If you have been injured in an accident and it was not your fault, you may be wondering what steps you can take to protect your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured, as well as for any medical expenses or lost wages. However, filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a daunting task. In this article, we will discuss a legal way to protect your rights after suffering a health-damaging accident.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
The first step you should take after suffering a health-damaging accident is to seek medical attention. This will not only ensure that you receive the treatment you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries. This medical evidence can be used to support your claim for compensation.
Moreover, if you delay in seeking medical treatment, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. The sooner you get checked by a doctor, the better.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The best way to protect your rights after suffering a health-damaging accident is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A qualified attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
An attorney will also be able to help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and deal with the insurance company. Professionals say that you should find an attorney with unique experience and knowledge. In addition, if your case goes to trial, an experienced attorney will be able to represent you in court. Having an attorney on your side will give you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.
Get a Police Report
If the accident was serious enough to warrant a call to the police, be sure to get a copy of the police report. This document can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim. The police report will contain important details about the accident, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Also, be sure to take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. These photos can be used as visual evidence in your case. Similarly, if there is any video footage of the accident, be sure to obtain a copy.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
The insurance company will likely try to contact you after the accident and ask you to give a recorded statement. It is important that you do not give a recorded statement without first consulting with an attorney. The insurance company will use your statement against you to try to minimize the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
For example, if you say something like, “I’m not sure how the accident happened,” the insurance company will use that to argue that you are unsure of your injuries. However, if you say something like, “I was hit from behind and my neck hurts,” the insurance company will have a harder time trying to minimize your claim.
Do Not Wait Too Long to File Your Claim
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. This means that you must file your claim within a certain period of time or you will be barred from doing so.
In most states, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Therefore, it is important to consult with an attorney to find out how long you have to file your claim.
Moreover, if you wait too long to file your claim, you may not be able to obtain the evidence you need to support your case. For example, witnesses may move away or forget what happened. Therefore, it is important to act quickly after suffering a health-damaging accident.
Document Everything
In addition to seeking medical attention and getting a police report, you should also document everything related to the accident and your injuries. This includes taking photos of the scene of the accident, as well as any visible injuries you may have. You should also keep a journal detailing the pain and suffering you have experienced since the accident.
If you are unable to work because of your injuries, be sure to keep records of any lost wages. These documents can be used to support your claim for compensation.
By following these steps, you will be in a better position to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve after suffering a health-damaging accident. If you have any questions or need assistance, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney.