Road accidents are no joke, and whenever they happen, people are left in confusion and fear about what is to come and how to deal with it. Many things will determine whether this unfortunate event will stay only that, or a victim can claim compensation and mitigate the consequences to some extent. Let’s go over some of the most important legal tips to help anyone who is dealing with road accidents.
Warn others
Turn on your warning lights or headlights and park your car so that it doesn’t disrupt the traffic flow. Mark the road with a caution triangle. Be cautious on high-traffic highways, as every wrong action can lead to more serious problems.
Seek medical help
You should call 911 if you see anyone suffering some serious injuries. They will come to the accident site and take care of the rest. Also, if you think that you’re not hurt, it is still better to visit a doctor and check out your health, as some injuries can show days after the accident and cause you greater problems.
Hire a lawyer
Hiring an experienced and skilled lawyer is essential, especially if anyone has suffered serious injuries. They can protect your interests in case the other driver suffers injuries and damage or they can help you maximize your compensation in case you are hurt. As the experts at Zdrilich Injury Law say, attorneys have extensive training and experience in this law area and can help you better understand your legal options. Also, they are aware of the underhanded tactics that insurance companies use to reduce the amount they have to pay out in settlements for personal injuries. If you have to go to court, your lawyer will investigate the matter thoroughly, consult with experts, and craft a persuasive case in your favor.
Collect evidence
Document the accident scene and any damage to the car with photos if you can do that safely. Make sure to get the contact information of anybody who may have seen the crash, as this will allow the police, your insurance company, or your lawyer to reach out to them if you want to pursue a personal injury claim. People on the street or passengers in cars can testify as witnesses. Moreover, you should document any physical injuries you may have. All of these can better determine the cause of the accident and the amount of any future claim.
Call the police
Having an official record of the accident will help you defend yourself if another person sues you or challenges your version of the event. This is why it is always better to call the police, even if the accident seems small. They will file a report that will benefit your insurance claim and legal proceedings. You should get the police officers’ names and badge numbers in case your attorney or insurance agent has to get in touch with them.
File an insurance claim
Do not delay to notify your insurance company of the accident. If you need to fix your car or hire a rental one, you can do it faster if you file a claim immediately. Also, be honest, as you risk denying your insurance coverage if you provide false information about the accident. If you get into a minor accident, the other driver could say that you don’t have to file a claim. However, this is not a good idea since even if they don’t feel injuries, they may come to regret it and submit a claim later on.
Keep track of your pain and injuries
You should document any discomfort or missed income. Suppose the accident has a significant effect on your life that you choose to sue for personal injury. In that case, you can seek compensation for things like medical bills, emotional and physical suffering, lost income, and more. Document the way in which your injuries affect your daily life, such as the days you miss work, the things you normally do but cannot do now, and how your family dynamic has changed.
Avoid talking with insurance companies
The insurance company will most likely contact you after the accident. However, they will try to collect statements that they can use to either reject your claim or pay you less than what you really deserve. You will know they are lying to you if they tell you that you don’t need legal representation. They will use the strategy of delay, deny, and defend to protect their own interests and ruin your case. For example, some of your injuries will not show immediately, so you will think you are okay and accept their offer. However, later on, your injuries will become much worse, and you don’t have any right to claim compensation for them, as the insurance companies have managed to deceive you that you are fine and you don’t need a lawyer by your side.
Legal claims and compensation
If you have suffered injuries and losses due to a road accident, you have many legal options to help you. For example, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain damages for your injuries, including medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. Property damage claims cover the expense of repairing your damaged property, such as your car. If, unfortunately, an accident results in a fatality, then the victim’s family has the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. This can recover financial losses such as burial costs, emotional distress, and lost income. Finally, victims can seek compensation under their insurance policies for uninsured driver coverage if the guilty driver does not have insurance.
Accidents are complex puzzles full of medical, legal, and insurance concerns. However, when they happen, you need to be ready to reach out quickly, determine fault, file a legal claim, and manage insurance procedures. Having a skilled lawyer by your side is especially important if there are serious injuries and a huge amount of damage. Finally, the best way to reduce the risk of such traumatic events is to be responsible behind the wheel and take measures to make sure everyone on the road is safe.
