Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

How Will You Pay for the Injuries Sustained in Your Trucking Collision?

Published on: April 15, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Unexpected medical expenses are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy across the country, according to some studies. Even motorists who have excellent medical coverage and car insurance often find themselves paying substantial amounts out-of-pocket after a serious car or truck crash in Homestead or their community.

There are a number of reasons why a serious truck or car collision in Homestead or another Florida community could mean serious financial distress:

•Insurance companies are in the business of making money. They want to settle claims inexpensively and fast, and this can mean that victims do not get the compensation they need to pay for their injuries.

•The medical reality of a serious injury is that symptoms may not show up right away. A motorist may walk away from a traffic collision in Homestead or another city feeling fine only to develop symptoms a few hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Unfortunately, by that time they may have accepted insurance money and signed away their rights or may have a hard time convincing insurers that the injury was due to the accident.

•Many motorists have high deductibles. It’s no secret: insurance premiums are expensive. After an accident, though, having a high deductible can mean struggling to pay that amount.

•PIP laws in Homestead and Florida limit how much money you can claim through car insurance. Florida is a no-fault state, and while this means that there may be less dispute initially about who has caused an accident it also means that there are caps on how much a passenger can claim in medical expenses – and those caps do not cover the costs of getting medical care for a catastrophic injury.

•Traffic accident injuries are very expensive – and medical costs are only increasing. Diagnostic imaging can cost thousands of dollars, and hospital stays can end up costing tens of thousands or even more. A spinal cord injury patient in Homestead or Florida can expect to pay $100 000 in the first year of treatment alone, if the injury was serious.

•There are many incidental expenses after a traffic accident. Many insurers undervalue claims, in part because they count immediate and likely costs, such as time lost at work and expected medical expenses. If there is a complication or if an injury ends up being more serious than initially though (which is quite common), the actual amount a patient may need to spend may end up being much larger than the insurance benefits received. In addition, insurers often do not consider the incidental costs related to an injury. The costs of making a home accessible, for example, or the costs of taking taxis to doctors’ appointments can really add up and may not be covered.

Unless a patient has substantial savings, the expenses of a serious injury can be devastating. In some cases, patients may continue to work in some capacity or may try to sell some assets in order to make ends meet.

Due to the costs of a serious injury, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community right away. An attorney can advise you on the likely total costs of your injuries and can aggressively pursue that amount for you.

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How Much Will Your Truck Accident in Homestead Cost You?

Published on: April 1, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being involved in a serious trucking collision in Homestead or another Florida community can be extremely traumatic and painful. If you were driving a passenger car or motorcycle at the time of the crash, the difference in size between a big rig or tractor trailer and your much smaller vehicle means that you and your passengers may have sustained serious or even life-threatening injuries in the crash.

These types of collisions, be they T-bone, broadside collisions in Homestead, or override accidents, tend to be very serious. They can and often do lead to fractures, whiplash, paralysis, amputation, and other serious injuries.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, you may be mostly focused on the pain and medical emergency. However, you will quickly realize that traffic collisions in Homestead and across Florida are not just a health concern, but a financial concern as well. If you have sustained serious injuries in a traffic accident, you may face serious financial as well as health challenges as you recover.

Many people who have suffered injuries underestimate the likely total costs of their accident. If you have been seriously injured, you can expect to pay for a variety of expenses, including:

•Emergency medical treatment
•Hospital stays
•Visits to specialists
•Medical imaging and other diagnostic tests
•Medication
•Medical devices and equipment, such as braces or crutches
•At-home care or assisted living expenses
•Property damage for anything damaged in the car accident
•Lost income
•Future expected medical expenses
•So-called cosmetic treatments, such as skin grafts for scarring
•Future medical replacement costs – such as the cost of replacing prosthetics every few years
•Car repair or car replacement costs
•The cost of car rentals or taxis while you recover
•The costs of making your home or car accessible as you recover
•Follow-up doctor’s visits
•The increased medical expenses over a lifetime if you need help managing a permanent injury
These expenses can very rapidly add up. A spinal cord injury patient in Homestead or Florida, for example, who has suffered a permanent and serious injury can expect to pay more than $100 000 in medical expenses in the first year of treatment alone. This does not include the costs of lost income, property damages, and other losses. A permanent injury can easily end up costing many hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over a lifetime.

