, you have $25,000 left on the lease, meaning you are responsible for the $5,000 difference. 

Unless you purchased gap coverage with your insurance policy, as gap coverage pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you owe on it. 

Leased Car Accident: Determining the Damage

Handling an automobile accident is the same for owned and leased cars. It’s important to follow the proper process to cover yourself and get the best outcome.

• Remain at the scene, but move to a safe space if possible.
• If you have injuries, call emergency services.
• Exchange information with the other driver or drivers, including names, phone numbers, registration, and insurance information.
• Do not apologize or admit fault on the scene.
• Take notes about what happened and photograph the scene, including damage to people, vehicles, and the area.
• Gather contact information from any witnesses.

It’s a good idea to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to help you navigate the process and work with your insurance agency on your behalf. Since you leased the vehicle, you also need to notify your leasing company.

Repair or Total the Leased Car?

Once the accident clears and officers release the vehicles, your car will be assessed for damage. Note that you must keep up with monthly payments during the entire process, even if you suspect the car will be totaled. 

Depending on the extent of the damage, your insurance company may deem the leased car totaled. Usually, insurance companies find a car to be totaled when the cost to repair it is 65% or more of the total worth.

For instance, if your car is worth $20,000 and the cost to repair it is $17,000, it will likely be a total loss. 

When you signed the contract for your car, you took responsibility for the vehicle and agreed to return it in serviceable condition. Consequently, if the leased car is a total loss, you owe the remaining balance to the leasing company.

That’s why having sufficient insurance coverage is so critical.

Determining Fault of Car Wreck 

One of the key factors in any accident is determining who is at fault or who caused the wreck. While it may not be your first concern after a car crash, it will matter as you deal with the fallout and pay for the damages from the accident.

Insurance adjusters consider a lot of information when they determine fault in an accident. Aside from all of the information you collected at the accident (see the list above), your insurance company will examine police reports and speak with witnesses.

Gather as much information as possible to create a clear picture because the other party will likely do the same. Some cases are simple, while others are not as cut and dry. When things get more complicated, you and the other party may share fault.

To further complicate the issue, in shared fault claims, one party could be more at fault than the other. Naturally, things get more complicated if there are no witnesses, and it’s one driver’s word against the other’s.

For example, both drivers were speeding down the highway and collided when they tried to merge into the same lane. However, one driver used their turn signal while the other did not. 

The driver who signaled a lane change could be found less liable than the other if they can prove it. Without witnesses to confirm the driver signaled a lane change, they may be held equally responsible. 

Types of Fault in a Car Accident

State legislatures put forth laws about car insurance coverage, determining fault, and how to decide when insurance companies pay.

In the United States, there are a few general classifications for determining fault.

• In no-fault states, drivers have personal injury protection as part of their coverage. It pays for damages whether you are at fault or not.
• Comparative negligence states vary depending on your level of fault. 
• In pure negligence states, you would receive no compensation if you caused the accident.

What if the accident occurs in another state with different rules? For example, Michigan is a no-fault state, but Texas is a modified comparative fault state, meaning that you must prove the other driver was more than 50% at fault for the accident.

How does it work if a Texas driver totals their leased vehicle while on vacation in Michigan?

Usually, the Texan’s coverage will adapt to meet the Michigan rules. In these situations, it’s helpful to retain an attorney who is familiar with the state’s legislation. Of course, the opposite is true for a Michigan driver who ends up in a collision while visiting Texas!

Paying for the Car Accident

When you receive the determination about who is at fault, the result will dictate who pays for the damages. Note that this process can take time, and it’s important for you to keep up with monthly lease payments on your vehicle, even if the car was totaled.

When You Are At Fault for Car Wreck

Obviously, if you caused the accident, you are liable for the damages, but paying for them depends on your state’s guidelines. Even if the accident doesn’t seem costly, you may want to retain an attorney to help you navigate the process. The other party will likely engage legal counsel to advise them and help them get the best possible settlement.

Remember, liability insurance only covers the damage to other people and property that you damage in an accident. Unless you have collision and gap coverage, you would be responsible for your injuries and any damage to your leased vehicle. If you total a leased car, you would owe the leasing company for the car and the amount left on your lease.

What If You Totaled a Leased Car With No Insurance?

Driving without insurance is illegal in most states, meaning you could have much more to worry about than your leased car. You would be liable for all of the damages in the accident, and you could face steep fines for driving without insurance.

What If Someone Hit My Leased Car?

If you cause an accident, you or your insurance cover the damages. Depending on how much coverage you purchase, you may be liable for the remainder. But, what happens if you didn’t do anything wrong?

It can happen to anybody. You’re turning left on a green arrow, but somebody tries to blow through a red light and rams into your car. You sustain several injuries, and the leased car is totaled.

If the other party’s insurance doesn’t cover all of the costs, you would probably have a personal injury claim against the other driver. You could file for all losses related to the accident, including lost wages and medical expenses.

Additionally, sometimes you can ask for money to compensate you for the pain and suffering related to the accident.

