Common Car Accident Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Pain & Suffering

If you drive regularly, your chances of experiencing a car accident in your lifetime are 1 in 77. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in the United States. Any person who experiences a serious car accident and injury is entitled to compensation according to the law. Many car accident victims receive settlements for the cost of medical bills, lost wages, future loss of wages, ongoing medical treatment, and pain and suffering. Here, we’re going to discuss the most common car accident injuries and the long-term impact they can have on your life.

Head Injuries

The most common type of head injuries caused by car accidents are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Minor TBIs affect your brain temporarily and cause side effects such as headaches, migraines, and short-term memory loss. Major TBIs, however, are more severe and have the potential to cause long-term brain damage and even death. Symptoms of TBIs include:

• Nausea & vomiting

• Fatigue

• Inability to speak (slurred speech)

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Dizziness

• …and more

If you hit your head during a car accident, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to rule out a traumatic brain injury.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. From minor fractures to compression breaks and even compound fractures, the complications associated with broken bones are endless. Some people who experience broken bones from car accidents suffer for the rest of their life from pain, loss of use, or even loss of limb. If a broken bone impedes your ability to work after your car accident, you can fight for compensation to replace your lost income.

Whiplash

Although many people believe whiplash is a minor, common injury, it can be severe. Side-effects of whiplash include:

• Loss of range of motion

• Headaches or migraines

• Chronic back pain

Whiplash is extremely painful and frequently requires long-term treatment from a physical therapist or chiropractor. Some car accident victims who experience whiplash do not feel relief from their pain for months.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common, serious, non-physical car accident injury that can cause long-term pain and suffering. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks

• Unexplained fears

• Heightened anxiety

• Stress

• Night terrors

• Mood swings

• Depression

• …and more

Car accident victims who experience PTSD should see a therapist for treatment as well as their medical doctor. PTSD is extremely serious and requires a comprehensive, long-term treatment plan to keep symptoms and side-effects at bay.

You Are Entitled To Compensation For Your Car Accident Injuries

If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you should not have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. An experienced attorney can help you fight your case and win you the compensation you deserve.

In New Hampshire, a trusted source of car accident representation is Patch & FitzGerald Attorneys at Law. Our team has decades of experience fighting and winning cases for people just like you. To schedule a free consultation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Common Car Accident Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Pain & Suffering

If you drive regularly, your chances of experiencing a car accident in your lifetime are 1 in 77. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in the United States. Any person who experiences a serious car accident and injury is entitled to compensation according to the law. Many car accident victims receive settlements for the cost of medical bills, lost wages, future loss of wages, ongoing medical treatment, and pain and suffering. Here, we’re going to discuss the most common car accident injuries and the long-term impact they can have on your life.

Head Injuries

The most common type of head injuries caused by car accidents are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Minor TBIs affect your brain temporarily and cause side effects such as headaches, migraines, and short-term memory loss. Major TBIs, however, are more severe and have the potential to cause long-term brain damage and even death. Symptoms of TBIs include:

• Nausea & vomiting

• Fatigue

• Inability to speak (slurred speech)

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Dizziness

• …and more

If you hit your head during a car accident, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to rule out a traumatic brain injury.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are one of the most common injuries associated with car accidents. From minor fractures to compression breaks and even compound fractures, the complications associated with broken bones are endless. Some people who experience broken bones from car accidents suffer for the rest of their life from pain, loss of use, or even loss of limb. If a broken bone impedes your ability to work after your car accident, you can fight for compensation to replace your lost income.

Whiplash

Although many people believe whiplash is a minor, common injury, it can be severe. Side-effects of whiplash include:

• Loss of range of motion

• Headaches or migraines

• Chronic back pain

Whiplash is extremely painful and frequently requires long-term treatment from a physical therapist or chiropractor. Some car accident victims who experience whiplash do not feel relief from their pain for months.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common, serious, non-physical car accident injury that can cause long-term pain and suffering. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Flashbacks

• Unexplained fears

• Heightened anxiety

• Stress

• Night terrors

• Mood swings

• Depression

• …and more

Car accident victims who experience PTSD should see a therapist for treatment as well as their medical doctor. PTSD is extremely serious and requires a comprehensive, long-term treatment plan to keep symptoms and side-effects at bay.

