Practice Area
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can leave you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and confusing insurance questions. Whether you were driving, biking, riding a motorcycle, or walking as a pedestrian, you may have the right to recover for the harm caused by a negligent driver.
Helios Law guides crash victims through the claims process, negotiates with insurers, and builds cases for trial when necessary. We offer free consultations so you can understand your options, timelines, and next steps without cost or obligation. Get a free auto accident consultation.
What qualifies as an auto accident claim?
A personal injury auto claim covers physical, mental, or emotional harm caused by another driver, employer, or entity that failed to use reasonable care on the road. Fault often involves negligence—speeding, distraction, impairment, or violations of traffic laws—but can also include defective vehicles or unsafe road conditions.
Types of harm seen in auto accident cases
Common physical injuries from crashes include:
- Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Spinal cord or back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists often face high-impact trauma because of limited protection at the moment of collision.
Non-physical harms are also common:
- Emotional distress or anxiety about driving
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
- Depression linked to pain or lifestyle changes
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
Auto accidents that often lead to claims include:
- Rear-end, T-bone, and head-on collisions
- Intersection and red-light crashes
- Hit-and-run or uninsured/underinsured motorist incidents
- Motorcycle and bicycle collisions
- Pedestrian strikes in crosswalks or parking areas
Claims can also arise from misconduct or serious violations:
- DUI/DWI or drug-impaired driving
- Texting, distracted, or drowsy driving
- Commercial driver violations and inadequate maintenance
- Unsafe road design or failure to fix known hazards
Do I have an auto accident case?
You may have an auto accident case if you were injured, another party is at fault, and there is a path to recover compensation through insurance or other assets. Consider:
- Did you get medical evaluation and follow-up? Treatment notes, imaging, and therapy records show injury and causation.
- Is there evidence of fault? Police reports, dashcam footage, witness statements, traffic cameras, or black box data can help.
- Are there recoverable losses? Medical bills, vehicle damage, lost income, and pain and suffering may be compensable.
- Is coverage available? Auto policies, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or employer/commercial policies may apply.
- Are you within the statute of limitations? Deadlines vary by state and can be shorter for claims involving government vehicles.
An attorney can clarify liability, gather evidence early, and navigate insurance negotiations or litigation. Schedule a free review of your crash.
What should I do after an auto accident?
After an auto accident, focus on safety, documentation, and protecting your claim while you get medical care. The essentials:
- Move to safety and get medical care
- Report the crash
- Document vehicles, scene, and injuries
- Be careful with insurers and recorded statements
- Consult an auto accident attorney
Move to safety and get medical care
Call 911 if anyone is injured. Get evaluated even if symptoms seem mild—whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries can appear hours or days later. Keep all discharge papers and follow treatment plans.
Report the crash
Request a police report and note the report number. If the crash happened on private property, ask the property owner or manager to document the incident. For commercial or rideshare vehicles, capture driver and company details.
Document evidence
Photograph vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, weather, and lighting. Capture close-ups of damage and visible injuries. Preserve dashcam footage and exchange complete insurance information.
How much is my auto accident case worth?
Auto accident case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, vehicle damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and how the crash affects daily life. Insurance policy limits, comparative fault, and permanent impairment ratings also influence potential settlement or verdicts.
Will my auto accident case go to trial?
Most auto cases settle before trial through insurance negotiations or mediation. A case may go to court when fault is disputed, injuries are questioned, or the insurer refuses to offer fair value. Strong evidence—photos, reports, medical proof, and expert analysis—can improve settlement leverage.