The terminology can often be confusing when dealing with legal claims after an accident. Two commonly used terms that frequently cause misunderstanding are “bodily injury” and “personal injury.” Though they may sound similar, they refer to different aspects of the legal process and can have significant implications for your case. Understanding the distinction between bodily and personal injury is crucial for effectively navigating your claim. 

At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we know that this distinction can impact the outcome of your case and the compensation you may receive. Bodily injury typically refers to physical harm sustained in an accident, while personal injury encompasses a broader range of damages, including emotional and psychological impacts. However, we can further break down the differences so you can better understand these essential terms. We encourage you to reach out to us for legal support during your personal injury claim. 

What Is Bodily Injury?

Bodily injury is what the name implies: any harm done to your physical body. Bodily injury includes the following:

  • Damage to internal organs
  • Loss of limbs
  • Loss of life
  • Back injuries
  • Neck and head injuries, including whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions
  • Spinal cord and nerve damage
  • Cuts, bruises, and scrapes
  • Fractures and breaks to bones

Other kinds of harm also qualify as bodily injuries, so you can likely receive compensation for any serious harm. These harms are covered by bodily injury insurance, and this is often included in vehicular coverage.

What Is Personal Injury?

Personal injury includes bodily injury in its definition, but it also covers much more. Personal injury insurance coverage, for example, provides compensation for emotional damages, non-medical bills, and other non-monetary damages.

Personal injury, in addition to medical bills and bodily injury, may include the following:

Due to the broad umbrella nature of personal injury’s definition, you can receive much greater compensation than a claim dedicated to bodily injury. We encourage you to hold liable parties accountable to the greatest degree so you can receive total compensation and move forward with your life.

We encourage you to contact us if you need assistance managing your personal injury claim. When you retain support from an attorney at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we can help you calculate the total value of your claim and maximize your financial recovery. 

What General Steps Should You Take After an Accident?

After an accident resulting in serious injuries, making strategic steps can help you move forward more quickly and efficiently. If you don’t know what steps to take next, the following recommendations from our team will help:

  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible
  • Follow your medical team’s recommendations for further care as closely as possible
  • Collect evidence and keep it organized
  • Stay offline and deactivate social media
  • Avoid discussing legal matters with others, including friends, family, and strangers
  • Only talk about your claim with a dedicated personal injury attorney to protect your privacy
  • Share as little information as you can with insurance companies and other parties
  • Make any necessary reports, including to the police, DMV, and other entities
  • Avoid accepting settlements without support from an attorney
  • Follow your lawyer’s instructions as closely as possible moving forward

If you need help finding a medical professional willing to support you during legal matters, we can help. When you contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we can walk you through your options or provide you with a referral to a trusted professional. 

Further, when you retain our support, we can recommend the next steps. We will put a great deal of effort into understanding your unique circumstances and make suggestions based on that. Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP as soon as possible to improve your odds of legal success even further.

Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP to Retain Outstanding Support

At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, we are committed to helping you navigate complexities related to personal injury claims and ensuring you get the justice you deserve. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, just as we have for many clients from all walks of life.

Don’t navigate your injury claim alone. Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you. Reach us at (512) 454-3751 or complete our contact form. Let us help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.