| Read Time: 2 minutes | Frank Wooldridge

Bicycle Accidents: Liability

It is not uncommon for car accidents to occur as a result of an accident with a bicycle. There are often common liability issues when it comes to car versus bicycle accidents. This will be the topic of discussion for this article. The common thread behind car-bicycle accidents is that all states have in place what is known as “side of the road” rules. This basically requires that the cyclist rides on the far right side of the road or in the designated bike lane. While cyclists adhere to the side of the road rules they are still susceptible to some of the most common types of traffic accidents involving vehicles. These include: Hitting parked car doors which are opened Getting brushed by passing cars or trucks Getting hit by vehicles are turning right To know your rights in a car-bicycle accident contact car accident lawyers in Bakersfield [https://www.youngwooldridge.com/bakersfield-car-accident-attorney/]. Fortunately, these side of road rules do not exist in isolation but in combination with other laws which protect bicycle riders who share the streets with vehicles. Where no other law prohibitions exist, cyclists are able to ride in the middle of the traffic lane and have to be afforded the same rights as other motor vehicles. That being said, side of road laws are applicable where a cyclist is not riding to speed with the current motor vehicle traffic. Further, if there is a designated bike lane provided on the road then the cyclist is required to use it. Only under the following circumstances may a cyclist leave the side of the road or bike lane, if: he/she is keeping up with the moving traffic the bicycle lane is too narrow to be shared safely with passing vehicles he/she wants to make a left turn there is debris or road hazards which need to be avoided In the event a cyclist is struck by an individual opening the door of a parked vehicle, the principle of liability used will be negligence [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence]. A person must only open their parked car door when it is reasonably safe for them to do so, or else they may be negligent.   As a result, the fault for the accident with the cyclist will fall squarely on the individual who opened the door.  A negligent person might still argue the bike rider was also negligent because he or she could have avoided crashing into the door. One of the most common causes of accidents between vehicles and bicycles is when a car is turning right. When a motorized vehicle makes a right turn it passes the path of a cyclist, whether the cyclist is traveling in a traffic lane or on a bike lane. In such circumstances the motorist is liable for the accident, because a basic rule of using the road is a vehicle must not turn unless it is safe to do so.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Personal Injury

3 Primary Duties of Brain Injury Attorneys

Brain injuries interfere with proper functioning of the brain, and by extension the body, since the brain controls other organs of the body. A brain injury can be mild, moderate, or severe (TBI), and it can result from a head blow, a jolt, a penetrating injury, a blunt object strike, and much more. According to the CDC, over 60,000 TBI-related deaths occurred in the U.S in 2019–translating to 166 brain injury-related deaths per day. The good part is that you can contact a Bakersfield brain injury attorney if you or a loved one suffers brain injuries caused by the negligence of an entity or another person. The consequences of a severe brain injury (TBI) can be long-term and you may be dependent on other people for the rest of your life, bearing in mind that it’s hard to provide care for brain injury survivors. TBI may cause death and disabilities, and that’s why you should consult a Bakersfield brain injury attorney to ensure your future is financially, emotionally, and physically safeguarded. The brain injury attorney will take up your case and help you concentrate on recovery. Your attorney will file a legal action to recover damages for the injuries on your behalf. The recoverable damages can be for past and future medical expenses, lost job opportunities and lost earnings, as well as damages for emotional distress arising from the brain injury. Who’s More Susceptible to Brain Injury? Anyone can suffer from a brain injury regardless of age, but it’s more prevalent in: Minorities (racial and ethnic). Veterans, including service men and women. The homeless. Rural dwellers. People in violent relationships. Prisoners, detainees, and those in correctional facilities. Senior citizens, children, and teens. Contact sports (men or women). Importance of a Brain Injury Attorney The scope of a brain injury attorney’s work is vast but can help brain injury survivors in the following ways: Building a strong case Your brain injury attorney should gather evidence by getting the necessary facts to build a strong lawsuit. The important details needed to initiate a legal action include degree of responsibility of the accused, degree of negligence, preventative measures in place, and much more. Brain injuries usually elicit compassion even–from the jury–but you must prove your case to be compensated. Negotiating fair awards Defendants will typically make hurried offers and rush the process to confuse a brain injury survivor, and that’s why it’s important to involve your attorney in everything since they can tell whether an offer is fair or not. You should consider, among many others, the following expenses when drafting your claim: The cost of any surgery. Medication cost. Money spent on assistive devices, including crutches and wheelchairs. Money spent on medical appointments. Therapy and ambulance expenses. Money needed to make changes to your house to accommodate your injuries, if needed Legal Representation The primary role of your attorney is providing legal representation, besides legal counsel. Working with doctors and other medical professionals, your attorney should recommend a good treatment plan and be your primary legal representative in all matters related to your brain injury. Brain injuries can be life-changing and a source of misery since you’ll constantly need medication and may suffer a variety of consequences, including behavioral as well as physical disabilities.  A competent brain injury attorney can help you bring sanity as you recover and contemplate your future.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Law–The Process

