The legal aspect of personal injury is very complex. When someone is involved in an accident, it's important for them to understand what legal rights they may have. The following article will give you a guide to personal injury law and what you can do if you've been the victim of an accident.
1. You need a personal injury lawyer
There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. First, the process is complex and extremely important — an error on your part could leave you without any compensation for your injuries. Second, because awards can be large (up to millions of dollars), lawyers will work hard to ensure that you get all that you deserve. If you live in Tennessee, you might want to find a personal injury lawyer in Jonesborough, TN, since it's better to find someone close to your area. Finally, insurance companies know that if they take back what they've offered to pay for treatment or further damages, it's likely their client will hire an attorney who knows how to handle these issues successfully. For these reasons and many more, it's a good idea to have an attorney by your side as soon as possible after being involved in an accident.
2. Collect evidence from the scene
It's important to collect evidence from the scene of an accident. This may include anything that was damaged or lost in the accident, such as car parts or personal belongings. You should also take pictures with a digital camera, so you have documentation of what happened after the event. It's helpful to keep notes on all of your expenses — not just medical bills, but also any financial losses due to missing work or inability to pay for something that was broken in the crash.
3. Find out exactly what's covered by your insurance plan
When you're involved in an accident, it's critical to find out what your insurance company will or won't cover. For example, if you're at fault for the collision, the other driver's car is likely going to be considered a total loss and your insurer may not pay for any damages. Similarly, if there are open claims on your policy, whether, from you or a family member, it could invalidate your current claim. If possible, get a copy of all the details regarding your insurance coverage before getting involved in an accident so that you don't run into problems later on.
4. Don't discuss compensation with anyone but your lawyer
When you're dealing with an insurance company, it's important to understand the process. You should not disclose how much money you expect or what your injuries are — that information is private and confidential. If an adjuster tries to discuss compensation without your lawyer present, politely ask them to contact your attorney, so they can discuss this privately.
If someone offers to pay off all of your medical bills in exchange for waiving the right to file a lawsuit against them in civil court, don't just agree on the spot. Most people who accept these deals do so because they're uneducated about the law and don't understand what rights they're giving up. It's important to consult with a lawyer before accepting such an offer, as you might be eligible for more.
5. File a claim on time
When you're dealing with insurance companies or other entities, it's important to file a claim on time. For instance, if you are not satisfied with an insurance company's initial offer, don't take more than 30 days to respond. If you do, they can likely drop your claim because the insurance policy specifies that action must be taken within a certain time frame. Similarly, choose doctors carefully. If there is something wrong with their treatment or diagnosis of your injuries that caused additional issues, later on, try not to wait too long before seeing someone else, so you have proof of what actually happened.
Why should you have good legal representation?
Without a lawyer, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage from the very beginning of any injury claim. Insurance companies know that if they offer you money before hiring an attorney, it'll be difficult for them to get a better deal because you don't have anyone looking out for your rights and interests. Furthermore, filing a lawsuit is extremely complicated and can take months or years to resolve. Attorneys are familiar with the process and will ensure that all of your needs are met along the way.
No matter how severe the damage or injuries you suffered in a car accident, it's important to take these steps after an incident. By contacting your insurance company, filing a claim on time, and hiring adequate legal representation for any civil litigation, you'll be able to receive fair compensation for your losses. If you follow these key points, you should have.
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