No matter the extent of the damage incurred by an automobile collision, the experience will almost always be a traumatizing one. Whether this trauma manifests in the form of being afraid to get behind the wheel once again, physical injuries, or wrongful death, you have the right to pursue legal action for these impacts. Victims are often taken aback by the depth to which a car accident can affect their lives. This is why it is so essential to appropriately seek medical attention along with the legal guidance of a car accident attorney as you file a lawsuit.
Your Rights to Collect Evidence and File Reports After an Accident
One of the most important rights you have after a car accident is that of your legal ability to refuse certain communications. Though the negligent party’s lawyer and insurance provider may press you for discussions on the record and to sign pieces of documentation, you have the right to refuse these things. If you were to follow through with these actions, the result might backfire against the success of your case.
Those who are assisting the negligent party throughout the processes following the incident will do all they can to invalidate your story to offer the lowest settlement possible, or none at all. Any details you provide in the correspondence after the accident may lead to information being twisted to fulfill this goal. For this reason, you must do the following after any car crash:
- Contact the police. File a police report that outlines all events that occurred before and during the crash. Make sure to include details of all parties involved, and accurately describe all damages and injuries.
- Take photos and record video evidence of the crash. Make sure to do so from multiple angles to get the most accurate views of all damages incurred.
- Seek the attention of a medical professional.Whether you feel injured or not, you must seek medical attention following the collision. Medical documentation is essential to the objectivity and success of your case.
- Report the incident to your insurance provider. When you submit a report about the crash to your insurance provider promptly, this ensures that all details will be accurate, as you have not given yourself time to forget any facts of the incident.
Once you submit all documentation and reports after the accident, you can rest assured that your case will be as thorough as possible, especially when backed by an experienced car accident lawyer.
Your Right to Pursue Legal Action
Keep in mind that, as you use your right to seek legal help, you are legally allowed to pursue compensation for the damages listed below:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Bodily injury
Remember that it is your right to hold the negligent party responsible for these payments, rather than paying them yourself. In all of this, make sure to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer, as they will make you aware of and defend your rights every step of the way.