Injury lawyers help accident survivors get justice for their injuries and damaged property for all types of accidents, including work-related accidents, auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and much more. You can do everything in your power to avoid injuries from an accident, but another person’s carelessness and negligence can cause what you were avoiding–an accident. A Bakersfield injury lawyer can help you get justice if you’re an accident survivor. An accident can leave you confused where to start, and you might even doubt whether you can be compensated for your injuries. However, you shouldn’t blame yourself for being involved in an accident, especially after being cautious. Besides, an accident can happen to anyone–how  accidents are resolved is what matters. A Bakersfield injury lawyer can evaluate your injuries and recommend the best legal option for your case, and guide you throughout the process until you get justice. Common Accident Injuries Accident survivors are often left with financial burdens, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and much more. Unfortunately, some survivors are left with permanent disabilities and they need to be compensated. Common accidents that can be resolved with personal injury lawyers include: Auto accidents. Motorcycle & bicycle accidents. Aircraft accidents. Defective products. Firearm accidents. Dog bites. Medical malpractice. Toxic exposure. Wrongful deaths. Application of Personal Injury Law Personal injury law provides accident survivors the opportunity to find justice; justice in this case means recovering compensation for bodily injuries and personal property. The application of personal injury law follows the following process: Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer The first step in most accident cases is seeking legal advice from an expert attorney, and a personal injury lawyer can help in this case. Evaluation of Facts After finding a good personal injury lawyer, you should furnish them with everything you know about the accident, including about the accident scene, who was responsible, was the accident preventable, and much more. A lawyer will depend on this information to build a strong case, so you shouldn’t omit any details. Filing Legal Action Your lawyer will initiate legal action (a claim) after evaluating your case and identifying a legal option of resolving the case with an aim of recovering damages. The Trial Court action goes through various stages, including submissions, deliberations, and reaching a verdict. The lawyer will be your primary legal counselor and will help you in all those stages. Recovering Damages A favorable verdict means you’ll be compensated while an unfavorable verdict means you lost the case and the right to compensation. Common Accident Claims Personal injury damages vary by each case, but the following claims are common across the board for all types of personal accident claims: Physical injuries claims Damaged property claims Lost wages, past and sometimes future Lost companionship Mental and emotional anguish claims Wrongful death of a loved one Medical expenses, past and future. Personal injury lawyers can get justice and recover for injuries to your body and to your property.  Besides providing legal representation, a lawyer will ensure your legal rights are safeguarded, and your chances of succeeding increase.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Frank Wooldridge

5 Things to do After a Car Accident

There are high chances that you or a loved one will be involved in a car accident, and you’ll need a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield to help you make claims for the damage on your car, bodily injuries, or other financial expenses caused by car accident. Although personal injuries may appear minor and harmless initially, they may later on become serious health problems. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should be compensated. A car accident lawyer in Bakersfield can help accident victims seek justice and recover damages for bodily injuries and damaged property. The lawyer will advise you on the available legal options and ensure your legal rights are protected as you pursue justice. Common Causes of Car Accidents The following are the common causes of car accidents: Design Defects Anything made by humans is prone to defects, and cars are no exception. Cars need hundreds, if not thousands, of parts to run, and one defective part can be an ingredient in a serious car accident. A past study shows that most automakers struggle with design defects and have had to make product recalls in the past. For instance, Ford Explorer struggled with rollover accidents while some Toyota cars experienced unintentional acceleration crashes. Unwise Lane Changes There are times when you must change lanes, like when you’re exiting a freeway, or when you’re making a turn. Most drivers do not observe safety guidelines when changing lanes, and a single mistake may cause a serious accident. Unsafe lane changes can be avoided by communicating your intentions to other road users through indicating, by checking your blind spots, and ensuring there’s no oncoming traffic. Driving on the Wrong Places It’s understandable to experience poor judgment once in a while. However, such mistakes can be costly when driving. You may take a turn thinking it’s a left turn when it is not. When you’re driving in the wrong direction, you risk causing an accident besides risking the lives of other road users. Tailgating Most drivers are uncourteous, impatient, and reckless. They do not keep a safe distance, hence failing to react appropriately if something like sudden braking happens. Drivers may dangerously tailgate you at high speeds, risking causing an accident. Tailgating accidents can be avoided by keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you. Drunkand Intoxicated Driving Most states or jurisdictions consider driving under the influence a criminal offense. Drugs, legal or illegal, can impair your driving ability and judgment as a driver. Drunken driving accidents can only be avoided by driving while sober. There are no shortcuts to this! What to do After a Car Accident You should do the following things if you’re involved in a car accident: Seek medical assistance. Document the accident scene. Document the extent of the damage. Get repair estimates. Make a formal report to the police within 24 hours. Contact a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield. Recovering personal injury and damaged property claims can be challenging and frustrating, but not when you have a good car accident lawyer by your side.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Business Law & Estate Planning

