Serious Car Accidents: 7 Legal Tips on Protecting Your Rights
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By PAGE Editor
Serious car accidents can have devastating effects on people. If you have been in an unfortunate road mishap, know that you have rights that you can assert, such as being compensated for the injuries you sustained. This article highlights essential tips you should know to protect your rights when you have an unfortunate car accident.
Get the Help of a Lawyer
One of the primary things you need to do to protect your rights in the event of a car accident is to get the help of a lawyer. They are in the best position to guide you through the intricacies of the rules and regulations surrounding car accidents. A seasoned Massachusetts car accident lawyer suggests opting for a legal advocate specializing in personal injury law because this is where car accidents are classified.
Personal injury lawyers know the nuances of the laws in these cases, such as the timeframe to file a claim or negotiating with insurance companies. It is also a good idea to search for lawyers practicing in the vicinity where the car accident happened. Remember that laws may vary slightly from one place to another, which means that the regulations implemented in the area where the accident occurred may not be applicable in other states.
You should also consider the credentials and experience of the lawyer you work with. In this case, check if they have the licenses to practice law and several years of experience. To do this, explore online, where you may find their website. Reputable law firms now have web pages you can visit to gain insights into their services, areas of expertise, credentials, and experience. Alternatively, you can always seek recommendations from your family and friends to help you find a lawyer to uphold your best interest. Personal recommendations can prove valuable as your network can already vouch for the legal professional's services.
Seek Medical Attention
Another thing you need to do to protect your rights legally regarding car accident cases is to seek medical attention. Several people make the mistake of not having themselves checked because they deem that they only sustained minor injuries. However, a couple of days or even a week later, symptoms of the injuries that may be related to the accident start appearing.
In these instances, it may be more challenging to attribute the symptoms as a result of the car accident because there are no immediate medical records to prove it. This may render your claim invalid, or if the insurance company offers a settlement, it may be lower than what you initially deserve.
Hence, always seek medical attention immediately, no matter how minor you think your injuries are. Following your initial consultation, follow the doctor's advice, seeking second or third follow-up checkups if necessary. In parallel, ensure you keep a copy of all your medical records, including the receipts detailing your expenses for the treatments you need. These records and documents will prove to be substantial pieces of evidence later on to support your claim.
Report the Accident
Next, ensure that you report the accident to the proper authorities. This means calling 911 or the emergency services to report the accident. They will then send emergency responders to attend to everyone injured and police officers to investigate the accident scene. The police will then likely generate a police report detailing the possible root cause of the incident. The report will also include the contact information and details of all the parties involved, even witnesses, if any. For this reason, ensure that you can secure a copy of the police report because this can also be valuable in supporting your claim.
Gather Evidence
If you are not severely injured, you may be able to take photos of the incident scene. The images you capture can form part of the evidence you must gather to support your claim or case. In this case, try to take pictures of your car from all angles to reveal how the accident happened potentially. You can even take a picture of the road condition that day or what the weather was like because these factors can also contribute to the risk of an accident. While the police report contains the contact information of the parties involved and even potential witnesses, exchanging information with them is still a good idea.
Contact Your Insurance Company
To protect your rights, ensure that you contact your insurance company immediately following the accident. Don't wait too long before calling. Otherwise, your claim may be deemed ineligible. However, being cautious whenever you talk with an insurance agent would be best. Remember that even a simple apology can be considered an admission of fault, rendering any possible claims ineligible. Your insurance provider may also try to lowball you, so it is best to engage a lawyer when negotiating.
Keep Detailed Records
Always keep a detailed record of anything related to the accident. Apart from your medical records and the police report, you can also create a journal detailing how the accident changed your life. In parallel, lay low on social media platforms or be cautious about what you post because insurance companies may use your posts against you in legal proceedings. Just adhere to all medical treatment plans and keep records of your progress and any ongoing issues. This documentation can support your injury claims.
Stay Persistent
Finally, stay persistent no matter how long the claims process seems. Always stay organized by keeping a detailed timeline of events, including dates of medical treatments, interactions with insurance companies, and any legal proceedings. This organization will help you and your attorney manage your case effectively. Have a solid support system that can encourage you to keep going and never give up until you overcome this challenging period.
To ensure that you protect your rights after a car accident, get the help of a legal advocate specializing in personal injury cases. You should also seek medical attention and report the accident immediately. From there, gather sufficient evidence and contact your insurance company. Through all this, keep detailed records and stay persistent. Rest assured that you will overcome this challenging situation with the right support system by your side.
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