Health

Discover what a car accident attorney does after a car accident, the losses incurred, the recovery, and the cases they handle.

Car accident lawyers handle every part of the legal process after a crash. They protect your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for full compensation.

It includes dealing with insurance companies, gathering medical records, proving fault, and negotiating against unfair offers.

Who Are Car Accident Attorneys?

A car accident Attorney is a legal professional who handles cases for individuals hurt in car crashes.

They focus on assisting victims in recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost income due to missed work, vehicle repairs, and other related costs.

These attorneys interact with various parties, including insurance companies, other drivers, and sometimes even the police.

While representing someone injured in a collision, a car accident attorney advocates for their rights and interests.

They are not limited to crashes involving just two cars; they may also take cases involving pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, and multi-vehicle pileups.

These situations often become complicated, especially regarding faults and negligence, so having an attorney balances the scales.

Types of Accidents Handled by a Car Accident Lawyer

Not every accident involves the same circumstances; car accident lawyers handle a wide range of scenarios. Here are several common types of cases they work on.

• Rear-End Collisions: One of the most common types of crashes, rear-end collisions often occur due to distracted driving or tailgating. These accidents range from minor fender benders to severe collisions that can result in serious injuries.
• T-Bone Accidents: These side-impact collisions often happen at intersections when a driver fails to obey traffic laws. Since the sides of vehicles provide less protection than the front or rear, the resulting injuries may be severe.

• Head-On Collisions: Crashes in which two vehicles collide head-on are among the deadliest. Lawyers handling these claims may be involved in extensive injury cases or wrongful death lawsuits.
• Hit-and-Runs: When a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing their information, victims often find themselves in a difficult situation. A car accident lawyer investigates and identifies the responsible party or assists victims in seeking compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Instances in which a driver operates a vehicle under the influence have both criminal and civil implications. Attorneys assist victims in holding that driver accountable through the civil court system.
• Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Accidents involving multiple cars often lead to disputes about who is at fault. Lawyers intervene to untangle the mess, so their clients don’t take all the blame or deny what they deserve.

While these are typical examples, many other accident scenarios exist that a car accident lawyer might handle.

No two cases are identical, and the approach often depends on specific circumstances.

What does a car accident lawyer do to help you after an accident?

These also answer the question of what a car accident attorney does, and they are:

• Investigates the accident scene, gathers evidence, and reconstructs events to prove fault
• Communicates with insurance adjusters to negotiate fair settlements
• Calculates all damages, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
• Files lawsuits when necessary and represents you in court
• Protects your rights against blame-shifting and lowball offers
• Helps with cases involving all types of crashes, including rear-end, head-on, T-bone, hit-and-run, and other types of collisions.
• Advises you on settlement decisions and long-term financial recovery

How a Car Accident Attorney Helps Your Case

Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they’re worried about the cost or think they can handle the case themselves.

Understanding the value an attorney brings can ensure you make an informed decision.

Properly Valuing Your Claim

Most accident victims don’t know how to calculate the full value of their claim.

They focus on current medical bills and car repairs, forgetting about:

• Future medical treatments
• Long-term care needs
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A car accident attorney has the experience and knowledge to value all aspects of your claim correctly. They consider the long-term effects of your injuries, not just the immediate costs.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Building a strong case requires solid evidence, and collecting this evidence takes knowledge and resources.

A car accident attorney knows what evidence matters and how to obtain it before it disappears.

They include:

• Sending preservation letters to businesses with surveillance cameras
• Hiring accident reconstructionists
• Obtaining electronic data from vehicles
• Tracking down and interviewing witnesses
• Securing police reports and 911 call recordings
• Working with medical professionals to document your injuries
• You might miss vital evidence to make or break your case without an attorney.

Losses Associated with Car Accidents

Car crashes can result in a variety of losses.

They range from total vehicle damage to debilitating physical injuries, as well as emotional pain and suffering, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

A car accident lawyer can help you identify all the losses you have suffered and what type of compensation you may be eligible to pursue.

You may receive compensation for the following after your car accident:

• Cost to repair or replace property
• Cost of current or reasonably anticipated medical bills
• Lost wages for the time you missed because of your injuries
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries were so severe that you are unable to return to your previous position
• Emotional pain and anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial costs (if a loved one died because of their injuries)

How a Car Accident Attorney Helps a Client Recover?

Car accidents are not only expensive but also traumatic.

Common damages recovered when a car accident lawyer handles a claim including the following:

• Property damage to repair or replace a vehicle
• Reimbursement for medical expenses
• Future medical costs for further treatment
• Lost income
• Future income loss/diminished future earning capacity
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Compensation for any other non-economic damages that apply, such as loss of limb, loss of one of the senses, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, or PTSD
• If a car accident causes a loved one’s death, a car accident lawyer can recover compensation for a close family member through a wrongful death claim.

Conclusion

Experiencing a concussion can be a traumatic and overwhelming event.

However, by understanding the necessary steps to take and the importance of seeking legal representation, you can navigate the aftermath more effectively.

From seeking medical attention and preserving evidence to dealing with insurance companies and pursuing fair compensation, a car accident attorney can provide the guidance and expertise needed to protect your rights and ensure a favorable outcome.

Is a lower GI and a colonoscopy the same thing? Here’s a simple breakdown so you know what each test does and which one you may actually need.

Let me guess—you had a doctor’s appointment, and now you’ve been told you need a “lower GI.”

Or maybe it was a colonoscopy. Or both.

You nodded like you understood, but now you’re sitting at home thinking… Is a lower GI and a colonoscopy the same thing?

You’re not alone.