You Are Entitled To Compensation For Your Car Accident Injuries

If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you should not have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. An experienced attorney can help you fight your case and win you the compensation you deserve.

In New Hampshire, a trusted source of car accident representation is Patch & FitzGerald Attorneys at Law. Our team has decades of experience fighting and winning cases for people just like you. To schedule a free consultation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Can You Receive Compensation For A Car Accident Injury If You Don’t Have Insurance?

One of the biggest costs associated with driving and owning a car is auto insurance. Car insurance exists to protect the finances and livelihood of drivers if they are involved in an accident. Serious injuries can force a person to take time off work, lose pay, and miss important life events. Some injuries are so bad that the victim is unable to ever return to life as they knew it before their car accident.

There are measures in place to help car accident victims recover lost finances and receive compensation to help them mend their broken lives. If a person doesn’t have car insurance, however, can they still receive compensation? Here, we’ll find out.

New Hampshire Car Insurance Laws

Laws regarding car insurance vary from state to state. Most states require drivers to carry specific limits of liability and coverage on their automobile. New Hampshire is unique in the fact that it does not require drivers to carry auto insurance. However, if they choose not to carry auto insurance, residents of New Hampshire are required to cover the cost of property damage and bodily injury for accidents they cause.

It is always in a driver’s best interest to purchase auto insurance – even if they don’t believe they will get into a car accident. If an individual chooses to purchase auto insurance in New Hampshire, they must get the minimum limits of liability which are:

• $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person

• $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident

• $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident

• $1,000 in medical payments per accident

Paying an insurance premium for a policy with these limits works to ensure that drivers will not have to pay for property damage or medical expenses of an accident they caused out of their own pockets.

No Pay No Play States

Some states including Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Alaska, California, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, and Oregon are considered “No Pay No Play” states. Meaning, if a person does not carry auto insurance, they are not eligible to receive compensation for injuries from a car accident.

Due to the nature of New Hampshire’s laws, individuals who choose not to carry auto insurance do not have to worry about such situations. The most notable risk involved in not carrying car insurance is being forced to find a way to pay for the damages you caused in a car accident out of your own pocket.

In New Hampshire, the minimum limits of liability are also designed to protect you if the person responsible for the accident wasn’t carrying insurance and doesn’t have the money upfront to cover your medical bills.

Reliable Car Accident Attorneys Near You

If you were recently involved in a car accident in New Hampshire, there’s no better time than now to reach out to a trusted attorney. Our attorneys, claims administrators, and paralegals have one focus in mind: getting you the best settlement possible so that you can return to the business of living your life. Call Patch & FitzGerald if you have been injured and let us fight for you and your family.

NO FEE UNLESS YOU WIN!

You don’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Call our office at 603-647-2600 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents

Poor Visibility

Driving in a snowstorm is no easy task. High winds, big snowflakes, and blowing snow all make it difficult to see. In the worst snowstorms, visibility on the highway can be as little as 3ft. When conditions are not safe for driving, local and national weather services will issue warnings to drivers. To stay safe and prevent accidents, it is in your best interest to stay home whenever a blizzard warning is issued or little to no travel is advised.

Snow and Ice Covered Roads

Not only do snow and ice cause poor visibility, but they also make it very difficult to drive properly. When snowplows and other maintenance vehicles are unable to completely clear the roadways, slowing down, stopping, and turning are all challenging. Therefore, rear-end collisions, cars missing stop signs, and cars going off the road are common occurrences in the winter. If you must drive when conditions are poor, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and put space between you and other vehicles.

Improper Tire Maintenance

Taking care of your vehicle in the winter is of the utmost importance. One of the most beneficial maintenance tasks to prevent accidents is making sure your tires are in working condition. During the winter, tires should have at least 6/32” of tread to safely handle snow and ice. Furthermore, if you live in an area where the roads are not plowed quickly or there is a lot of drifting, snow tires are a smart option.