Handling Car Accident Cases in Bakersfield, Ca

Car accidents keep increasing on our roads each day, thanks to careless driving, poor road infrastructure, and much more. Victims of car accidents are left with financial burdens related to treatment, besides suffering the pain, inconvenience and stress of having bodily injuries. Fortunately, personal injury laws related to car accidents can help protect them. If you’re a victim of an auto or motorcycle accident, you should pursue justice. If you got injured in a car accident anywhere in Bakersfield, you could consult car accident lawyers in Bakersfield, Ca, for legal help. The lawyers will act as a legal compass by advising you on everything regarding personal injury lawsuits, and they will ensure your legal rights are safeguarded. Common Causes of Road Accidents According to World Health Organization research, more than 1.3 million deaths occur from road accidents annually around the globe, as well as 20 to 50 million cases which are non-fatal injuries. In a significant number of these non-fatal accidents,  the victims may suffer life-changing injuries or disabilities. The common causes of car accidents include: Drunk driving. Failure to obey traffic signs and rules. Human error. Distracted driving. Unsafe roads. Lack of courtesy. Ineffective traffic laws. Preventing Car Accidents Undoubtedly, road accidents can be prevented and even decreased when all stakeholders, including road users, play their role accordingly and by following the below-listed guidelines: Being conscious of road safety rules. Giving way where possible. Using safety assistants. Observing traffic rules. Driving roadworthy vehicles. Driving while sober. Improving driving skills. Being courteous. Importance of a Car Accident Lawyer Although the main focus for car accident lawyers is to seek justice on your behalf, they’re also tasked with ensuring clients go through the process of getting justice as comfortably as possible. Other crucial services car accident lawyers provide include: Explaining your Rights Most people are ignorant of their legal and Constitutional rights, a prime opportunity for insurance companies. If you pursue compensation for car accident injuries from an insurance company, you need to know your rights. Otherwise, your case can have an unexpected outcome, which is why you need a car accident lawyer. Providing Legal Counsel Most victims of car accidents desperately turn to different sources when seeking justice for car accident injuries, and they’re likely to stumble upon varying advice. However, you can simplify this process by seeking professional legal help. Car accident lawyers handle many accident cases, knowing what works best in different scenarios. Negotiating for Fair Settlement Insurance companies are notorious for arm-twisting the course of justice. They will use time-tested strategies, such as clearly undervaluing claims, completely denying legitimate claims, or arguing things that cannot be legally supported, all for their financial gain. They’re in business, meaning the more claims they avoid paying, the more their profits. Legal Representation Most cases related to car accidents are settled out of court, but you should still hire a competent lawyer to represent you so things don’t get out of hand. Car accident lawyers can save the day when things go south. They can safeguard your legal rights and guarantee a fair hearing if or when the case goes to court. With a competent car accident lawyer by your side, you’re at least assured of justice and a greater likelihood of successful compensation.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Personal Injury

