How To Protect Your Legal Rights After A Traffic Accident

If you are injured in a car accident that has been caused by someone’s negligence, you are entitled to get compensation. However, insurance companies and other parties involved may try to take advantage of the victims who may not be aware of their legal rights. To get a full settlement, there are different steps that you should take. Read on to learn everything you want to know about protecting your legal rights after a traffic accident.

Call The Police

You must call the police after an accident so that they can attend the scene to make an official record of the crash. A police report is vital since it determines the settlement that you can get. The law enforcement agents also play a pivotal role in determining liability in a traffic accident. You must cooperate with the law enforcement agents who attend the crash site. 

Get Medical Treatment

You must check your safety and other passengers after a car accident. You must seek immediate treatment even if you do not feel any pain. Internal injuries can manifest later, so it is vital to visit a doctor for a medical examination. Without a medical report, it may be difficult to get compensation since the insurance company involved can dispute your claim. You must follow the doctor’s instructions to ensure a full recovery. The insurance company can also ask for a report from an independent medical examiner. However, you have a right to get an opinion from a doctor of your choice. You have a right to say no to other things that may violate your rights. 

You Have The Right to Legal Representation

Dealing with injuries and compensation claims following an accident can be an overwhelming experience given your condition. Truck accidents are devastating, and multiple parties may be liable for the accident. Therefore, you have a right to legal representation to increase your chances of winning your compensation claim. It’s important that as a driver, you have a better understanding of what blind spots are and how much of a risk they can be, and what they mean in the event of an accident. For trucks, in particular, this can be an issue, and this is why you need to do a bit of research to gain a better understanding. You can go through this useful guide to gain insight into different elements involved in truck accident claims and how blinds spots and the driver’s perspective will play into this. A professional lawyer knows how to handle an accident claim since they have experience dealing with similar cases.  

Document The Accident Details

To increase your chances of winning your compensation claim, you must document all the evidence that you can use to support your claim. If possible take photos of your injuries and the wreckage. You can also capture the contact details of the witnesses in your diary and ask them if they would wish to provide statements. As for relevant details that can add some weight to your compensation claim. 

Do Not Admit Responsibility

You should never accept fault in an accident to the police, adjusters from your insurance company, and anyone else. The adjuster from your insurance company can sound friendly, but one thing about insurance companies is that they are in business. Therefore, you have a right to remain silent, and your lawyer will handle all the communication on your behalf. Do not exchange any details with an adjuster from the insurance company representing the defendant. They can use any information you share with them against you. However, you must provide truthful statements to the police and your attorney to avoid jeopardizing your claim if you deliberately falsify information.  

File A Compensation Claim

When you have gathered all necessary evidence about the accident, you should 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. Most accident claims are settled out of court since insurance companies often avoid lawsuits that can damage their reputation. 

However, you should not rush to accept the first offer from the defendant’s insurance company. Insurance companies always try to underpay accident victims to protect their business interests. You have a legal right to appeal the reward offered by the insurance company involved if it falls below your expectations. You can file a lawsuit at the court of law to compel the insurance company to offer the right settlement you deserve. It is essential to file your claim within the statute of limitations, otherwise, you may lose your legal rights to compensation. 

Traffic accidents are common, but in some instances, they are caused by other drivers’ negligence. If you are injured as a result of someone’s fault, you are entitled to get a settlement. However, getting the ideal compensation can be challenging since insurance companies are primarily concerned about their business interests. You should take different steps after the accident to protect your legal rights after a vehicle accident.