Got into my first car accident? please help :/?

[bocley]

Ok, 2 days ago, I was in my first car accident ever. I'm 18. I wasn't driving, my friend was. We were t-boned. A 97 year old woman knocked us across 2 lanes of traffic and into a parking lot. The other driver was cited. I got a concussion, and a neck injury, and have severe back and shoulder pain and went to the hospital for it. My friend, the drivers car was made useless, you can't drive it, the whole left side is messed up. My friend went to the hospital and has a sprained shoulder and other multiple problems. A lot of people have recommended to me that I should try to go through an attorney and get money out of this, because car accidents can mess you up for life. I don't know where to start or what to do, or how to get an attorney....And would I really get money out of this? I'm not sure what to do or where to start. I'm terrified to get in a car and have had horrible nightmares about it that feel really real...

[flannagain]

Get the local yellow pages phone book for your area.
Open it to the attorneys section.
You will see plenty of ads for accident attorneys. A competent attorney will be able to discuss all your options and discuss how to pursue this matter.
On a side note write to your state legislator and tell them that all drivers should be tested yearly starting at age 80.

[jorian23]

There are a bunch of factors at play that you gotta consider I mean if she got cited and all that and you try and get money they will invistgate further and you could get t boned again if you know where I'm going with that I mean I would talk to ur friend and maybe talk more with ur parents they normally good with it but you could get screwed over in the long run it just all depends

[dallen47]

some how i see a law suit going to happen for some reason... your 18 years old and got t boned? i been driving for 26 years and NEVER got in an accident. and i driven tractor trailer units.. you are inexperienced driver.. a part of driving is watching out for other drivers, biggest problem with people is "its always the other drivers fault..ask your self... really! could you have avoided that accident?

[zackary42]

You can call your friends.

[pannoowau]

Since you were in an accident and because you are a passenger, I GUARANTEE w/in the next week, your mailbox will be full of "fancy" brochures from numerous lawyers wanting to represent you. I have had friends that received up to 12 in just 3 days. Many lawyers these days get copies of all police reports of accidents, or have "runners" that go to the police station for copies. The police report will have all people listed, with addresses and if anyone is injured. And yes, your friend if proven not at fault for this accident, will most likely also get those fancy brochures.

For the time being, just do as the doctors told you at the hospital. If you need follow up treatment or pain meds, do what the doctors told you.

Your friend will need to file a claim on HER insurance policy for hers and your medical bills.

If the other lady is at fault, then the OTHER company will owe for your friends car damages.

And yes, possibly, both you and your friend can get money for your injuries, which is called a pain/suffering settlement. But that will depend on where you live and the laws of your state. But;;;;;;your friends insurance company adjuster can explain to you what your rights are.

Hold off on the lawyer for now. If you hire a lawyer, you need to understand that the lawyer gets paid from YOUR settlement, which is usually 1/3. Insurance companies do not pay more with a lawyer, since they pay any settlement on your injury only.

If;;;;when they do offer you a settlement and you feel it is not enough, then might consider a lawyer. But in most cases, the only time you need one is when the other company disputes injuries, liability etc.

good luck

[wakeley58]

Sorry to hear about your accident... a T bone accident is a really scary accident, especially with such a huge amount of impact...it is totally normal to feel stressed about getting in a car, and to be having sleep troubles... the concussion can cause sleep issues as well...

So, first things first, you need to get treatment and probably a fair amount of it... soft tissue injuries take a long time to heal, and they really hurt and you will feel alot better with treatment... Because you have hurt your neck and your back so much, please see a chiropractor and and and a massage therapist... they often work together, but one can almost always refer you to the other, chiropractic care is a wonderful safe way to help you get out of pain. the massage will help you have less pain sooner...

Lawyer? Visiting a lawyer after a car accident is FREE. So, you have a few options, ask your folks if they know someone you can talk to, ask the chiropractor if they have one they like, or look for a local attorney that advertises for car accidents...

How do you choose? Visit three different ones if you can. You will find with each visit you have a connection with one of them and you feel comfortable... if the attorney does not feel they can help you, or that you don't need an attorney they will usually tell you right up front and not waste your time.

Its not true that an insurance company will pay the same amount to you with or without an attorney, its not even close.

For someone involved in a car accident it is a little bit like getting a part time job, there is alot to do, alot of people to talk to and alot of treatment...so go slow, go out there and meet with some attorneys and see what you think...