The Role of Car Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield

Some victims of car accidents don’t seek justice for personal injuries, because they don’t know the law can help them. The law can cover many aspects of car accident damages, such as personal property damaged at the time of the accident, as well as for your injuries. In Bakersfield, the defendant is expected to compensate the plaintiff in personal injury lawsuits. Fortunately, a Bakersfield car accident attorney can help. In many car accidents, a person is left with life-threatening conditions. If you’re a car accident victim and live in Bakersfield, you should contact a Bakersfield car accident attorney. An attorney will provide legal counsel, and may initiate a court trial, besides safeguarding your constitutional rights. Why You Shouldn’t Pursue Justice Without an Attorney If you don’t have legal representation, pursuing claims for personal injury can be difficult, thanks to the challenges presented by insurance companies and by the legal system as well.  Most accident victims will hire a car accident attorney for the following reasons: The Technicality of Law Understanding legal terms and language is only possible if you have a legal background. Why? Law is learned in law schools, and if you’ve never been there, you need a legal expert to help you out. Even legal professionals seek legal representation for their legal issues since they’ve only specialized in a particular practice area. Dire Consequences of a Lost Trial You risk a lot when you represent yourself with legal issues. You’re not at your best, there are difficult procedural rules and it could be difficult for you to visualize things from the right perspective. Besides, most lawyers will not charge you after losing a case. You’re only charged after a successful case. Court Protocols Every industry has a certain way of doing things, and the legal industry is not an exception. Without a legal background, you’ll undoubtedly struggle with court protocols, such as filling and filing legal documents, timelines for completing legal documents and many other rules. A mistake at this point can cost your case. Access to Key Witnesses and Experts Personal injury lawyers have a network of experts to help them establish facts and opinions for strong cases. Also,  a good investigator can interview witnesses to prepare for trial. Qualities of a Competent Attorney for Car Accidents The common qualities of a competent attorney include:  Passion for Law and Clients As a minimum requirement, reliable lawyers should be passionate about the law, and about helping their clients. Unfortunately, many are not. Passionate lawyers are some of the most hardworking individuals and can sometimes make the difference between winning and losing a case on your behalf. Communication Skills Competent attorneys must be great communicators to execute their duties effectively. They encounter different types of people, such as insurance companies, defense lawyers, judges and the jury–meaning they should understand and be understood by everyone. As per research, most American law firms struggle with attracting, retaining, and understanding clients, thanks to poor communication skills.  Knowledgeable in Law Car accident lawyers should be experts in personal injury law. No one wants to be represented by an inexperienced attorney. Your legal team sets the direction of your case. With a good attorney for car accidents, you’ll have a much better chance of getting a fair trial and fair compensation.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Young Wooldridge

Whiplash: Symptoms and Causes

One of the most common injuries suffered in a car accident is whiplash. While whiplash may sound like a single injury on its own, there are actually a number of whiplash injuries an individual may suffer. This article discusses the basics with regards to symptoms and causes of whiplash injuries in car accidents. According to the Mayo Clinic [Whiplash – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic] whiplash is defined as a “neck injury due to forceful, rapid back and forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.”  It is not limited to car accident injuries but is a common result of sports accidents, physical abuse and traumas linked to falls. In car accidents, whiplash injuries are most common in rear end vehicle accidents. Such types of accidents cause vehicle occupants’ bodies to forcefully move forward while the head and neck are forced backward. It must be noted though that in recent years the term whiplash has been linked to an exaggeration or fake personal injury claim. As a result, most personal injury attorneys avoid using the term whiplash. The more technical terms that are now used for whiplash-type injuries are hyperflexion or hyperextension injury, neck sprain or strain, or myofascial injuries. However, speak to Bakersfield auto accident lawyers  to discuss further your whiplash-type injuries. Whiplash is generally caused by vehicle occupants being unprepared for the impact an accident will have. It has been noted above the most common cause of whiplash injuries in car accidents are rear-end accidents, however, other vehicle accidents which do not involve rear-end forces may still result in whiplash. There is generally a misconception that whiplash is only the result of a high-speed accident, however, even an accident caused by low speeds and with low impacts may result in whiplash injuries. A number of factors affect whether or not an occupant will suffer whiplash injuries; some of these factors include: Whether or not the vehicle occupant was wearing a seatbelt The manner in which the vehicle occupant was sitting The vehicle occupant’s gender and height Vehicle weight and size Seat positioning All these contribute to the chances and severity of whiplash injuries in vehicle occupants involved in a car accident. There is another common misconception of whiplash which says because it is a soft tissue injury, it’s just a minor injury and cannot be serious. The reality is that soft tissue injuries can be serious and if untreated may result in long-term effects to the sufferer. Such evidence is in accordance with medical studies; as such, it is of the utmost importance for whiplash sufferers to receive medical attention as soon as possible.  Whiplash can cause spinal injuries as well as brain injuries. Common whiplash injury symptoms include the following: Headaches Blurred vision Dizziness Low range of motion Stiffness and pain in the neck Shoulder, back or arm pain Trouble concentrating Fatigue Disturbances to sleeping patterns Unusual sensations, including tingling in the arms, or burning or prickling sensations It is important to note whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after the vehicle accident but may take a number of days to manifest.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Business Law

