Will Coronavirus Affect Personal Injury Claims?

More Find out what you need to be aware of and what you should be doing during before and after you file a personal injury claim. You were injured in a car accident right before the COVID-19 social distancing started. Now, it's more challenging to get medical attention, and the court system has slowed down. […]
Published:  April 29, 2020

Find out what you need to be aware of and what you should be doing during before and after you file a personal injury claim.

You were injured in a car accident right before the COVID-19 social distancing started. Now, it's more challenging to get medical attention, and the court system has slowed down. So, you're wondering if and how this will affect your personal injury claim.

Some things have changed. Find out what you need to be aware of and what you should be doing during this challenging time below.

Make Sure You Get Medical Care After a Car Accident

Some people are afraid to go to the hospital at this time for fear of coronavirus germs. If you have been in an accident, it's essential to go to the emergency room, especially since many doctor's offices are closed at this time. It's vital to get your injuries checked and get medication if you need it. Hospitals are taking many measures to keep patients safe. If you're injured, and you don't get medical attention, your injury could get much worse.

Waiting on Non-Critical Health Care to Re-Open

If your car accident caused injuries that require ongoing medical attention and therapy, some medical offices might be closed due to COVID-19. Try to be patient. Many doctors are offering FaceTime calls to treat patients. Make sure you stay in touch with your doctor and follow his or her medical advice. Keep records of phone calls and any treatment plan your doctor prescribes.

Don't Wait to Seek Legal Counsel after a Car Accident

Personal injury firms are social distancing, but that doesn't mean we aren't open for business. It's crucial to find a legal firm that is available 24/7, whether remotely or in person. Make sure your legal firm has the technology and experience necessary to work for you under these challenging times.

If you have been injured in an accident, you don't have to wait to get the legal attention you deserve, and you shouldn't wait. It's important to start working with your car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Increased Pressure to Settle Your Case

Some accident victims are choosing to settle early. This isn't a good idea. Try to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries. You may have medical bills that continue for years.

The at-fault car accident party's insurance company will be anxious to settle, and it won't be in your best interest. Always speak with your attorney before settling your claim.

It's essential to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before a settlement. You don't want to settle your case until you know the full extent of your injuries, the medical attention you will need in the years to come could be costly. You don't want to end up paying those bills out of your pocket.

How the Coronavirus is Affecting the Legal System

Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but some cases do go to court. During the coronavirus, many courthouses have been closed due to social distancing, which means there will be delays. As the court system begins to re-open there will probably be a bit of a backlog of cases. Speak with your attorney about delays and how this may or may not affect your case.

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Locations - South CarolinaBeaufort
Law Offices - AlabamaPhenix City
*"Contingent attorneys” "No fee unless you win or collect" and "You only pay us if we win your personal injury claim" fees refer only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

Any result the lawyer or law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Mike Hostilo is not licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
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