Body pain, such as arm and elbow pain after a car accident, may indicate that an injury requires medical attention. If the pain is more than general soreness or continues for several days, you should see a doctor to rule out anything that needs treatment to heal properly.
Many people do not see a doctor because they worry about the cost of their care. However, if the other motorist caused your accident, their car insurance coverage should pay for your evaluation and treatment. You may be able to recover additional damages, as well.
Understanding the Causes of Arm and Elbow Injuries Following a Crash
The arm and elbow joint requires many working parts to function, and any of these parts could suffer damage in a collision. You could sustain injuries to the skin, bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, or tendons.
Most arm and elbow injuries require only in-office treatment, although some may call for surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Some common arm and elbow car accident injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractures and compound fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Joint dislocations
- Ligament tears or tendon ruptures
- Damage to blood vessels, nerves, and other necessary tissues
- Crush injuries
- Whiplash, which often causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms
How Will the Doctor Treat My Arm and Elbow Pain?
The treatment and care you need for your pain will depend on the diagnosis. The doctor who assesses your condition will determine the correct course of treatment for you. Depending on your injuries, this could include:
- Stitching
- Observation and immobilization, casting
- Ice, rest, and over-the-counter medication
- Prescription pain management
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation and therapy
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Are Most Causes of Arm and Elbow Pain Relatively Minor?
The good news is that most pain in the arm or elbow after a collision occurs because of contusions, expected soreness, or minor injuries. More serious injuries do occur, but not as frequently.
However, depending on your job, an arm or elbow injury could keep you out of work for a few days, several weeks, or even longer. The missed paychecks add up, especially once the medical bills arrive. Our team could help you seek damages for this, as well.
Recovering Damages Based on Your Car Accident Injuries
If you were the victim of a traffic accident and required medical evaluation, most states will let you seek compensation regardless of the severity of your injuries. In a state with fault-based car accident laws, you may be able to file an auto liability claim or sue the at-fault driver for monetary damages.
The recoverable damages available in an insurance settlement or court award depend on the specific harm you incurred, including financial, physical, and psychological injuries. Some examples include:
- Medical bills for current and future care
- Ambulance transportation if necessary
- Related care costs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity for lasting impairments
- Property damages, such as your car
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other non-economic losses
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Do I Have to Work with an Attorney to Recover Compensation in My Case?
No, you do not have to have a personal injury law firm represent you and manage the insurance claims process on your behalf. However, hiring an attorney can significantly reduce your stress and give you the time and energy to focus on healing and reclaiming your life.
A car accident attorney from our firm knows how to develop a case and handle your claim while avoiding any potential hurdles. This includes knowing which paperwork to file or how to determine your case’s worth. In addition to investigating what happened, identifying the liable parties, and seeking justice, your attorney will:
- Protect your rights
- Answer your questions
- Keep you up to date about your case status
- Help you understand your options and make decisions when necessary
- Fight to hold the at-fault party accountable
- Represent your best interests
In most cases, your attorney will file an insurance claim and pursue damages for you without suing the at-fault driver. However, our firm will sue on your behalf if that is the most beneficial option based on the circumstances of your accident.
You don’t Have Forever to Take Legal Action
When you sue, additional rules apply. In particular, each state has a statute of limitations. There may be exceptions, but these laws set a general deadline for suing a liable party. The time limits in our service areas are as follows:
- Ala. Code § 6-2-38 gives you two years in Alabama.
- Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105 gives you three years in Arkansas.
- La. Civ. Code Art. 3492 gives you one year in Louisiana.
- Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49 gives you three years in Mississippi.
You should not take this to mean that you have several months or even years to enlist the help of an attorney, though. There are many steps to complete before you determine if you need to sue, and you may be able to develop a stronger case against the at-fault driver if you act quickly.
Discuss Your Legal Options for Monetary Damages with Our Team Today
You can speak with a team member from the Morris Bart law office nearest you for free today. We provide free case evaluations and consultations, answering your questions and explaining your options for seeking compensation. We have 15 locations across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and we are a contingency fee firm.
Dial (800) 537-8185 now to learn more about your legal options, rights, and next steps.
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