Even something such as a fracture or whiplash that is likely to result in full recovery can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars because you will need to pay for medical tests and doctor’s visits, car repair bills, lost time at work, and a host of incidental expenses.

Many people who have suffered a serious injury assume that their insurance company will pay for it. After all, that is why drivers pay their insurance premiums. Unfortunately, in some cases insurance carriers undervalue claims and patients end up with serious injuries and no way of paying for all their expenses.

Do not risk this situation. If you have been injured, contact a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community to find out whether you have a legal claim or other options for compensation.

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Steps for Dealing with Grief and Trauma after Your Homestead Truck Accident

Published on: March 20, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being in a car accident or truck accident in Homestead or another community can change virtually every area of your life. While personal injury attorneys in Homestead and across Florida tend to focus on the tangible damages – including the injuries, medical costs, and property damage – that can incur in collisions, the reality is that any trucking accident can be extremely traumatic. If you have lost a loved one or have suffered a permanent injury, especially, it is normal to feel grief, rage, and even extreme upset after your collision. Even a serious injury from which you expect to make a full recovery can leave you traumatized and upset.

Not much is said about the grief, trauma, and emotional upheaval that occurs after traffic accidents and truck accidents. However, these types of accidents can cause or contribute to severe problems, including:

•Sleep disorders
•Posttraumatic stress disorder (ptsd)
•Relationship problems
•Mood swings
•Depression
•Eating disorders
•Substance abuse
•Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
While most of us who have been in a serious accident are rushed to the emergency room or at least get some medical help, all too often the emotional impact of a traffic accident is ignored. This can be a real concern, as the trauma of a serious accident can be debilitating and does require medical treatment.

If you have been in a serious truck accident, there are several things you will want to do to take care of your emotional state:

•Practice good self-care. Follow your doctor’s directions about medication and treatment to the letter. In addition, make sure that you get adequate sleep, rest, good food, and gentle exercise if you can. Give yourself time to heal from the injuries and do not rush to get back to work or back to your daily routine if you’re not up to it. You need to be gentle with yourself.

•Stay alert for symptoms. If you have a broken bone, it can be easy to see the problem. If you simply feel upset or not quite yourself after a serious truck accident, it can be more difficult to tell what the matter is. Consider keeping a journal in order to keep track of any symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and other issues. If you notice any issues, seek a doctor’s help right away.

•Get quality medical attention. If you have been permanently or seriously injured, getting supportive quality medical care that increases your chances of recovering properly from your injuries can be a big help. It can help you feel more positive about your future.

•Seek the help of a support group or support network. There are many support groups out there for victims of car accidents and truck accidents, people who have lost a loved one, and those who have suffered from a serious injury. Seek the support groups out if you need help. They can be a great place to learn more about dealing with an injury or loss and they can help provide you with the emotional support you need as you adjust to life after the collision. Friends and family can also be an important support network when you need to speak with someone.

•Speak with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community. A personal injury attorney can help you find out whether you have options for compensation, which can help you pay for therapy, counseling, and other forms of care that can help you recover fully from your accident.

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How to Cope with Soft Tissue Injuries After a Trucking Accident

Published on: March 18, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

The types of truck and car accidents that get featured in the nightly news often involve severe injuries such as paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities. Compared to that, soft tissue injuries seem less severe and less newsworthy, but these types of injuries can cause a great deal of suffering and can keep you from work and from living your life fully.

A soft tissue injury is one that affects the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Tendons are the bands that attach bones and muscles while ligaments are the tissue that stabilize joints and connect bones. Injuries to these or to muscle can result from slip and fall accidents in Homestead and other communities, but these injuries are also common with sports injuries and with traffic crashes. Any time a vulnerable area is suddenly twisted or overused, a soft tissue injury is possible.

