World Magazine 2024
In 2020, 2,282,015 auto-related injuries were reported, 6,252 a day or four per minute. Once you are involved in an accident and end up hurt, you have enough worries. In addition to your medical expenses, legal issues can be painful when fighting the exorbitant insurance premiums and the insurance company’s lowball settlement offer.
The complexities of specific auto accident injuries often make it difficult for victims to understand their legal rights and options following a collision. Find the answers to determining fault, fault types, how insurance claims work after an auto accident, and getting the proper indemnification by hiring a car accident attorney at https://www.aronfeld.com/auto. Read on to understand your legal rights and options after an auto accident injury.
Table of Contents
Understand Compensation Options
Suppose you were injured in a car accident; you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Medical bills: Medical treatment for injuries sustained during an auto accident can easily run into thousands of dollars depending upon the severity of those injuries;
- Lost wages: If your injury keeps you out of work for any length of time, your employer may reimburse some portion of lost wages due to the accident;
- Pain and suffering. It includes mental anguish caused by your injuries, such as depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. You can receive damages for pain and suffering even if there are no physical symptoms such as pain or scars associated with your injury.
The amount of money awarded depends on many factors, including how long an injured person can recover from their injuries and whether they can return to work after their accident.
As a Driver, You Have the Right to Stay at the Accident Scene
Although it’s tempting to leave the scene of an accident, you should stay until you’re sure everyone involved is safe. If you fail to stay at the scene, you may be charged with collision, or it will be summarized you don’t have adequate insurance.
If you are involved in an auto accident that causes personal injury or property damage, there are specific steps you should take immediately after the accident occurs. Although these steps may seem obvious, they can make a big difference when it comes time to file your claim or lawsuit against another party involved in the accident.
- Call 911 if anyone has been injured and seek medical attention for yourself and others involved in the crash.
- Exchange information with other drivers (name, address, phone number, driver’s license number).
- Do not admit fault or accept blame for causing the crash.
You Have the Right to Collect Information
You must do your best to collect Information about the accident so that you can make informed decisions about your case. This evidence will help you later when seeking damages for your injuries and losses resulting from the accident.
The first thing you should do after an accident as a driver is to get the following:
- Get medical attention. You may not realize how badly you were injured until later, so seek medical attention immediately after an accident. Some injuries may not be apparent until hours or days, so getting checked out immediately after an auto accident is essential.
- Get the driver’s name and address, including the license.
- Get the other driver’s insurance company’s name. If there is no insurance on the vehicle, ensure you write down who they are insured with, so you can contact them later.
- Contact information of witnesses.
- Request copies of police reports from law enforcement and witness statements from other drivers involved in the accident.
- Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and injuries sustained by yourself or your passengers.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After an Auto Accident?
There are two types of auto accident lawsuits: fault and no-fault. A fault claim alleges negligence on the part of another driver, while a no-fault claim only requires that the other driver was at least partially responsible for the accident.
You must file within two years of the date of the accident. After an auto accident, you are entitled to damages equal to the full cost of your medical care and vehicle repairs. They consider the car’s original cost, its condition at the time of the accident, the amount it has depreciated, and its mileage when determining how much damage to your car is worth.
There could be other factors involved during your accident that might change how these damages and laws apply. Getting in touch with a personal injury attorney right after your accident is essential as you’ll work with them to determine your best legal route.