Leased Car Totaled: Not At Fault 

When your leased car is totaled, but you’re not at fault, you could be looking at a lengthy process. You need to keep up with your monthly lease payments, even if you’re not able to drive the vehicle. Document all of the payments you make because you could request reimbursement from the other driver. 

It’s in your best interest to hire an attorney to help you navigate the complex legal issues and determine a personal injury settlement. An experienced attorney can help you determine how much you can request from the at-fault party and guide you through the process. They may be able to help you replace your car and get you back on the road in no time.

Navigating Shared Fault for Car Wreck

Shared fault states create complicated situations for everyone involved. Often, it becomes a case of driver against driver unless there are witnesses or other notable evidence. 

Shared fault cases break down into percentages. In some states, if the insurer deems you 45% responsible for the accident and the other driver 55% responsible, payment would mirror those percentages. Other states with modified negligence laws state that whichever driver is more than 50% responsible for the accident is liable for all expenses.

Many states have some version of shared fault, known as comparative negligence. It is extremely complicated, meaning it may be in your best interest to retain legal counsel to help you work through the process.

How Much Can I Get For My Totaled Car?

At the end of everything, you should receive your car’s cash value. The insurance company uses formulas and available information to determine your car’s fair market value or how much the car was worth just before your accident. 

Your value, their value, and the leasing company’s value may all differ. Remember that your insurance company doesn’t want to lose money and may shortchange you on the value. You can negotiate with them to increase your settlement. You can help the process with a few key steps.

• Research on your own across reliable sites, like Kelley Blue Book.
• Check out local dealers and your leasing company to see what similar cars go for in the area. Local pricing can help or hinder your goal.
• Track all of the upgrades and special features you have in the vehicle. Pull out receipts from work you had done, recent tune-ups, and even mileage if yours is especially low.

If you retained an attorney, they probably did some research about this already. They may have knowledgeable connections that have helped with similar circumstances.

Final Thoughts About What Happens If You Total a Leased Car

Every accident is scary and can be overwhelming as you navigate the legal and financial fallout. It doesn’t matter who caused the accident; you will still have paperwork and phone calls to deal with while you heal. 

Dealing with a totaled leased car may be more difficult if you have significant injuries or can’t work because you don’t have a car. Hiring a reputable attorney could make all the difference for you and your family.

From dealing with the insurance company to helping you work through the legal aspects, an experienced lawyer can make sure you receive a fair settlement. 

Contact Stoy Law Group

If you have any questions about your car wreck or would like to speak to a lawyer, contact our office today.

The post Totaled a Leased Car? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Stoy Law Group, PLLC..

A few minutes ago, you were driving along without a care in the world. But then the unthinkable happens: you witness a car accident right in front of you. 

Your first thought: “If I left for work just a second earlier, that might have been me!”

Your next thought: “I hope nobody got hurt!”

And then inevitably, you ask yourself a flurry of questions: “I think that I should help, right?” “Should I call the police?” “Can I leave the scene if I wasn’t involved?” 

First, know that your reaction and your questions are normal. Witnessing an automobile crash can be traumatic.

But, unfortunately, you probably will see a car wreck at some point. And the fact is that most people want to follow proper procedures and be helpful but are not sure about what to do.

What Do You Do When You See an Accident?

Following is a list of frequently-asked questions many have after witnessing an accident.

In Texas, Is It Illegal to Leave the Scene of an Accident You Witnessed?

Did you ever wonder whether witnessing an accident and leaving the scene was against the law?

There isn’t a Witness Car Accident Law per se in the books, but there are several specific state statutes as well as common sense and ethical standards that you should always follow, which we’ll discuss below.

But first, the answer.

If your actions didn’t contribute to or cause the accident, no, the law doesn’t require that you stop at the scene. You’re not required to provide assistance or make a statement to the police. 

So, if you’ve left the scene of an accident that you witnessed, there will not be legal repercussions.

However, most people do feel strongly that stopping is the correct thing to do to help others. They understand that any assistance they can provide may be essential if they’re a witness and among the first at the scene, particularly if they witnessed negligent or reckless driving.

What’s the First Thing You Should Do at the Scene of an Accident?

Always ensure your safety first. Don’t rush to the scene.

If you’re a pedestrian, stay in safe areas such as sidewalks, and avoid shoulders and medians if there’s any traffic. 

If you’re driving, pull over to the side of the road. Park at least 100 feet from the crash if there’s fuel leakage, broken glass, metal shards, or other hazards. Switch on your hazard lights or put down hazard markers, and carefully assess the scene. 

Remain at a safe distance unless you’re prepared to give aid to any victim—and in the latter case, enter the scene cautiously.

What Are Your Duties If You See an Accident?

Mainly, if it’s unclear whether anyone has done so yet, immediately call 911 and an ambulance if necessary.

Should I Immediately Offer Medical Assistance?

Unless it’s necessary (see below), don’t immediately offer medical assistance in the interim. It’s usually best to wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive—which often occurs in just minutes. 

If you’re not trained for emergencies, you could accidentally make the situation more dangerous for the victim.

