Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident

Car Accident

Getting into an accident is a traumatizing event that leaves many people with lasting issues, injuries, and concerns. It can be confusing, especially at the moment to have to deal with everything. Remember that when you are involved in an accident, you have the right to take different legal actions. Here are some quick points to help you understand.

Drivers Must Stay At The Scene Of The Accident

If you are involved in an accident, the most important thing that you have to remember is to remain at the scene. Especially as a driver involved in the collision, failure to uphold your responsibility of staying at the location would imply you were responsible for the accident or that you are not properly protected with adequate insurance. If you leave, you may be charged with hit and run charges. When an accident occurs, bring your vehicles to safety if possible away from other drivers and cars, ensure that everyone is safe, and call the police or a San Diego Uber Lawyer to deal with the accident.

You Are Able To Attain Information

When you get into a car accident, you have the right to exchange and gather information. It is important that you exchange information with the other drivers involved in a car accident in Montgomery, as insurance companies will need to be contacted, especially when a significant amount of damages occur. For minor collisions, you may be able to settle matters out of pocket to keep your insurance low, but that is at the discretion of both parties to be able to come to that agreement. It is also crucial that you gather evidence and information surrounding the accident, not just simply your right to do so. This is helpful for building any sort of case if you were to file a suit against the other driver holding them responsible for the accident, or if a suit were to be filed against you and you need to build a defense for your case. It is important that you get a lawyer to help you with your case to ensure that you are paid fully for your needs, as insurance companies aren’t always looking to pay you what you deserve. 

Right To Compensation For Health And Injuries

In some circumstances where an accident has occurred, you will sustain significant injuries. Your health should always be a priority, and when you file a case with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the other driver, you need to consider the costs that you will incur due to your injuries and health issues that you get due to the accident. Not only are you entitled to medical compensation for immediate treatment, but you should also be factoring in the long-term health effects of any injuries and health problems that will require constant attention and care. Your health does not only translate to physical pain but also any mental anguish and distress you suffer from. 

Car Accident

Right To Compensation For Damages

Health is not the only type of damage you can get from being involved in a vehicle collision. Property damage to your vehicle can be compensated for when you put the claim through with your insurance company. Be sure to use the evidence that you take at the accident, and show that with your vehicle costs and repairs done. Keep all your receipts when bringing your car to the mechanic, as insurance investigations can take a long time to settle, and many people need to fix their car immediately in order to function in their day-to-day lives.

Driver Vs Passenger

Passengers can also make claims when they are involved in a car accident as a passenger. A reason many passengers may not make a claim would be because they often know the person driving the vehicle when an accident occurred, and they do not want to impact the relationship in any way that would cause trouble. Oftentimes, people mistake claims for lawsuits, and when you file such a claim related to the accidents and injuries, you are not necessarily taking your friend to court. The reality is that you will be dealing with the insurance company and not necessarily your friend or relative. This is important because if you were involved in an accident, you may have sustained injuries and need to seek and pay for the medical fees and treatment. You have every right to be able to afford to get the care you deserve. 

When you are in a collision, you have to worry about your health and your finances alike. There are so many things running through your mind, that it is easy to overlook things and forget the rights that you have. Be sure to calmly go through everything, from insurance matters to addressing your health.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of The World Financial Review.