You may experience hearing problems after a car crash. These issues may not go away on their own. Following your collision, it may be beneficial to get medical help, then consult with an Okemos car accident lawyer to find out if you can pursue damages from any at-fault parties.
At White Law PLLC, we have a wealth of experience with auto accident claims. Our Michigan car accident attorney is available to review your case. To get started, contact us today.
How Hearing Loss May Affect You After a Car Accident
Hearing loss may make it tough to work, go to school, and enjoy your life to the fullest extent. You may need hearing aids or treatments to address this medical issue. There may be no guarantee your loss of hearing will improve over time.
You may experience pain and suffering relating to your hearing loss. These issues may impact you long into the future. They may affect your relationships with family and friends.
At White Law PLLC, we understand the ramifications of hearing loss after an auto accident. If you are dealing with this medical issue or any others after a car crash, we may be able to help you seek damages from anyone responsible for your collision. For more information, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer from our team.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Who Is Responsible for the Costs to Treat Car Accident Hearing Loss
Michigan law requires drivers to have no-fault insurance. If you get hurt in an auto crash, your insurance policy may be used to cover any accident-related costs. This applies even if someone else is responsible for your collision.
For example, you may be driving, and your car may get struck by another motorist who is speeding. In this scenario, the other driver may be responsible for your accident. However, your insurance company may cover the costs of treating your accident-related losses.
You may suffer hearing loss due to whiplash, a skull fracture, or other crash-related injuries. Although your insurer may offer some compensation, it may not provide enough to help you deal with the long-term effects of your injuries. As such, you may have to seek further damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
When to Seek Damages for Hearing Loss After a Car Crash
It may be in your best interests to notify your auto insurance company as soon as you can about your accident that led to hearing loss. Per Michigan Compiled Laws §600.5805, there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you do not pursue compensation within three years of your auto collision, you may lose the right to seek damages at a later time.
When you file an insurance claim, it may take weeks or months to resolve. Your insurer may investigate your crash to determine who was at fault. It may also dispute your claim and, if it succeeds, may not pay out your damages.
There are times when an insurance policy does not cover the losses you incur in an auto accident. At these times, an auto accident lawyer may help you out. Your attorney may help you request compensation from anyone who caused your accident.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How to Prove Negligence in a Car Accident Case
An insurance company may provide compensation for your hearing loss, damage to your car, and other quantifiable losses relating to your car collision. It may not offer compensation for pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. To get these and other compensation for your auto collision, you must prove an at-fault party was negligent.
To show negligence, you must verify an at-fault party had a legal obligation to avoid careless or reckless acts and violated this requirement. Also, you must highlight how this party’s actions led to your accident. Lastly, you must illustrate you incurred quantifiable or subjective losses due to these actions.
Hiring an auto accident attorney who has helped clients achieve outstanding case results may help you prove negligence. This lawyer may work with you to gather medical records and other pieces of evidence to show the severity of your hearing loss and other injuries. They may prepare an argument that may compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Partial Fault in a Car Accident Case
If you are found to be partially at fault for your auto crash, you may not receive 100% of the damages you initially requested. This means you may be forced to pay some of the costs to treat your hearing loss and other collision-related injuries out of your own pocket. In the worst-case scenario, you may not receive any compensation at all.
Your percentage of fault may determine if you receive damages. If you are found to be anywhere between 1-50% at fault, you may have the damages awarded to you reduced by your percentage of accountability. In a case where you are primarily at fault, you may be ineligible for damages.
For instance, a judge or jury may find you are 20% responsible for your car collision. If this happens, we may award you 80% of the damages you originally requested. Comparatively, if you are 51% at fault, a judge or jury may not provide you with damages.
How to Get Compensation for Hearing Loss After an Auto Crash
As soon as your car crash happens, it may be a good idea to call 911. This will bring medical personnel and police officers to the accident scene. Medical professionals can treat your injuries, and police officers can collect information from you and others involved in the collision.
Notify your insurance company about your accident and continue to receive medical care. With each medical appointment for your hearing loss, keep track of your records since they may help you build a body of evidence. It may also be helpful to connect with an auto accident lawyer to go over your legal options.
The legal team at White Law PLLC has handled many car accident cases to date. We are here to help you out with your auto crash claim. To schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact us today.
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