Physical Injuries to Expect After A Car Accident

Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Every auto accident is unique and affects every victim differently. While reactions following an accident may vary from person to person, understanding what is normal and what is not is extremely important in terms of injuries. When an individual sustains multiple injuries, those injuries may also worsen one another, causing deterioration and a longer recovery prognosis.

Awareness of symptoms, especially when there is a need for medical attention if and when symptoms appear, can be lifesaving. This not only increases the chances of achieving the best possible recovery, but also reduces the likelihood of permanent, life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, delayed auto accident injuries and symptoms occur quite frequently. This typically occurs when one injury (such as neck pain or back injury) causes radiation to the arm or leg or when an injury is overshadowed by other more obvious injuries and symptoms.

Obtaining prompt medical care will help to establish a clear temporal relationship that can prove that injuries sustained have been caused by an accident and prevent roadside disputes when dealing with insurance. It can be beneficial when seeking additional treatment for injuries that were delayed and did not appear immediately after the accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a Michigan auto accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For more information, contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer at Elia & Ponto today!

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common types of injuries that follow after an auto accident. The force of a collision may put stress on the body in ways that it was not designed to absorb, which in turn causes pain; the most common symptom of soft tissue injury.

The pain may be isolated at the point of injury, or it may radiate down your limbs. If the pain radiates down the arms or legs, it may be an indication of whiplash or disc damage. Individuals may seek additional medical attention if the pain continues to interfere with day-to-day activities or lasts more than a few weeks.

Common treatment for soft tissue injuries include:

• Chiropractic care
• Epidural steroid injections
• Ice or heat treatment
• Massage therapy
• Pain relievers
• Physical therapy

Broken Bones

The broken bones are typically easier to identify. The broken bones or fractures usually cause intense pain at the injured area and are accompanied by bruising and swelling. Medical attention should be sought immediately to avoid permanent damage. To determine whether the bone is broken, doctors will perform x-rays. The treatment protocols are dependent on the location and severity of your break.

Common treatments for broken bones include:

• Cast: stabilizes the bone and prevent further injury
• Traction: realigns the bones
• Brace: allows some movement of the injured area
• Pins/Screws: holds the bones in place until surgery

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The term traumatic brain injury (TBI) may sound intimidating, however, it is a common injury. These brain injuries are caused by an outside trauma, such as a fall or car accident. Despite being common, these injuries are still serious. If you or a loved one believe you may have hit your head during an accident, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Common symptoms of a TBI include:

• Changes in mood
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Sleep problems

Symptoms of TBI that could indicate the need for immediate medical attention:

• Balance problems
• Confusion
• Continuous headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting

Spinal Injury

Although spinal cord injuries are more common in serious accidents, minor injuries are still possible. Similarly, to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries occur as a result of penetrating injury or trauma to the neck or back.

Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries may result in paralysis – even though some individuals do not experience symptoms immediately. While these injuries are generally permanent, some patients may regain some movement.

Damage to the spinal cord is an emergency condition; go to the emergency room immediately if you or a loved one experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing secretions from your lungs
• Digestion problem
• Extreme pain
• Loss or altered sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Loss of movement
• Numbness

Mental Health

Like physical injuries, mental health problems may arise following a car accident and should be equally recognized and treated. When mental health symptoms are attributed to other injuries that a person has suffered in an accident, they may go undiagnosed and untreated by doctors. These injuries should be taken seriously, as they may worsen if left untreated.

Common mental health problems following an accident include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

No physical injury should go unnoticed. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Michigan Auto Accident and have questions about physically injuries following an accident, contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer at Elia & Ponto today!

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What Does the Reformed 2019 No-Fault Law in Michigan Change for Detroit Drivers

What Does the Reformed 2019 No-Fault Law in Michigan Change for Detroit Drivers

 

Everyone in Michigan is currently talking about the high auto insurance rates. Michigan has one of the highest premium prices in the country. The no-fault system proposed quite a few changes in front of legislation. These premiums in the no-fault system may be actually at fault. When the legislature passed a new Michigan No-Fault law, also known as Senate Bill 1,  there were fundamental changes to insurance law. The No-Fault auto insurance reform will provide substantial benefits and changes to receive lower premium rates. This reform will have a significant impact on those who have an auto policy. The No-Fault insurance is required by law in Michigan for every car owner. Everyone must buy certain coverages in order to obtain a license plate. It is against the law to not have the specific required coverages and drive your car.  A Michigan Car Accident lawyer at Elia & Ponto can help you understand these changes more clearly as well as help you with injuries you sustained from auto accidents in our state.

Vehicle owners in Michigan are most likely already aware of the No-Fault car insurance. This law entails that people only have limited options to pursue a claim. If you are injured in a car accident, you will need to turn to your own car insurance in order to get compensated. In a no-fault system, your personal injury protection pays for medical treatment and other losses. The system was originally created to cover the outrageous costs for people injured in an automobile accident.  

How To Get Unlimited PIP From Someone Else’s Auto Policy

Personal Injury Protection may cover more than just the policyholder. The PIP benefits are available for more than just the driver. If you did not own an auto policy and were not a resident relative of an individual with an auto policy, and you were injured in an accident, you may be eligible for a PIP from other people’s policies. If you are not eligible for the claim, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan could compensate you for the accident. The PIP covers you and your resident relatives but will no longer cover others. Michigan has made it more susceptible to sue others for medical bills. There are more lawsuits currently than before the reform existed. 

Changes to the No-Fault Law:

Savings for Michigan drivers- The residents of Michigan have struggled with the high costs of auto insurance for decades. The new Michigan No-Fault law promised to lower the cost by at least 45% if they opt out of the PIP medical benefits. Although, all of these savings are only a small portion of your insurance bill. The PIP portion is approximately 35% to 44% of the total bill. For most people who struggle to pay this large bill, it may not make a significant difference. 

Savings for insurance companies- The Michigan No-Fault law gives insurers the opportunity to avoid reducing their premium rates. In order for this to happen, insurers have to exemplify to the Insurance Commissioner proof that the mandatory rate reductions violate their rights. A violation of constitutional rights or giving the insurance company not enough capital will immediately opt them out of reducing their rates. 

Higher liability- The Michigan auto insurance allows you to protect yourself legally if you are at fault in an accident. The liability limits have recently changed with the new No-Fault law. In the past, drivers used to be required to carry liability bodily injury insurance. The new law has increased the minimum liability to $50,000 to $100,000. Drivers are now able to choose how much coverage they need, as long as it meets the mandatory minimum.  

No-Fault PIP choice- Drivers now have the option of following the No-Fault medical coverage levels. People are no longer required by law to purchase the PIP benefits.

No-Fault PIP benefits- Drivers are able to select to not maintain coverage by the No-Fault PIP benefits if they are covered by Medicare. 

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association- The MCCA is allowed to be liable for catastrophic injury benefits under the Michigan No-Fault Law. The drivers must have opted to maintain unlimited PIP medical benefits. 

It used to be a more simple process to obtain compensation for unlimited medical bills from an accident. The system used to help those who had an outrageous bill from a catastrophic accident. People who did not have auto insurance were still eligible to gain medical coverage through other PIP. It is extremely important to make sure you have an exceeding amount of coverage. More drivers are getting sued and the MACP will not cover all of you costs. The unlimited PIP will no longer be there for you, get a personal health plan the cover your accident today!

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