Distracted Driving

Throughout the country, distracted driving is an issue all year round. In the winter, however, it becomes even more prevalent when more attention is required to drive. Looking away from the road for as little as two seconds to read a text message is enough to cause a deadly accident. This winter, put your phone away and focus on the road to ensure everyone makes it home for the holidays.

Completely Clean Your Car To Avoid Accidents & Tickets

No matter what steps you take to deice your vehicle, the most important thing is that you get it completely cleared of all ice and snow. This means there should be no ice remaining on your windshield, car windows, or mirrors. Likewise, there should be no snow on the hood, roof, or sides of your vehicle. It is also essential to check the area around your tires for ice and snow and clear any away before driving.

Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers are legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road. Driver’s who violate the law face fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Contact The Trusted Attorneys At Patch & FitzGerald 

If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, the legal team at Patch & FitzGerald is here to fight for you. 

At Patch & FitzGerald, we care about all of our clients and want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible after an accident. We specialize in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.  Our team can help you win the settlement you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. 

Tips For Deicing Your Car This Winter

During the winter, there are many dangers on the road and, believe it or not, one of them is your own vehicle. Too much ice and snow on your car is a recipe for road hazards, such as reduced visibility and flying debris. In many states across the US, you must completely deice your vehicle before driving. Before you hit the road this winter, take note of these top tips for deicing your car to help prevent accidents.

Start Early & Defrost Your Car

The key to getting the ice off of your car quickly and efficiently is defrosting your vehicle. It is best to allow at least 10-15 minutes before you need to leave for your car to defrost properly. According to the experts, defrosting your car includes three easy steps:

1. Turn on your heat using the defrost setting

2. Turn the air recirculation off

3. Crack your windows (as long as it’s not snowing or raining)

Following these three steps reduces moisture inside your car, warms it up, and melts the ice most efficiently.

Use A Plastic Or Rubber Scraper

When it comes to getting all of the ice off of your car, it can be tempting to use the strongest and sharpest tool possible. Metal scrapers and other tools like razors or ice picks, however, can scratch your windshield and are dangerous to use on cars. For the best results and the utmost safety, it is important to use a plastic or hard rubber ice scraper. If you’ve allowed enough time for your car to defrost, you should be able to gently remove the ice from your windshield without too much force.

Avoid Deicing Solutions

Although there are several recipes online for deicing solutions, it is in your best interest not to use them. When deicing solutions are used repetitively, they can cause long-term damage to your vehicle, including rust and paint chips. Likewise, pouring hot water directly on your car can cause your windows to crack or break. If you forget to defrost your car before you need to leave in the morning, the best course of action is to call ahead to wherever you need to be and let them know you will be late.

Completely Clean Your Car To Avoid Accidents & Tickets

No matter what steps you take to deice your vehicle, the most important thing is that you get it completely cleared of all ice and snow. This means there should be no ice remaining on your windshield, car windows, or mirrors. Likewise, there should be no snow on the hood, roof, or sides of your vehicle. It is also essential to check the area around your tires for ice and snow and clear any away before driving.

Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers have been legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road. Driver’s who violate the law face fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

3 Traffic Concerns Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Across the country, people travel far and near to visit with family, see old friends, and score great shopping deals. Unfortunately, the busy weekend is also prime time for crime in many communities. Each year, thousands of people face traffic violations and arrests instead of eating turkey.

Here, we are going to take a look at the three most common problems that can happen over Thanksgiving weekend and how you can avoid them.

DUI

During family gatherings, people feast on turkey, pie, and plenty of drink over just a few hours. After the festivities are over, they take to the road and drive home – many of them with a BAC well over the legal limit. Over the past five years, over 800 people died due to drinking and driving accidents. This holiday, if you choose to partake in alcoholic beverages at your family gathering, make a choice not to drink and drive. Uber and taxis are always available to shuttle you home.

SPEEDING

Nearly 40 million drive to their family gatherings over Thanksgiving weekend. With so many people on the road, traffic violations will inevitably occur. One of the most common traffic violations is speeding, which causes many fatal accidents over the holiday. If you choose to drive to your Thanksgiving celebration, be sure to give yourself enough time to get there safely. Traveling at the proper speed will help your family, and many others have something to be thankful for.

Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year. On average, over 50 million people go shopping in stores on Black Friday. According to a National Safety Council poll found that “two-thirds – 66 percent – of drivers would make phone calls while driving through a parking lot, and 56 percent would text.” Distracted walking is also a serious safety issue. With the increase in traffic in and around parking lots and parking garages during the holiday shopping season, both drivers and pedestrians need to pay close attention. Slower speeds in parking lots do not mean you are safe.

Have A Safe & Happy Thanksgiving From Patch & FitzGerald

At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you and your family to have a happy holiday weekend. While you are traveling, we advise you to take every precaution to get to and from your destination safely. However, we know you can’t control the actions of others. Therefore, if you find yourself in an accident at no fault of your own this holiday weekend, you should know we are here for you.

For over thirty years, Attorney John FitzGerald has been helping the people of New Hampshire. We understand the intricacies of the personal injury process. We can help you win the settlement you deserve for your injuries, missed work, and pain and suffering.

Call us 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. Always a free initial consultation.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Vehicle For The Cold Weather

The winter months are quickly approaching and everyone knows that means one thing – cold weather. In New Hampshire, the temperatures regularly reach below freezing from December to February. Those types of temperatures are not only uncomfortable but can pose a serious threat to your vehicles as well. This winter, use these five tips to prepare your vehicle for cold weather and avoid being a hazard on the road.

1.  Check Your Tire Pressure and Treads

When it’s snowing and sleeting, driving is dangerous. One precaution you can take to avoid accidents is to make sure you have properly maintained tires. When it gets cold, tires typically deflate causing them to lose traction. Likewise, over time, tire treads fade and make it harder for your car to grip the road. Before the cold weather hits, make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have the right amount of tread. Most experts recommend a tire tread of 6/32”.

2.  Refill The Antifreeze and Engine Coolant

When the temperatures get low, antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing and engine coolant keeps your car from overheating when it’s working hard. Before the first snowfall, it is essential to check the levels of these substances so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

3.  Get An Oil Change

Carmakers recommend that car owners get an oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles. However, it is always a good idea to get your oil changed no matter how long it’s been when the weather turns cold. A fresh oil change helps ensure that your car is in its best working condition when it needs to work the hardest.

4.  Create An Emergency Kit

Everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit in the backseat of their car for accidents and bad weather conditions. If its snowing and your car is stranded, it is recommended that you stay inside your vehicle so help can find you. Recommended items for emergency car kits include:

• Bottled water

• Matches

• Jumper cables

• Extra coolant

• Blanket

• Hats and gloves

• Flashlights

• Snacks

• Salt (to melt the snow)

A kit with these items will help you combat the cold weather and help you survive a situation where you are stranded.

5.  Replace Your Wiper Blades

Once it starts snowing, fresh and clean wiper blades are essential for driving. Dirty wiper blades are ineffective at clearing snow and can easily create poor visibility. If you are not able to see through the snow, sleet or ice, you are more likely to get in an accident. New wiper blades can be purchased at almost any auto parts store and you can install them yourself. Or, you can take your car to the repair shop or dealership and they will install the new blades for you.

At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you to have a safe and happy winter season. However, if the weather turns bad and you find yourself in a car accident, we’re here to help. Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury cases and can help you win the settlement you deserve. Call 630-647-2600 for a free case overview or contact us online today.

Who Is Liable If I Get In An Accident On My Way To Work?

Getting in a car accident on the way to work is the primary ingredient in a recipe for a bad day. Not only does a car accident delay your entire schedule but it also creates an entire new to-do list to check off. The list includes things like dealing with the insurance company, getting your car repaired, and healing from injuries – to name a few.

If you have recently been injured in an accident on the way to work, you might be wondering – who is liable? Here, we’re going to explore the answer to that question.

Accidents On Your Own Time Are Your Responsibility

Many people assume if they get into an accident on their way to or from work that the company, they work for can be held responsible. Unfortunately, that is not the case. During the commute from your house to your office, you are on your own time. Therefore, your employer cannot be held responsible. The only time there is an exception to this rule is when you are clocked-in and on official business during your commute.

