If you are a victim of a personal injury accident, it’s not uncommon to feel confused and unsure about what to do next. You may not know how to file an accident compensation claim, start the legal process, or speak with insurance agencies.
So if you find yourself in this predicament, here are some commonly asked questions about personal injury and accident law that will ensure your rights are protected throughout this difficult time.
Should I wait to go to the doctor?
Absolutely not! It is imperative that you go to the doctor and get your injuries treated right away. This is true even if you don’t have any symptoms, because they may show up a few weeks later, exacerbating the need to go to a doctor.
It is always a good idea to take photos of your injuries, keep any paperwork with details about your care plan, go to all follow-up appointments, and make copies of insurance and medical bills. Doing so will not only strengthen your personal injury case if you have to go to trial down the road, but it will keep your health at the forefront.
Is there anything I shouldn’t do after I’ve been in an accident?
There are several things you shouldn’t do after being in an accident:
- Do not forget to file a claim with your insurance agency.
- Don’t forget to contact the cops at the scene of the accident.
- Do not make any recorded statements. You do not want to speak unless you have your lawyer there, who will then act as your legal guide.
- Do not wait too long to get legal help. Depending on where you live, there may be limitations on how long after an accident you can file a personal injury claim. Speaking to a lawyer right away will help bypass this problem, as you deserve to sue for compensation if you were injured.
What can I expect from my personal injury case?
The first action is to file a claim. After that, you wait for a reply from the defense. Once the first steps are done, you build your case by consulting doctors, finding and interviewing witnesses, and even looking at the evidence compiled by the other side. Once you get everything together, you will then have a better idea of how your case will play out and what to expect.
Will my accident claim and personal injury case go to trial?
Typically, most personal injury claims do not go to trial and are settled out of court. This is why it is crucial to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, so you can start building a strong case with evidence that cannot be disputed. Once you have a strong case, it is easier to reach an appropriate settlement.
What if I am partially responsible for the accident?
If this is the case, you may still have a claim as long as you are not more responsible than the other driver. A simple legal consultation with a lawyer will help you determine what to do if this is the case.
How long do personal injury cases take?
It all depends on the evidence you have and the monetary compensation you require. If you settle out of court, it will be a shorter time-frame, however the typical court case ranges from a few weeks to about a year.
Accident and personal injury law can be confusing, which is why working with a personal injury lawyer is always your best bet. This will help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve in a timely fashion.
