A road accident can have very serious implications for your life, especially if you are the victim. Because car accidents can cause very serious injuries, they have the potential to be life-changing. Some car accidents can even be fatal.
If you have been involved in a car accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, then it is crucial that you know what your rights are. Taking legal action against a negligent driver will help you to protect them, in addition to getting you compensation.
This post will tell you what your rights are after a road accident that wasn’t your fault:
Other Driver’s Information
After a car accident, it’s your right to get the contact information of the other driver involved. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for negligent drivers to try and get away without handing their personal information over. One way to prevent this from happening is to film the driver’s car or photograph their license plate. You may also want to get a photograph of them. If a negligent driver does try to get away without handing over their information, then you should contact the police immediately. Drivers who do try to get away without handing over their information are guilty of committing ‘hit-and-run’ accidents. A person can be sent to prison and given a very large fine for committing a hit and run.
See a Certificate of Insurance
You also have a right to see the other driver’s certificate of insurance. It is also a crime if a person tries to get away from the scene of an accident without handing over their certificate of insurance. If the driver does not hand over their certificate of insurance, then again, you should reach out to the police. If they have given you their personal information, then it is not a hit-and-run offense if they try to get away without giving over their certificate of insurance. You should write down the other driver’s insurance information, and then give it to your lawyer.
Compensation for Injuries
You have a right to get compensation for your injuries. The reason that compensation is paid to people is so that they can have their medical expenses covered and receive financial compensation for any time off of work that they have to take. Receiving compensation for one’s injuries is a right and therefore if you believe that you have been wrongly injured, it is important that you pursue some kind of compensation. Failing to seek out compensation essentially just allows the driver who hurt you to get away with their negligence, which could result in them being negligent in the future (because they will never learn their lesson).
Legal Representation
If you want to make a compensation claim, then you will need legal representation. In the words of legal specialists from https://www.michaelgopin.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/motorcycle-accident-injuries/road-rash/, an attorney will offer you a free consultation and then talk through your accident with you, so that they can establish whether or not you have a case. If it is possible, then on the scene of the accident you should take evidence (such as photographs or videos). It’s also a good idea to get a written medical certificate from the physician who treated your injuries.
Reporting the Accident
In most places, it is legally required for people to report an accident after it takes place, no matter how serious (or unserious) it is. If you do not report your accident and the police later discover that one took place, then you can get into trouble. In most states, you have between 24-48 hours to report an accident after one takes place. You can usually walk right into the police station to report it, although there are some states where there are hotlines that you can call to report your accident. If the accident resulted in serious injury, then they may require you to inform them immediately.
Civil Lawsuits
If your personal injury claim fails (or the other person’s insurance company refuses to pay you), then you can file a civil lawsuit. A civil lawsuit is a very straightforward process. All you are required to do is to file your lawsuit with the courts, get legal representation, and then attend your first day in court. A civil lawsuit can be a very long process, which is why it’s essential that you get a properly trained and qualified lawyer to represent you so that they can deal with all of your case’s complexities.
After a road accident, you have rights. It is essential that you contact a lawyer if you want to receive compensation after an accident. A lawyer will be able to effectively deal with your case and ensure that you get the justice that you deserve.