Accidents during the workday, however, are a different story. If you are driving from one location of the business to another, running an errand for your employer, or on an appointment related to work your company can be held partially liable for a car accident.

New Hampshire Is An At-Fault State

Any time you get into an accident in New Hampshire, whether it is during the workday or not, you need to take into consideration that New Hampshire is an at-fault state. This means, whoever is deemed responsible for the accident is held liable for the costs associated with the accident. To determine fault in a car accident, it is important to contact the local authorities and file an official report. Once a report is obtained, you can file a claim with your own insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, depending on who is at fault.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has determined that driving to and from work is generally not work-related due to the fact that driving to and from work constitutes ordinary perils of travel.  However, there are numerous exceptions to this rule.

If you are involved in an accident during the workday, the best thing you can do is contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident cases. They will be able to examine the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine who is at fault and if your employer can be held responsible.

Contact Patch & FitzGerald For Your Personal Injury Claim

Patch & Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law is one of the top personal injury law firms in the state of New Hampshire. Attorney FitzGerald specializes in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases and has the knowledge and experience required to help you win your case. All of our staff cares deeply about every client and work hard to get to know their circumstances so we can best help them get back on their feet. If you have been involved in a work injury or car accident, we want to help you.

Call 603-607-2600 or contact us online for your free case evaluation today.

Crucial advice from John FitzGerald

CLICK HERE for a VERY short video if you’ve been in an accident or hurt on the job. You’re almost certainly very upset, most people are — and that is normal. The fact is that you are now at a very vulnerable moment in time, a time when you might be tempted to make a quick decision, especially when it comes to choosing a lawyer, just to “get it over with.”

Take a deep breath! Gather your thoughts. There’s something very important you need to know about how to choose a lawyer, and a lot depends on your decision. Hear what John FitzGerald, one of the best in the business, advises about this very crucial decision that you’re about to make.

Daylight Savings Time Means Danger On The Roads And At Work

Fall back, spring ahead! Twice per year, residents on the east coast experience a shift in daily schedules as a result of daylight savings time. Daylight savings time is the manipulation of time to extend sunlight into the evening hours during the summer. This fall, as daylight savings time comes to an end, there are potential hazards you should be aware of.

Disrupted Schedules Leads To Distraction That Causes Car Accidents

According to research, there is an increase in accidents that result in injuries and death immediately following daylight savings time. One factor that contributes to the rise in accidents is the change in people’s schedules. When the time changes, people have a difficult time adapting to new daylight hours, which causes them to rush from one place to another. Likewise, changing daylight hours means visibility changes during typical commute times, which can lead to distraction.

Change in Sleep Habits Creates Difficulty For Workers

Although you get an extra hour of sleep on the first night of daylight savings in the fall, setting your clock back by an hour creates adverse changes in your sleeping habits. Many people find it difficult to fall asleep at their usual bedtime, resulting in less sleep overall. A loss of sleep means tired workers showing up on the job, which creates an increase in injuries. According to multiple studies, there is a 5.7% increase in workplace injuries after daylight savings time.

Prepare For Daylight Savings Time To Prevent Accidents & Injuries

The time change in the fall is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to address measures individuals can take to increase their safety in dangerous situations.

Here are a few recommendations for a safer daylight savings time this fall.

● Give yourself extra time to wake up in the morning.

● Gradually adjust your bedtime before the time change.

● Adjust your car headlights according to the sunlight.

● Take your time with typical daily tasks if you feel tired.

● Allow yourself time to rest.

In addition to these safety tips, it is also important to be aware of others’ actions. Just because you’ve taken the time to prepare for the time change doesn’t mean that others have. If you are aware of what’s going on around you, you can help prevent accidents of all kinds.

Trust Patch & FitzGerald With Your Personal Injury Case

If you’re involved in a car accident or work accident this fall, be sure to call upon a trusted personal injury attorney for assistance. In New Hampshire, the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald are experienced in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases. At Patch & Fitzgerald, we are committed to serving you and understand what it takes to win you the settlement you deserve for your injuries and pain and suffering.

To schedule a free consultation for your case, call our office at 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. There’s no better time than now to earn the compensation you deserve, and we’re here to help.