Soft tissue injuries can actually involve a number of types of injuries, including:

•Strains
•Contusions
•Tendonitis
•Sprains
•Bursitis
These injuries can be extremely painful and can leave you unable to live your life normally. A severe sprain, for example, can cause swelling and severe pain, leaving you unable to place weight on the affected site. Severe sprains can also cause swelling and severe pain.

Mild soft tissue injuries are often treated with elevation, compression, rest, and applications of ice. Elastic bandages are also sometimes used to reduce swelling. For severe soft tissue injuries, a splint or other medical device may be needed to keep the area from moving so that healing can take place. Of course, since these types of injuries are quite painful, pain management is also an important part of the healing process.

After a car collision in Homestead or another community, swelling or pain in an affected area may be the first sign that a soft tissue injury has occurred. While soft tissue injuries are quite common in traffic crashes, they cannot be detected with X-rays the way that fractures can, so it can be quite difficult to diagnose these injuries. Worse, many patients find that it can take hours or days for symptoms to develop. A patient (and their doctor) may assume that no injury has occurred only to find that pain develops and a soft tissue injury is in fact present.

In these situations, it can sometimes be difficult for a patient to prove that the injury was caused by the car accident and it can be challenging to secure compensation for the injuries. If a driver files an insurance claim quickly after a car or truck accident in Homestead or their city, they may get an insurance offer before they even develop symptoms or get a proper diagnosis for their soft tissue injuries. If they accept the insurance money, they may lose out on the chance to get fair compensation that will cover the medical treatment for their injury. In some cases, the insurance company may be suspicious about the cause of the injury or may claim that the injury was not caused by the accident because no symptoms were seen right away.

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Hazardous Cargo Can Cause Devastating Injuries After a Trucking Crash in Homestead or Your City

Published on: February 18, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Truck accidents in Homestead and other cities are already very dangerous. When an 18-wheeler or big rig collides with a passenger car, the passengers of the smaller vehicle often suffer devastating injuries. Many amputees and brain injury patients in Homestead, for example, have suffered their injuries as a result of traffic accidents. When a truck is carrying hazardous cargo, however, the injuries can be even more catastrophic.

If a commercial truck is carrying propane tanks, for example, the propane can light on fire or even explode on impact, injuring nearby motorists and bystanders. Concrete mixing trucks that experience mechanical failure in Homestead or another city can cause devastating injuries if the cargo spills on the road or comes into contact with passengers in other vehicles. If a truck is transporting oil or a flammable substance, a fire can result from an accident, resulting in serious burn injuries and fatalities. In some cases, trucks may be transporting toxic or poisonous material. If this spills after a crash, it can cause environmental devastation and severely harm anyone in the area. In all these types of accidents, the truck driver is at risk of a workplace injury in Homestead or other city where the accident takes place and other motorists and people in the area may also be at risk.

Since trucks do carry dangerous cargo each day, there are a number of rules in place for commercial trucks transporting hazardous materials. For certain materials, truck drivers need special training and certification. Some materials must also be labeled as hazardous and treated in an especially cautious manner. Truck carriers and drivers are responsible for ensuring that dangerous cargo is correctly loaded and unloaded on trucks so that the risk of injury is reduced. Commercial trucks carrying dangerous goods must also have additional insurance — $1 million or up to $5 million, depending on the hazardous material being transported. When these rules are violated, serious accidents and injuries are a common result.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Commerce reports that more than 1.5 billion tons of hazardous cargo is transported across the country each year. Most of the cargo makes it safely to its destination. However, each year, statistics show that over 6000 accidents involving trucks carrying dangerous goods occurs each year. Over 200 fatal truck accidents each year occur involving trucks carrying hazardous materials.

