Auto-accident victims go through tremendous physical as well as mental turmoil after the accident. We have seen innocent people sustaining physical injuries, having their vehicles damaged, and incur many other types of losses because of someone else’s negligence. If you or any of your friends or relatives ever face this kind of a mishap, you must be aware of all your rights and be able to make a strong claim for all the damages you are entitled to. These claims will not only pay for your vehicle repairs, medical bills, and loss of wages, but will also cover the suffering, pain, and emotional distress the accident has caused to you.
Know Your Rights:
- As the victim of a car accident, you have the right to deny providing any statement to the insurance provider of the other party. In order to process your claims, the insurance company may ask for your recorded statement. However, before issuing a statement or signing any document, it is advisable to seek opinion from an experienced auto attorney. Please remember that a part of your own statement can be tweaked to utilize it against you. Therefore, protect your interests by appointing a car accident attorney.
- Seeking damages for the physical, financial, and emotional loss is one of your foremost rights after being involved in an auto accident. As the victim of another driver’s carelessness or negligence, you are entitled to seek damages for physical injuries, mental distress, disability, nursing care, medical treatment, damage to property, loss of earning ability, loss of earnings, hospitalization expenditure, inconvenience, mental agony, and pain and suffering. In cases where bills cannot be produced, quantification of these damages can be difficult. However, a good car accident attorney can help you receive what you deserve.
- All car accident victims should know that in addition to the driver, they also have the legal right to sue any other party partially or fully responsible for the accident. For example, if your vehicle has been hit by a truck, you are entitled to file a suit against the at-fault driver as well as the trucking company. Depending on certain specifics related to the case, you may also sue equipment manufacturers for faulty design, Government agencies, and road contractors for their negligence towards performing their respective responsibilities.
- Immediately after being involved in an accident, you have the right to take pictures of your injury, the accident scene, as well as any damage caused to any of your personal properties.
- As an accident victim, it is well within your rights to request the police officer investigating the case to file a report. You also have the right to request a copy of the same accident report.
Once you are aware of all your rights as an auto accident victim, immediately get in touch with a car accident lawyer. If an uninsured driver is responsible for the accident, you can claim damages from your own insurance provider. However, receiving these claims can often be a daunting task. In order to brighten your chances, make sure you don’t commit any mistake that can ruin your case beyond repair.
- Lying or providing false information
- Inaccurate submissions in no-fault forms
- Never talk about your case with adjusters, defense lawyers, and others hired by the insurance company or the at-fault driver.
- Be very careful about your social media activities because these platforms will be investigated by the adjusters and defense attorneys.
- Do not apply too late
- Don’t ignore the advice of your medical practitioners.
- Don’t apply for SSD under pressure from the insurance company.
