A few months ago, I was involved in a significant car accident where I wasn’t at fault, and I’m now facing a need for surgery. This is my first major accident, and I’m feeling uncertain about the next steps. I (23F) have been advised that I require surgery to fix a labral tear in one of my hips. Although I have a less severe tear in my other hip, surgery for that one is still being considered. I also had a spine MRI on Wednesday, and I’m waiting for results next week to determine if I have a spinal injury, which is concerning because I’ve been experiencing numbness in my foot and shooting pain down my leg. Sitting and standing are painful, and driving is extremely uncomfortable.
I’m worried about the long-term effects of this accident, especially since I’m still so young. Some of my friends are encouraging me to pursue legal action, but I’m hesitant. I have concerns that after paying attorney fees, which typically take one-third of any settlement in my area, there may not be enough left to cover my medical expenses. My insurance is likely to seek reimbursement from any compensation I might receive. So far, I’ve had two X-rays and two MRIs due to the accident. If I don’t pursue legal action, my medical coverage is quite decent, and I anticipate my out-of-pocket costs for surgery and copays will be manageable, likely under $2,000. What should I do?
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially considering the pain you’re experiencing and the uncertainty about your injuries. Here are a few things to consider as you weigh your options:
Consult a Lawyer: It might be beneficial to at least consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options. Many offer free initial consultations and can provide guidance on whether pursuing a lawsuit is worth it in your specific case. They can also help you evaluate potential compensation, taking your medical expenses and any pain and suffering into account.
Medical Bills and Future Expenses: Since you mentioned that you have good medical coverage, it’s important to clarify how your insurance will handle your bills after a settlement or award. In some cases, insurance may have a right to subrogation, meaning they could seek repayment from any settlement you receive. A lawyer can help you navigate this.
Potential Compensation: Even though you’re worried about attorney fees, if you’re not at fault and can demonstrate that the accident caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation that covers not only immediate medical bills but also future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Documentation is Key: Make sure you document everything related to your medical treatments, expenses, and any impact on your daily life. This will be helpful if you do decide to pursue a claim.
Consider Long-term Impact: Since you’re dealing with potential long-term effects from your injuries, think about how this might affect your quality of life, ability to work, and future medical needs. This could factor into whether pursuing legal action is worthwhile.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. While it’s important to consider the advice from friends and family, you know your situation best. If you believe pursuing legal action is the right step for you, then it may be worth exploring further.
Take care of yourself and make sure to prioritize your health as you navigate through this process.