If you are involved in a truck accident involving any hazardous material, it is important to get medical attention right away. Even if you are not sure whether you are injured, keep in mind that poisonous or hazardous material can lead to devastating health consequences, even if you do not have symptoms right away. You will need to get medical attention and medical care to make absolutely sure that you have not been affected by noxious fumes, smoke, or other dangerous substances at the accident site.

You will want to exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and take photos of the accident scene if you can. Exchange contact information with any witnesses at the scene, too. The more documentation you have, the more options you may have down the line.

One phone call you will want to make very quickly after your accident is to a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community. Truck accident cases are very complex and you will want someone by your side.

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Resources Available to Truck Accident Victims in Hollywood and Across Florida

Published on: January 21, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being in a truck accident in Hollywood or anywhere in Florida is a deeply traumatic experience and if you have been seriously injured you will need an entire team of support in order to heal physically and emotionally. It can take months or even a lifetime to heal, especially if you are permanently injured and will need to get used to new levels of ability. Luckily, there are many resources that can help:

1) Your doctor. If you are seriously injured in a truck or car accident in Hollywood or another community, you will likely be rushed to a hospital. Even if you are fortunate enough to walk away from the crash, however, it is important to consult with your doctor as soon as possible after the collision. Some injuries, including soft tissue injuries and brain injuries, may not seem to present symptoms right away but can still be very serious. When speaking with your physician, be sure to discuss any symptoms or emotional upheaval you may be experiencing. Your doctor can help you find specialists and even support groups in your area to help you deal with the aftermath of a serious traffic collision.

2) Your insurance company. Your insurance company can help you find a rental car, can help you file a claim, and can help you financially after an accident. You will want to report your truck collision to your insurer promptly.

3) Law enforcement. If you suspect that the other driver was doing something illegal or if the crash was serious, you will want to contact law enforcement. They may be able to tell you about local advocacy groups and resources and can also help you with pursuing criminal charges.

4) A personal injury attorney. Before accepting any insurance money or making any important decisions in your case, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community. A good attorney can review your case and can give you legal advice, so that you can evaluate compensation offers. A good lawyer can also help you find local experts, car repair shops, and other resources that can help as you heal.

5) Advocacy and support groups. Support groups and advocacy groups are excellent resources for the long-term process of healing. They can provide advocacy, counseling, and other important services. CRASH Foundation (Citizens for Reliable And Safe Highway), for example, is a support group that can help you find experts and medical services. They also provide advocacy, phone support, information, counseling, a support network, and other resources. You can reach them via their website (http://www.trucksafety.org). Another good organization is the Trauma Support Network. This group provides educational and support services for all trauma survivors – including those who have suffered loss or severe injury in a collision. This group offers online support forums, in-person support groups, and other services. You can reach them via phone (1-800-556-7890) or website (http://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/pages/peer-support-groups).

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How Truck Accidents in Hollywood and Other Cities Affect Entire Families

Published on: January 9, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Traffic accidents in Hollywood cause terrible pain and suffering for those who sustain serious head injuries, spinal cord trauma, whiplash, and other serious injuries. However, researchers also note that serious car and truck accidents also have a profound impact on the families of those who are injured. In fact, according to a new book, After The Crash: Assessment and Treatment of Motor Vehicle Accident Survivors, 10-45% percent of people who are injured in the country’s some three million car accidents suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, the study’s authors, doctors Edward B. Blanchard and Edward J. Hickling, say that traffic collisions are the leading cause of PTSD in the non-military population.

What many people don’t acknowledge is that the impact of a serious car or truck accident in Hollywood or another city doesn’t impact just the injured party. If someone suffers from PTSD or a permanent injury such as a head injury or spinal cord trauma, it is likely that the patient’s entire family may suffer as well – and currently experts say that there is not enough support and not enough resources in place for family members who suffer in this way.

After a serious car or truck collision, someone who is seriously injured may not be able to return to work and may require years or even a lifetime of medical treatment. For the family of such a patient, the medical treatments and loss of a job can also prove a big challenge. For example, a family where an income earner has been seriously injured in a crash may face financial challenges. Members of the family who have never had to work may need to get involved in order to help replace lost income and pay for medical care.

