Vehicle Accidents Involving Active Duty Military
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Car crashes for anyone can be devastating and heartbreaking, but this is especially true for active duty military members. When those who bravely serve our country are involved in accidents, the impact can be felt not just physically but also in their career. If you have been involved in a vehicle accident while on active duty, an Orange County military injury lawyer can help you stand up for your rights.
Steps to Reporting Your Injury
As an Orange County military injury lawyer, these are the steps we recommend to ensure that your injury is documented and you receive the necessary support:
- See a doctor: Your health and well-being are the top priority. Ensure that you receive immediate medical care for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, still get checked by a medical professional.
- Report the accident: Notify your commanding officer and the appropriate military chain of command about the accident as soon as possible. Provide a detailed account of what happened, any injuries sustained, and any witnesses present at the scene.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, damage, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Keep a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any impact the accident has had on your daily life.
- File an accident report: Complete the necessary paperwork to officially report the accident to the military police or civilian police. Follow the procedures outlined by your military branch and ensure that all required documentation is submitted in a timely manner.
- Talk to an Orange County military injury attorney: You have nothing to lose by talking to an experienced, reputable military injury lawyer in Orange County.
Your Legal Rights After Being Injured in the Line of Duty
As an active duty military member, you are entitled to certain legal rights if you are injured in the line of duty. These rights include:
- Medical care: You have the right to receive necessary and ongoing medical care for your injuries. This includes treatment, rehabilitation, and any additional medical services required as a result of the accident.
- Disability benefits: If your injury leads to a long-term or permanent disability, you may be eligible for disability pay and care. These benefits can provide financial support to help cover medical expenses and provide for your future needs.
- Compensation: You have the right to seek compensation for any financial losses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. This may include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning potential.
- Legal representation: You have the right to an attorney to ensure your rights are protected and to advocate for fair compensation. The right Orange County military injury attorney can help navigate the complex legal process and fight for your best interests.
The Importance of On-Going & Follow-Up Medical Care
Following a vehicle accident while on active duty, again, please prioritize on-going and follow-up medical care. Here’s why:
- Early detection and treatment: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent or may innocuously worsen over time. By receiving on-going medical care, you increase the chances of detecting any underlying injuries and initiating appropriate treatment promptly.
- Maximizing your recovery: Consistent medical care and follow-up visits ensures that you receive the necessary treatments and therapies to maximize your recovery. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized treatments tailored to your specific needs.
- Documenting your injuries: On-going medical care helps to document the progression and severity of your injuries. This documentation is necessary when pursuing a legal claim for compensation, as it provides evidence of the long-term impact of the accident on your health and well-being.
- Support from medical professionals: Your doctor can provide guidance, support, and resources to help you through the recovery process.
Getting Compensated
If you have been injured in a car accident on active duty, you may be entitled to financial compensation. That compensation can help cover the following:
- Medical expenses: Compensation can include reimbursement for medical bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy sessions, modifications to your home or vehicle, specialized medical equipment, and other necessary treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries result in missed work or a reduction in your ability to earn a living, compensation can help cover lost wages and your future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation can account for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your accident and injuries.
- Disability and long-term effects: If your injuries leave you with a long-term or permanent disability, compensation may be provided to assist with ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and to compensate for any impact on your daily life and future opportunities.
Why You Need an Orange County Military Injury Lawyer
Here’s why you need your own lawyer after being injured:
- Education and knowledge: An Orange County military injury lawyer understands the complexities of military law and the unique challenges faced by active duty military members.
- Advocacy and support: A lawyer will advocate for your best interests every step of the way. Unlike a commanding officer or doctor, as your lawyer, we are ethically bound to have only your best interests in mind. Our team will gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies and the military, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation and treatment.
- Maximizing your recovery: An experienced, steadfast lawyer will assess the full extent of your injuries, gather medical records, and consult with possible expert witnesses to determine the long-term impact of the accident.
- Focus on your well-being: With a military injury lawyer by your side, you can focus on your recovery and well-being. As your attorney, the Law Office of William Bruzzo will handle the legal battle, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
Orange County Military Injury Lawyer
Don’t fight this legal battle alone. Contact the Law Office of William Bruzzo today, a trusted Orange County military injury lawyer. With our experience, caring staff, and knowledge of military cases, you’ll be in good hands. To set up a free legal consultation and case review, please contact the Law Office of William Bruzzo now.