California’s streets and highways are safer than they used to be, but accidents still happen, and every year, thousands are injured. We can be certain that 2015 will be no different. If you are injured in a collision with a negligent, distracted, or impaired driver, arrange to speak with an experienced Pasadena car accident lawyer. You have the legal right to be compensated for your injury, but you’ll have to fight for your compensation by filing a personal injury claim. After any traffic accident, get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the other driver(s), passengers, and witnesses. Don’t rely on the police for this information. Get the other driver’s plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Take or have someone take photographs of your injuries and any vehicle damage.

In 2012, the medical cost alone of traffic accidents exceeded $18 billion for both immediate and long-term care, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The average cost of the typical accident victim’s emergency and long-term treatment and hospitalization was over $57,000. Injuries immediately after a traffic accident may seem insignificant, but later, those injuries can become serious medical conditions. Spinal cord and brain injuries in particular, while sometimes easy to ignore initially, can become severe and life-changing.

If you are injured in a traffic accident in the Pasadena or Los Angeles area, seek medical attention first, but before signing any insurance forms or accepting any settlement, consult with a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys know what the real, long-term costs of a personal injury can be. Discuss your legal options immediately with an injury lawyer today.