Someone who is injured may also come to rely on their family more after being seriously injured. An amputation patient in Hollywood, for example, may rely on family and friends to get to and from medical appointments and may even rely on them for everyday tasks such as grooming or getting around. Emotional support may also be needed.

Some brain injury patients in Hollywood and other cities experience symptoms such as mood swings, depression, personality changes, loss of memory, and other symptoms which can affect family members as well. Family and friends may often want to help but may not know how or may feel guilty about being unhurt or even wanting time away from the injured family member. In some cases, families can have a hard time cooperating because of the turmoil of serious injuries or may not know how to function with a seriously injured person. Studies have shown that seriously injured patients may also withdraw from loved ones or can even become dependent on alcohol or medication to cope with the pain and loss after a serious accident. This, too, can also tear a family about.

What can be done in these situations? Acknowledging that families of patients suffer as well is an important first step. Psychologists also note that family counseling and support systems for family members is also important in helping the entire family deal with the aftermath of an accident. Support for all family members ensures that the patient has a supportive family at home and that family members get the help that they need.

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Could You Survive a Truck Accident in Homestead?

Published on: January 2, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you are in a truck accident in Homestead or any community, your chances of being fatally injured are quite high – unless you are the truck driver. While truck drivers are protected by the truck’s cab, passenger car drivers and pedestrians have very little protection against the size and force of a tractor trailer or big rig. Pedestrians are likely to sustain fatal injuries in a collision with a commercial truck and even though passengers in a smaller can may have protection such as seat belts and air bags, a crash with a commercial truck can cause serious head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities to the passengers in the smaller car.

Could you survive this type of traffic collision in Homestead or your city?

According to safety experts, there are things that you can do to increase the chances that you will survive a truck or car accident in Homestead or any town:

1) Choose the right car and use the safety systems your car is equipped with. Much older cars may have fewer systems designed to protect you. Even though newer cars may have air bags and other features included, keep in mind that smaller cars may be less likely to protect you in a serious accident and some cars have better safety ratings than others. Choose your car carefully and think safety first when buying. When you drive your car, be sure to buckle up and familiarize yourself with safety systems your vehicle offers. Service your car regularly and make sure that your safety systems are checked during routine maintenance.

2) Keep your interior clean. This may seem to have nothing to do with surviving a car crash, but it is crucial. Keeping purses, briefcases, laptops, and other objects in your car while you drive poses a serious risk in the event of a car accident. In a collision, these things can become airborne and can seriously harm you. A laptop can have enough force when airborne in a car accident to cause fatal head injuries. Even a small cell phone can cause lacerations and injury. Store everything in your trunk or glove compartment or at least use seatbelts to tie down dog kennels or cat cages in the car. As a bonus, keeping your interior tidy will decrease distractions, which can also reduce your risk of being in a car accident in the first place.

3) Maintain good driving posture. Leaning against the door or your steering wheel can cause serious injury if you are in an accident, side side-impact airbags or the airbag in your steering wheel can inflate with enough force to cause serious head trauma or facial injury. On a similar note, driving with your hands leaning inside the wheel can cause wrist fractures in a crash. Leaning your hand outside the window when you drive can also cause fractures or can even cause you to lose your arm if you are in an accident. While driving the way your driving instructor taught you may not seem very exciting, correct posture reduces your chances of injury in a crash and can help you keep better control of the car so you reduce your chances of an accident in the first place.

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Burn Injuries Sustained After a Truck Accident Can be Very Traumatic Injuries

Published on: November 19, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Survivors of truck and car accidents in Homestead sustain a number of injuries, including head injuries, amputations, paralysis, disfigurement, and more. One of the most devastating injuries to sustain in any type of traffic accident is a burn injury. Burn injuries can occur if a fuel tank is breached and the fuel inside spills or catches fire. Truck accidents can also lead to burn injuries in Homestead because trucks sometimes carry highly flammable or dangerous materials that can ignite after the force of an accident.

