After a car crash, you anticipate injuries like whiplash, broken bones, and lacerations. However, other injuries can occur. If you experience any abdominal pain or a swollen stomach after a car accident, you may seek compensation.
If you experience a swollen stomach after a motor vehicle accident—even days later—it’s critical that you take the appropriate action.
Abdominal pain or a swollen stomach after a car accident is a medical emergency. These symptoms could be a sign of serious internal injuries.
In some cases, a swollen stomach results from seat belt syndrome. On impact, a seat belt can cause blunt force trauma. Seat belt syndrome refers to chest and abdominal injuries caused by a motor vehicle crash.
If you skip a doctor’s appointment or don’t follow through with treatment, you may not recover as quickly, and you risk making your condition worse.
If someone else is responsible for your accident, you need to establish medical care. If you miss appointments, the insurance company could argue that you are not really hurt.
When you must deal with the physical and emotional aftermath of a crash, the last thing on your mind is a lawsuit. However, a personal injury claim may be the only way to maximize your compensation. A settlement can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that you incur.
Hiring an attorney also takes the burden off you and allows you to focus on healing. Your attorney will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. You can rest and not worry about answering phone calls and emails from insurance representatives.
You may ask yourself, “Do I really need an attorney to receive a settlement?” But perhaps the better question is, “Can I receive a fair settlement without an attorney?” And the answer is, “Probably not.”
The insurance company will likely offer you a fraction of what your injuries are truly worth. Or worse, they’ll say that the crash was your fault, and they don’t owe you anything.
If you have a swollen stomach after a car accident, there are several ways an attorney can help you.
Unfortunately, without legal representation, you are an easy target. The insurance company may accuse you of causing the accident when the evidence proves otherwise.
Some motor vehicle crashes require an investigation to prove or determine negligence. This could require an accident scene re-creation and tracking down witnesses. Most individuals don’t have the manpower or resources to carry out such endeavors.
A settlement is about more than paying your current medical bills and lost wages. Some swollen stomach injuries may result in long-term or even lifelong complications. Your settlement must reflect these expenses because once you accept an insurance payout, you usually forfeit the right to sue for more money in the future.
An experienced personal injury law firm has already dealt with numerous insurance companies. They know what to expect and have an idea of how your case could play out.
Trial attorneys are also familiar with the judges in your jurisdiction, and possibly the insurance company’s attorneys. They aren’t walking into your case blindly.
Car accident-related injuries often result in enormous medical expenses. From the ambulance ride to surgery and ongoing therapy, the costs quickly add up. If another party caused your car accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for these expenses.
For example, the following individuals and entities may be responsible for a car accident:
Sometimes, the negligence is quite clear. In other circumstances, an investigation must take place to determine responsibility.
Injured parties have limited time to file a personal injury claim.
In California courts, for example, the deadline to file a lawsuit for car accident injuries is:
California’s statute of limitations may be different from other jurisdictions. To protect your legal rights, speak with an attorney right away.
Possibly. You should consult with a car accident lawyer to discuss your options. Don’t assume that you don’t have legal recourse just because the other driver is uninsured.
Your car accident may result in criminal charges if the other driver broke the law. For example, they drove while intoxicated or above the posted speed limit.
The criminal case could award you money as restitution, but this is not the same thing as a personal injury award.
Furthermore, you file car accident claims in civil court, not a criminal court. Your right to pursue a car accident settlement is separate from any criminal court proceedings. You can file a personal injury claim even if criminal charges are dismissed or never brought forth.
Determining a settlement’s worth requires more than simply adding up your current medical bills.
You may receive compensation for both your economic damages and non-economic damages.
With the help of a car accident attorney, you can pursue compensation for both types of damages.
The financial impact of a car accident can seem insurmountable.
If another party’s negligence caused your swollen stomach injuries, you shouldn’t have to pay for these expenses yourself:
Car accident injuries can change your life forever.
You deserve compensation for the emotional, psychological, and mental challenges you face.
When an attorney calculates your damages, they may consult other professionals such as financial experts, occupational specialists, and health professionals. A settlement is typically your one chance for compensation for your accident-related injuries, so maximize the amount.
Not necessarily. Many car accident cases successfully settle through out-of-court negotiations. But sometimes, your best chance at justice is to put your case in front of a judge or jury.
For many injured people, just the thought of a court trial is overwhelming. Your attorney will be by your side throughout the entire process. You will feel prepared and knowledgeable before you step foot into a courthouse.
If your attorney advises you that a trial is in your best interest, you should know that:
Before choosing a car accident attorney to represent you, ask them how often they go to trial and their court outcomes.
Many personal injury law firms offer a free consultation or case evaluation. This is your chance to ask questions about the firm and decide if they are the right attorneys to handle your case. Here are three qualities you should look for in an attorney to handle your swollen stomach after a car accident case:
You want an attorney who will follow your case to the end. You may not have to go to court, but they should handle your case as if it will. An attorney should be ready to take the best course of action for you.
Car accidents don’t just happen Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may need to talk to someone ASAP and someone at the law firm should be able to take your call.
Each car accident injury lawsuit is unique. But past favorable outcomes can be a good indicator of a firm’s future results. Maximized settlements show that a firm has the resources and manpower to pursue justice on your behalf.
Many people want to know, “How much does a car accident lawyer cost?” Personal injury lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis. They take their attorney fees out of the settlement. However, there may be other expenses associated with legal representation.
Many car accident law firms offer a free case review, where you can ask questions about payment:
Before you hire an attorney, you should understand their fee structure.
Car accident lawsuits can take time to settle. High-value settlements that involve serious injuries may take longer.
No one wants a long, drawn-out legal case. But it may take some time for your attorney to successfully negotiate the best possible settlement for you.
If you already have creditors calling you, let your attorney know. If appropriate, your attorney can notify your creditors about your car accident lawsuit and that you anticipate a settlement.
Refusing an ambulance ride or on-scene medical care does not automatically disqualify you from a lawsuit. It’s not unheard of for an injured person to feel “okay” immediately after an accident.
The adrenaline rush you experience after a crash can mask your injuries. That’s why it’s a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible. They can examine you and treat any injuries before they worsen.
If you wait too long to seek medical care, the insurance company could question the cause of your injuries. They could argue that another incident caused your swollen stomach and not the car accident.
John Gomez founded the firm alone in 2005. Today, John acts as President and Lead Trial Attorney. He has been voted by his peers as a top ten San Diego litigator in three separate fields: Personal Injury, Insurance and Corporate Litigation. Since 2000, he has recovered over $800 million in settlements and verdicts for his clients with more than 160 separate recoveries of one million dollars or more. A prolific trial lawyer, John has tried to jury verdict more than 60 separate cases.
no fees unless we recover money on your behalf
No Fees Unless We Recover Money On Your Behalf