Types of Damages in Car Accident Claims

We never know when accidents, more so car accidents, will occur, so we should be well prepared if it happens. Car accident and personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation for car accident injuries, and any personal property damaged during a car accident. The settlement should help  cover for financial and non-financial problems which resulted from a car accidents. You should consider hiring car accident lawyers in Bakersfield for legal advice on how to approach the process of pursuing justice. Car accident lawyers gather crucial facts to establish a strong case against defendants, particularly insurance companies, to honor legitimate liabilities.. Damages for Car Accident Claims A car accident claim case can have two types of damages in Bakersfield, including damages for physical injuries and personal property. For personal property damaged during the accident, the following expenses should be reimbursed: Car Repair Costs Car repair costs represent  the amount of money the accident victim spends to repair their car. The final award should factor in all money spent on the car plus all incidental costs related to the repair. Personal Property Here, proof of the damaged property is key for a successful claim. Personal property may range from a personal computer (PC), portable radio, small machinery, and any property that was in the car at the time of the accident. Car Hire Expenses Naturally, most people will rent a car to help them carry on with their daily activities after an accident. This should be paid for by the insurance company which should provide a car, or, more commonly, reimburse you for the amount spent to rent a car. Incidental Expenses  Any unplanned expenses caused by an accident should be covered in the final settlement. For instance, you may be forced to spend the night in a lodging due to delays caused by the accident. Such expenses should be covered by the defendant or their insurer. What to do after a Car Accident The first thing you should do is seek medical help in case of injuries. While at the scene of the accident, you can note down or collect any data that may be used as evidence against the defendant. The following data should be collected if possible: Cause of the accident. Details of all parties involved. Insurance details of other parties involved. Take a photo of the other driver’s license plate. Eyewitness accounts. Personal property lost or damaged. Any interference with the accident scene. Location of the accident. Car and personal property damage, including photographic evidence if possible. Illegitimate Car Accident Claims Insurance companies will try to sway the course of justice by doing everything in their power to either delay, deny, or avoid genuine claims altogether. Their sole goal is to maximize profits by maximizing the number of dishonored claims. Fortunately, car accident lawyers can be helpful at such times by providing all the legal help you may need. However, insurance companies can avoid liability by citing the following: Total or partial liability on the part of the plaintiff Insufficient data or facts to sustain a legitimate claim. The tricky part of a car accident claim is to prove liability, but with a competent lawyer by your side, you need not worry. Car accident lawyers can help minimize your misery if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Bakersfield.

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| Read Time: 3 minutes | Personal Injury