Most people mix them up. And honestly, I used to do the same thing until I had to help a family member go through it.

So, let’s talk about it like regular people. I’ll break down what each one is, why they’re done, how they feel, and which one your doctor might suggest for you.

What Is a Lower GI Test?

A lower GI test, also called a barium enema, is an X-ray test of your large intestine. That includes your colon and rectum.

Here’s how it works:

• A tube is placed into your rectum.
• Liquid barium is pushed into your colon.
• Barium helps the colon show up clearly on X-ray pictures.
• Then, several X-rays are taken as the barium moves through.

Yeah, I know. It doesn’t sound fun. And trust me, it’s not something you do for laughs.

But it can help doctors check for things like:

• Polyps (small growths)
• Inflammation
• Narrow spots
• Tumors

It’s kind of like looking at a road map of your colon with special glasses.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

Now, let’s talk about colonoscopy. If someone says you’re getting a colonoscopy, here’s what that really means:

• You’ll be given medicine to make you sleepy (sometimes all the way asleep).
• A doctor uses a long, thin tube that has a camera on it.
• The tube goes into your rectum and through your colon.
• The camera projects live video to a screen.
• The doctor checks for anything strange—like bleeding, swelling, or polyps.

Here’s the big difference: During a colonoscopy, doctors can actually remove things like polyps or take a sample right away.

That’s something a lower GI test can’t do.

And for those asking about colonoscopy Riverdale, most local hospitals or clinics offer this test—just call ahead and ask what days they do them and if you need a referral.

So, Is a Lower GI and a Colonoscopy the Same Thing?

Nope. They are not the same thing.

Let’s lay it out clearly:

Lower GI Test	Colonoscopy
Uses X-rays and barium	Uses a camera on a flexible tube
Shows images of the colon	Shows live video of the inside
Can’t remove polyps	Can remove polyps and take samples
Usually done if colonoscopy isn’t an option	Often, the first choice if symptoms are serious

Some doctors still use the lower GI test if you can’t have a colonoscopy for some reason (like if you’re allergic to anesthesia or very sensitive to scopes).

But most of the time, a colonoscopy gives more information in one go.

When Do You Need Either Test?

Doctors might ask you to get one of these tests if:

• You have bleeding from your bottom
• You’ve had changes in your poop for more than a few weeks
• You have long-term stomach pain
• Your family has a history of colon cancer

If your doctor suggests it, don’t panic. They’re just trying to catch any problems early before they turn serious.

Which One Is More Common?

These days, colonoscopy is more common. That’s because it:

• Shows clearer pictures
• Can treat problems during the test
• Catches early signs of cancer

However, in places where a colonoscopy isn’t available or for people who can’t go under anesthesia, a lower GI test is still used.

One thing I’ve learned? Always ask your doctor why they’re choosing one test over the other.

You deserve to know what’s going on.

Can I Just Skip These Tests?

Look, I get it. Nobody is excited to prep for one of these tests. Drinking that prep liquid is a struggle. Going to the bathroom every five minutes is not fun.

But skipping the test is worse. Colon cancer doesn’t show a lot of symptoms at first. That’s why catching it early is so important. Both tests can help spot it before it gets bad.

So yeah, it’s a bit of a pain—but it’s worth it.

How Do You Prepare for These Tests?

No matter which one you get, you’ll need to clean out your colon first. That means:

• Drinking a special liquid that makes you poop a lot
• Eating only clear foods the day before (like broth and Jell-O)
• Stopping some medicines if your doctor says so

Follow the directions carefully. If your colon isn’t clean, they might have to redo the test—and nobody wants that.

Who Do You See for These Tests?

You’ll need to see a gastroenterologist for either of these tests. This is a doctor who treats problems with your stomach and intestines.

If you’re looking for one nearby, a quick online search for gastroenterologist near me will usually bring up clinics and hospitals in your area.

What Happens After the Test?

After a colonoscopy, you might feel:

• Gassy or bloated (because air was put into your colon)
• A little sleepy (from the medicine)
• Tired for the rest of the day

You’ll need someone to drive you home.

After a lower GI, you might:

• Feel bloated or crampy
• Need to go to the bathroom more
• See white poop (from the barium)

These go away in a day or two. But if you feel really sick or see blood, call your doctor.

Are There Risks?

Any test has small risks. But these ones are pretty safe when done by trained doctors.

Possible risks for colonoscopy:

• Bleeding (especially if polyps are removed)
• A small tear in the colon (rare)
• Reaction to the sleep medicine

Possible risks for lower GI:

• Constipation from the barium
• Allergic reaction (very rare)
• Bowel perforation (super rare)

Again, these are rare. Doctors do these tests every day.

For more peace of mind, here’s a good Mayo Clinic article on colonoscopy risks.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re given the choice, go with a colonoscopy. It gives more info, and you can deal with problems right away.

But don’t feel bad if you end up doing a lower GI. Some people just can’t do colonoscopies for health reasons. You’re still doing the right thing by getting checked.

No matter which test you go for, you’re being smart about your health. And that’s what really matters.

Final Thoughts

So now you know the answer to the big question: Is a lower GI and a colonoscopy the same thing? Nope. Not even close.

They may sound alike, and they both look at the colon, but they do it in totally different ways.

One is like taking a picture. The other is like recording a video—and being able to fix things while filming.

And hey, I know this stuff isn’t fun to talk about. But being honest? I wish more people talked about it.

Too many folks skip these tests out of fear or embarrassment. And sometimes, that costs them big time.

So don’t wait. Talk to your doctor. Ask questions. And if they say you need one of these tests, just do it.

You’ll feel better knowing you’re staying on top of your health.