When you’re injured in a road crash that is caused by someone’s negligence, you are entitled to get compensation. You can achieve this if you take legal action against the driver who is allegedly at fault. There are different things you should know about road traffic laws to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Keep on reading to learn how to effectively protect your rights if you are involved in an accident.
Seek Treatment
Soon after an accident, you should seek medical treatment. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and this is why you should get timely medical attention. You have a legal right to visit a doctor of your choice who can diagnose your injuries and write a medical report. Make sure you follow all the instructions provided to you by your healthcare provider.
Report the Accident
You should report the accident to law enforcers to protect your legal rights. The police can attend the accident scene and will collect the necessary information to prepare a police report. Without a police report, no insurance company will entertain your claim. However, you should never apologize to anyone or accept responsibility. Additionally, you also need to know that you have the right to remain silent.
Seek legal Representation
Discussing the accident with your attorney gives you a clear idea about your rights and the options you have. Lawyers have experience in dealing with similar cases, so they can help protect your rights. Truck accidents are common in EL Paso, and they are often complicated to handle since they involve many parties. In situations like these, it’s best to research different lawyers before you consult a jackknife truck accident lawyer in El Paso to handle your case. Your attorney can help you investigate the case, and they also know how to negotiate with insurance companies.
Document the Accident
It is crucial to get information from the other driver involved in the accident. Get details like name, driver’s license information, and contact details. You also need to collect evidence that can support your claim. For instance, you need to take photos or a short video clip of your injuries and the accident scene. Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident from different angles.
When you are hurt in an accident, you need to prove liability to increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Pictorial and video evidence are difficult to dispute. You can use it to prove that the other driver had a duty to offer reasonable care under the circumstances. You also need to show that the defendant breached that duty and caused an accident. It is vital to prove that the accident has led to financial losses and other challenges.
Report to Your Insurance Company
You must report the accident to your insurance company so they can dispatch an adjuster to assess the damage. Don’t misrepresent facts or lie when you provide the details of the crash to your insurance company. Remember, insurance companies are in business, so if you lie, they will decline your claim. Additionally, the other driver’s insurance company can call you to solicit details of the accident they can use against you. You must refer them to your attorney to be on the safe side.
File a Compensation Claim
When you have gathered all the evidence that can help you prove liability in a road crash. You can file a compensation claim. You can do this by sending a letter of demand to the defendant or their insurance company stating the reasons for the claim and the settlement for damages. Most accident claims are settled out of court, but you must be careful when you deal with insurance companies.
Make sure you don’t accept the first offer, especially when you realize that the insurance company is negotiating in bad faith. You have a right to decline the reward offered if it is too little. If you’re not satisfied, you can file a lawsuit, and your case proceeds to court for trial. However, you should know the statute of limitations so that you don’t lose your legal right to a fair settlement when you miss the deadline.
Road crashes can cause dramatic changes to your life and the sad thing is that some people are caused by negligent drivers. If you’re injured in an accident as a result of someone’s recklessness, you are entitled to get compensation. However, this can only be possible if you know how to protect your rights. By following these tips, you can safeguard your interests.
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