Many people consider burn injuries to be simply disfiguring, but they can be extremely painful as well and can lead to loss of motor skills as well as other catastrophic results. A severe burn can affect not only the top surface layer of skin, but also the muscles underneath — and even the bones. Severe burn injuries can cause fatalities, permanent injury, disfigurement, and can even lead to paralysis or amputation.

Burn injuries are also extremely difficult because many people feel self-conscious about their burn injury and the look of the affected skin. In some cases, burn injury patients in South Florida end up experiencing depression or have trouble returning to everyday activities because they cannot cope with the stares, rude comments, and other cruelty from other people.

As if this were not enough, burn injury patients also often face difficulty in getting fair compensation for their injuries. In some cases, medical insurance carriers will claim that skin grafts and other procedures required to treat burn injuries are cosmetic and are not medically required (or covered). In addition, insurance carriers may undervalue the cost of getting treatment for burns. In many cases, burn injuries require multiple treatments over a long period of time, and this can be costly. Sometimes, insurance companies offer money upfront and it is only months later that burn patients find that the money does not cover the full costs of their treatment. Burn injury patients may also need counseling, rehabilitation, and other care in order to recover not only their appearance and self-confidence, but also full mobility.

Before you agree to accept an insurance offer, contact a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community in order to review your situation carefully. An experienced personal injury attorney who has handled thousands of traffic accident and burn injury cases can help you understand the likely total cost of your injuries and damages. They can also help you understand what your legal options are. If the accident was not caused by you and if there are multiple liable parties or even one large defendant, you may be able to seek compensation that can help you pay for your medical treatments, lost income, and other costs.

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Recovering from a Head Injury After a Truck Accident

Published on: November 14, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Truck accidents in Hollywood often lead to devastating and catastrophic injuries. One of the most devastating injuries that are sustained in traffic accidents include head injuries. The brain is protected by the skull, but in a traffic accident in Hollywood what can happen is that the brain gets shaken about inside the skull. For example, if a passenger’s head collides with the dashboard or another object with enough force, the soft tissue of the brain will crash up against the inside of the skull.

When this happens, it is considered a traumatic head injury. The force of the brain tissues hitting the interior of the skull can lead to bruising, swelling, and bleeding. This can cause severe trauma and even death. Blunt force head trauma can also lead to damaged brain tissue, which can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

•Memory loss
•Difficulty speaking
•Loss of motor skills
•Paralysis
•Difficulty concentrating
•Speech problems
•Personality changes
•Vision problems
Patients who have sustained a permanent, catastrophic head injury often find their lives completely changed. They may not be able to return to work and may have trouble completing simple tasks, such as getting dressed, preparing food, and performing everyday actions that most of us don’t have to think twice about. Some people who have sustained a serious injury require months or years of rehabilitation while others require around-the-clock care because they are never able to return to their everyday lives. Even a simple concussion can result in months of recovery time and can make you more susceptible to secondary head injuries.

Head injuries are extremely serious. If you are a head injury patient in Hollywood, you will want to get checked out by a specialist right away. Even if you have been in a traffic accident in Hollywood and don’t think you have been injured, contact a doctor immediately if you have hit your head. You will want to have your situation evaluated, because in some cases fatal head injuries don’t create symptoms right away. Some people walk away from a car collision or other accident only to die hours later because a head injury has gone undetected and untreated. Don’t let this happen to you. Get medical advice right away.

In addition to getting medical advice, you will want to contact a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community. The cost of a head injury can be significant. If you have a serious, permanent brain injury the cost of losing wage potential and the cost of medical treatment as well as at home care and rehabilitation can easily reach one million dollars or more over your lifetime. Even a simple concussion can cause you to lose weeks or months of work and may require extensive treatment. If the collision was caused by no fault of your own, you may be able to seek compensation through an injury claim. This way, you will have the money you need to pay for treatment so that you can focus on healing rather than on the financial stress a car crash can cause.

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