Legal Advice: What Actions Should You Take In Case Of An Accident?
When people are out and about, they should be prepared for every eventuality. This could be anything from wearing safety equipment to bringing essential car documents on journeys. If you’re injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you should prioritize your health and seek financial compensation. In this article, we’ll provide legal advice on what actions you should take after an accident.
Appoint A Lawyer
In this scenario, it’s crucial to have an advocate on your side who’s knowledgeable about the law and will fight for your best interests. A lawyer can explain your rights, help you navigate the complex legal process, and gather evidence to support your claim. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to get the compensation you deserve. Statistics confirm that people who use a lawyer are more likely to achieve a successful outcome than those who don’t.
Utah is located in the Western United States, with a 2022 population of 3,373,162. The people who go online to find a Utah car accident lawyer can read about the number of cases they’ve handled, the money recovered from claims and the number of years they’ve been in business. It’s also possible to have a live chat, request a free phone call or download a post-accident survival guide.
Put Your Health First
If you’ve been injured, go to the hospital or see a doctor right away. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, it’s always best to get checked out by a medical professional. They can spot injuries that you may not be aware of and treat them before they become more serious. A doctor may also take x-rays or scans, or refer you to a specialist for a full diagnosis.
Your visit will result in a medical record being created that could be later used to support your claim. For this reason, keep all medical documentation (including invoices) from your appointments, treatments, and tests. Finally, take any prescription medication you’re given – and do any recommended physical exercises (physio). If you don’t, this could compromise your personal injury claim.
Be Wise Regarding Communication
It’s important to be careful about what you say to insurance companies, as anything you say can and will be used against you. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out, so they’ll be looking for any way to do that. The best course of action is to let your lawyer speak to them on your behalf.
In terms of social media, it’s best to avoid posting anything about the accident. Anything you say could be taken out of context and used against you, so it’s best to stay quiet until the claim is resolved. It’s also unwise to post pictures of you enjoying the gym or a vacation if you’re signed off from work due to injury!
Notify Your Employer
Your employer is required by law to have insurance that covers you in the event of a work-related injury. This insurance will pay for your medical bills and, if you’re unable to work, will provide you with a portion of your lost wages. If you don’t notify your employer of your accident, they may not be required to provide this coverage.
Additionally, some employers have policies in place that require employees to report accidents within a certain time frame. By notifying your employer immediately, you ensure that you’ll be able to take full advantage of the coverage to which you’re entitled. Perhaps your accident wasn’t work-related, but you’ve been at home due to injury. In this scenario, you should request proof of loss of earnings to support your legal claim.
Collate The Evidence
This includes the contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened. It’s important to have this information to back up your version of events, in case there’s any dispute about who was at fault. If you can, take photos of the scene of the accident, including photos of your injuries and any vehicle damage (if it was road-related). If you can’t do this ask someone else to do it for you.
Other supporting evidence includes:
- Police accident reports
- Medical reports
- Photos of the badly maintained road
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Accident reconstruction reports
- CCTV footage
Know What You Can Claim
This will depend on the individual specifics of your accident. Pain and suffering (and potentially trauma) refer to the physical and emotional anguish caused by an accident. Medical expenses include any costs incurred in treating your injuries – such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and therapy.
Lost wages refer to the income you would have earned if you hadn’t been injured and unable to work. You may also be able to claim for future expenses and other factors such as loss of enjoyment of life.
Let Your Lawyer Negotiate A Fair Settlement
In most personal injury cases, the injured person will want to reach a settlement with the at-fault party (or their insurance company) without going to trial. This settlement is an agreement between the parties in which they’re willing to resolve the dispute without going to court. This can save time and money, and it can also be less stressful. Plus, when you settle your case, you have more control over the outcome.
Your lawyer will work with you to determine what your case is worth and then negotiate with the other side to try to reach a fair settlement. However, the negotiation process can be complicated, and it’s often difficult to achieve a successful outcome. If this can’t be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial. They’ll represent you in court and support your legal claim.
As you can see, it’s best to let a lawyer oversee the whole process. While you’re recovering from your accident you’ll have peace of mind that your case is in good hands. In time, you’ll hopefully receive the compensation you deserve, so you can pay your bills and move on with your life.