However, you can offer comforting, reassuring words to the victim and lend your mobile phone to exchange information or to call relatives and insurance companies.

What If There’s an Urgent Need for Medical Assistance Before Help Arrives?

If a victim is clearly in urgent need of first aid that you know you can provide, and emergency personnel has not yet arrived, know that Texas has Good Samaritan laws that will enable you to assist the victim without fear of liability. 

If you provide emergency aid in good faith with no intention of harm, you probably won’t be found liable. Yet should you become involved in a personal injury lawsuit, be sure to engage an attorney to defend you.

What Exactly Are Texas’ Good Samaritan Laws?

The purpose of “Good Samaritan” laws is to provide legal protection to those who provide reasonable help to others who are or appear to be in medical crisis, injured, or incapacitated. 

The laws are meant to reduce a bystander’s reluctance to help due to fear of being prosecuted or sued for wrongful death or unintentional harm. 

Texas and every other state have Good Samaritan laws, which may vary in different jurisdictions. Each has the purpose of encouraging bystanders to assist in good faith if they witness an emergency where one is in peril. 

Understanding such laws can enable you to follow your conscience and help people during urgent medical situations without needing to fear legal and civil damages. 

The victim or family members cannot hold you legally responsible if your efforts do not help the victim or unintentionally make things worse for the victim. 

In Texas, the current Good Samaritan law includes language that applies to volunteer first responders and people who are not certified or licensed in the healthcare field.

Are There Any Exceptions to Texas’ Good Samaritan Law?

Yes, there are several notable exceptions to the law:

• The Good Samaritan Law doesn’t protect people if they’re responsible for the emergency that caused an injury. Even if an at-fault driver provided good-faith medical aid to the victim, they would be found liable for the accident.
• If responders provide aid without sincere intent to assist victims, they’re not acting in good faith. Moreover, if anything they do injures the victims, they can be held liable.
• Suppose a responder intends to harm the victim (called willful negligence) purposefully or has a careless disregard for how their actions may injure others (known as wanton negligence). In that case, the responder may be held liable for the victim’s injuries or death. 
• The Good Samaritan law also doesn’t apply to paramedics or healthcare providers who provide medical aid as part of their professional responsibilities and expect payment for such services. Nor does it apply to people at a scene of an emergency who act as agents for others who are soliciting business to provide medical services for payment. In either case, the responders can be held liable for negligence shown to cause a victim’s illness, injury, or death.

If you witnessed a car accident or were unfortunate enough to cause an accident and/or be injured, consider contacting an attorney to determine whether Texas’ Good Samaritan Law protects you.

Should I Give a Statement if I Witnessed an Accident?

Although you’re not required to do so by law, describing exactly what you saw to the police and drivers involved in the crash can be helpful regarding any liability and fault. 

• If you witnessed a hit-and-run accident, your statement should include any details that could help the police locate the at-fault driver, including the car’s make, model, and license plate number.
• Enter the details into your smartphone or jot them on a notepad while your memory is fresh. 
• Take photos of everything at the scene, including all angles of the cars involved, the points of impact and damage, and the accident scene from a distance, e.g., landmarks, traffic lights, and signs. (If you were involved in the accident, also take a photo of the other driver’s insurance card.)
• As noted above, you must call 911 and an ambulance if necessary since the at-fault driver probably won’t do so.
• Remain on the scene until you’ve completed your statement and the police have confirmed that you can leave.

What If an Involved Driver Tries to Leave Without Exchanging Information?

Never attempt to physically prevent an involved driver from leaving the scene since that could put your safety at risk. 

As noted above, write down or enter into your mobile phone the car’s make and model, license plate number, and, if possible, the driver’s contact information. Also, politely ask if you can take a photo of the driver’s insurance card. 

If the at-fault driver appears anxious to leave the scene, carefully note that you already recorded the car’s information. In addition, express your concern about possible consequences if he or she doesn’t speak with the police.

What If I’m Not Sure Who Caused the Accident?

If you give a statement, but you’re unable to answer every question, be honest and say that you don’t know. Never guess which driver was negligent and to blame for the accident or any other answers.

Simply stick to the facts.

Do You Have to Go to Court If You Witness an Accident?

If your actions didn’t cause or contribute to the accident and decide to leave the scene, you may not be called a witness in court.

Yet if you agreed to provide a statement, it’s possible you may be called as a witness if the victim’s case goes to trial. 

Although it’s unlikely, if you gave a statement to and/or provided police with your contact information, you may need to go to court since your testimony could prove important to the case.   

What If I Receive a Subpoena but Don’t Want to Testify?

Many are nervous giving testimony, but remember that if a lawyer requires you to testify, that means you likely have valuable information to provide. 

Moreover, if you receive a subpoena—a judge-issued document—that orders your appearance in court, never ignore it. You’ll be breaking the law and could be held in contempt of court, a serious offense that could lead to fines or even imprisonment. 

Contact Stoy Law Group, PLLC

Although witnessing an accident can be a traumatic experience, you can be confident that you’ll handle the situation appropriately armed with the essential tips above.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a lawyer, contact our office today.

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