Every year, thousands of individuals are injured or even killed as a result of traffic accidents caused by someone’s negligence. If you have recently been in a car accident and are injured, it is vital that you understand your legal rights. So, here’s the guide.
1. Hire a car accident lawyer
There’s nothing more important than getting yourself a car accident lawyer. You can find these professionals through referrals from members of the family, friends or co-workers. There are also several lists you can look up online that specialise in injury attorneys in your area. In most cases, initial consultation with one of the attorneys listed is freed from charge, so there is no reason not to take advantage of it. Also, it is better to rent locally, so your lawyer knows all the traffic laws in the state. For example, if you live in Florida, you can rent a auto accident lawyer in Gainesville etc. This will benefit you as they can help you quickly submit the mandatory documents to court rather than wasting valuable time.
2. Keep an accident diary
Keep a detailed diary or record of everything that happened from the time of the accident to today. This will include all the conversations you have with your lawyer, doctor and insurance company in addition to special events that occur during that time such as treatment sessions, medical exams and so on. The more details you record, the easier it is going to be for your auto accident lawyer to prove how badly you were injured, so leave no stone unturned. Also, keep receipts for any expenses related to the car accident such as repair bills, taxi fares and laundry fees. Remember that this is important because if you can show that there has been a reduction in your income as a result of lost wages, you may have the ability to claim additional compensation.
3. Take a photo of the accident scene
riveting Photo the scene where your car crash occurs can be very helpful. Where possible, these images should include an image of the front and rear of your vehicle, in addition to any skid marks or other damage that may have occurred. You should also take photos if someone else’s property is damaged in an accident, such as a stop sign, sidewalk, or another car. This will show how badly they were affected, so you can even claim damages for their losses. The key here is to think like a detective so that each little detail counts, which could later prove valuable. Make sure to take photos before leaving the scene as taking them afterwards can lead to complications if you’re blamed for the accident.
4. File a police report
If your accident occurred in a public space, you should speak to someone at the nearest police station and file a report. Having official paperwork means there’s an investigation into what happened, which can be helpful if you are being blamed for causing an accident or if nobody else wants to take responsibility. If you are injured badly enough to go straight to the hospital after being hit, ask them to provide you with a formal letter confirming this fact. This will be important at a later date as it can show how much damage has been done, so you can claim compensation for lost wages and statutory pain and suffering damages.
5. Provide as much information as possible with regard to the incident
If you have an accident and someone asks you your version, provide as much information as possible. Be sure to record the date and time and anything that may be relevant such as the other cars involved, the climatic conditions at the time, and the behavior of other drivers. Also, record all names and contact details, so there is a record of the auto insurance company or their lawyer. If you do not feel given an opportunity to explain what happened, ask them to write it down as this can help prove their negligence later on.
6. Discuss proper compensation only with your lawyer
Get the proper amount compensation is a delicate process and shouldn’t be undertaken without consulting a lawyer. You should talk to your auto accident lawyer about what options are available to you before you begin negotiating with someone else as this can save you money and time in the long run. Your lawyer will have experience dealing with insurance companies, so they know precisely how much you need in lost wages and pain and suffering, which is why it is important to at all times talk to them first.
There are many factors to consider when dealing with a car accident claim after being injured in an accident. Most importantly, you should at all times speak to a particular law firm as it’s their job to be sure you get the compensation you deserve. Good luck!