Causes of Car Accidents in Bakersfield

According to a recent study, road accidents involving small passenger cars have become a common occurrence, thanks to poorly trained drivers, bad road networks, disobedience to traffic laws, and much more. Even Covid 19 has increased the number of accidents on the roadway, presumably because drivers are more distracted or emotionally stressed out.  A car accident can leave incalculable suffering and dire consequences in its wake, such as physical injuries, lost earnings and lost job opportunities, financial stress, and much more. Although most car accident victims are not aware, you can be compensated for your personal injuries and property damage if you’ve experienced a car accident anywhere in Bakersfield. A car accident attorney in Bakersfield will give you legal advice and help you in the process of seeking justice for your injuries and damaged property. They will also initiate a demand while ensuring you still enjoy your legal rights as enshrined in the constitution. What are the Causes of Road Accidents? Approximately 600,000 car accidents occur every day throughout the world, leading to 20 million serious physical injuries, or even worse, permanent disabilities and death. The following are some of the common causes of car accidents: Disobeying Road Signs and Traffic Laws Simple traffic laws, such as stopping at a red light even when the road is clear, are often ignored by many drivers, but could be catastrophic. Even when in a hurry, all road rules, including the following should be observed to avert road accidents: Stop signs. Do not enter. Railway crossing sign. Pedestrians crossing. No parking sign. No U-turn sign. Exceeding Speed Limits All states in the U.S have varying speed limits to be observed by all drivers, the failure of which may result in road accidents. California traffic laws have set the speed limit for urban zones as a maximum of 55 mph on double-lane roads, and 65 mph on multi-lane roads. However, drivers are encouraged to maintain the speed limits for different zones, such as commercial, school, or residential zones, which typically are much lower. Driving Under the Influence DUI/DWI is a traffic offence and punishable by law in Bakersfield, where the penalties for a first DWI offense could range from anything between a minimum jail term, fine, license revocation, and at worst, a total suspension of your license,  The cost of getting one single  DUI can be over $10,000 when fines and lawyer costs are calculated in. Human Error Human error mostly happens when drivers are not alert.  Driving while tired should be avoided at all costs. Distracted Driving The driver’s duty is to focus on the task at hand, driving, once in the driver’s seat. Any other activities are considered distractions, which are recipes for looming disasters. Bad Road Networks Bad roads are a major cause of road accidents the world over, potholes being the major culprit. A driver may run into oncoming traffic when trying to avoid potholes. Sometimes roadway edges have drop offs which can also lead to accidents. Why you need a Car Accident Attorney Hiring the services of an attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case. The benefits of having an attorney include: Wealth of Experience Car accident attorneys handle car accident cases with many different facts. The experience gained from handling similar cases helps them deduce what works best in different circumstances. Negotiating for Fair Settlement In most cases, the liable party tries to negotiate the lowest possible settlement in a car accident case. A good attorney can easily tell if the settlement is fair or otherwise. The defendant can exploit your naivety and ignorance if you  try to represent yourself, especially when the defendant has an insurance company,  and that could result in unfair compensation. A car accident attorney could be the key to a successful car accident case. He ensures you get a chance at a fair trial, besides safeguarding your rights and interests through all the pre-trial phases of your case. Additionally, you’re likely to end up with greater compensation, unlike if you try to go it alone.

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Personal Injury Lawyer Bakersfield CA

Slow Injuries and Your Claim

After a car accident it is not uncommon for some injuries to show up much later.  How might this affect your case? What is the best way to move forward? This article will discuss ways in which you should protect your health and your rights. It is not a generalization to say that the majority of car accidents are very traumatic. Something as simple as a fender bender to a far more serious accident with a lot of force in the collision with another vehicle or with a fixed object like a wall or building.  As a result, it is not uncommon for individuals involved in even minor accidents to not realize they have any injury symptoms immediately after the accident. This is for varying reasons. If you were involved in a car accident and would like to claim compensation for your injuries and losses contact car accident lawyers in Bakersfield CA at [https://www.youngwooldridge.com/bakersfield-car-accident-attorney/] today. When the body is undergoing some form of excitement it generates endorphins and adrenaline. These chemicals supercharge the body to the point that it can block out pain. When a car accident happens, it can result in the body becoming excited and generating these two chemicals, resulting in a burst of energy which results in many cases with a lack of any feelings of pain. It is because of this that people may feel fine after an accident.  However, once these chemicals begin to wear off the pain caused by the accident sets in. The most common type of injury suffered in car accidents is whiplash [Whiplash – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic]; this is a soft tissue injury to the neck, head and back. Whiplash is due to the jolting back and forth which results from an immediate stop or an immediate acceleration. The result of suffering whiplash or soft tissue injury includes swelling, pain and a low range of mobility, and can also include mild to moderate brain injuries from the brain bouncing around inside the skull. However, such symptoms are not immediately manifest after the accident. Further, they may not show up on any type of imaging machinery; as a result, they are difficult to document, diagnose and  prove to a jury. Another injury that may take time to manifest is a concussion. A concussion is the result of the head hitting into or onto something or the violent movement of the body that results in the brain hitting on the sides of the skull. Most people fail to identify concussions because of the assumption that an individual must become unconscious if they suffer a concussion. However, it is not in all instances that a person who has suffered a concussion loses consciousness. Some symptoms of a concussion include: Disorientation Lack of the ability to concentrate Headaches Blurred vision Nausea Sleeping patterns that are abnormal, i.e. sleeping less or more than usual having problems remembering new information There may be other symptoms as well, and if you notice any physical or mental changes after an accident you may have suffered  some  level  of  brain injury.  It may take days, weeks or even months to identify these symptoms and be diagnosed with a concussion. It is of the utmost importance that you seek medical attention immediately after the accident even if you are not in pain, and tell  your doctor about all the issues you are having. Further, it is important not to settle your personal injury claim immediately before a full medical evaluation.

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