How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident: Legal Insights
Car accidents happen so unexpectedly that they can be quite traumatic and end up physically hurting people, emotionally draining them, and financially burdening them. Depending on whether your injuries are minor or more serious, the fallout of a car accident may be initially quite confusing and stressful. That said, knowing your legal rights is actually the first step in making sure that you get the compensation you deserve. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take after a car accident and explain why having a trusted car accident lawyer in Long Beach by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Immediate Actions to Take After a Car Accident
Right after an accident, the moments are crucial and can be decisive of how you will handle your physical injuries as well as your legal case. Immediately following the accident, you should:
- Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Safety comes first. So if you can and depending on the situation, you should pull over and leave your cars near the lane or at the shoulder of the road to prevent any more collisions. If your vehicle is stuck or the situation is complicated, it’s much safer for you to stay inside your car and turn on the hazard lights. After that, you should definitely call 911 and report that immediate medical assistance is needed even if everyone appears to be okay. It’s really important to get a medical doctor to check your health as well as the health of the others who are involved in the accident. - Document Everything
After you have made sure that things are under control, you need to start taking pictures of the accident site to record evidence. You should photograph the cars that you and the other party were driving, the damages that are visible, the area around the accident, the traffic signs, and the weather conditions. Furthermore, you should get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the other driver(s) and any witnesses. If the police come to the scene, don’t forget to get their report number. - Avoid Admitting Fault
Forgetting your lawyer’s advice at that moment is very understandable: you may want to say “I’m sorry” or even to take responsibility for the accident just to get it over with, especially when you don’t fully understand the situation. However, you must not explain, either verbally or in writing, that you were at fault. Fault should be determined by the insurance companies and the police. - Contact Your Insurance Company
After ensuring your safety and gathering evidence, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Be honest and provide them with the necessary information about the incident. The sooner you report the accident, the sooner the claims process can begin. - Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and internal damage can sometimes take hours or days to manifest. By seeing a doctor, you not only protect your health but also create an official record of your injuries, which will be crucial if you need to pursue a legal claim.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After an Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, understanding your legal rights is essential to ensuring you are fairly compensated. Here are some key insights into what your rights are and how to protect them:
- Right to Compensation for Injuries
If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The amount you may receive depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and your insurance coverage. - Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their profits than in providing you with a fair settlement. Even if you have insurance, the company may attempt to minimize the compensation you receive. A car accident lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement. - The Statute of Limitations
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the sooner you begin pursuing your claim, the better your chances of collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and gathering other essential information to support your case. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to pursue legal action.
The Role of a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
Trying to figure out the legal world after a car accident? In that case, contacting your trusted car accident lawyer located in Long Beach may give you an edge. Here are some ways in which a good attorney can be helpful to you:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Certainly, an attorney will delve quite deep into the cause of the accident so no stone is left unturned in terms of evidence collection. Besides securing police reports and doctors’ notes, lawyers also gather lay witness accounts. Lawyers may even hire an accident reconstruction specialist to help them demonstrate the event at the scene for the benefit of the client through their testimony and expert report. - Legal Representation and Guidance
Along with advocacy, a familiar lawyer should also be your legal counselor, confiding in you throughout the entire process. From filing claims to negotiating settlements or representing you in court, an attorney would not only help you find your way in the maze but also ensure that your rights are respected and that you get fair treatment throughout the trial. - Negotiating Settlements
Insurance firms might try to settle the case by giving you a low offer right after the accident. Nevertheless, your counselor will discuss a reasonable final offer with the insuring party that would properly compensate you for your medical expenses, car repairs, loss of income, and other damages. - Litigation if Necessary
If a settlement that the attorney considers fair is not reached, the attorney will, of course, be willing to refer the case to a court of law. Even if the lawyer is well-prepared for any legal complication that may arise, still, the lawyer’s assistance can ensure the most efficient presentation of the case and your full protection both before the judge and jury.
Types of Damages You May Be Entitled to
In a car accident claim, there are several types of damages you may be entitled to depending on the extent of the accident and your injuries. These include:
- Medical Expenses
For medical expenses, you can claim the costs of treatment incurred as well as the expenses of any future treatment that may be required. This would include, among others, hospital stays, surgeries, therapies, medicines, and medical equipment. Because these expenses can get quite high, it is a wise move to ensure that you have included every necessary treatment in your case. - Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lost as a result. This can include future lost earnings if your injuries will impact your ability to work long-term. - Pain and Suffering
Car accidents can cause both physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering may be given depending on how bad your injuries are, how they affect your life, and how long it takes for you to heal. - Property Damage
Besides medical and personal injury compensation, you might also be able to get damages for fixing or replacing your car and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
Why Choose Law Offices of Asher Hoffman to Protect Your Rights
After a car accident, it’s crucial to have the support of a professional who can guide you through the legal process. At Law Office of Asher Hoffman, we understand the stress and uncertainty that follow a car accident, and we are committed to helping you protect your rights. Our team of experienced lawyers will analyze your case thoroughly, communicate with insurance companies, and stand by your side to claim the compensation you are entitled to. If you have had a car accident, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We will assist you through the entire process.
