Drivers can find themselves in all sorts of tricky situations while they’re on the road, but there are four specific scenarios in which it’s vital to seek legal assistance. This article will outline those four situations and explain why getting help from an experienced traffic lawyer is the best way to protect yourself.
1. A Car Accident
If you are in a car accident, one of the most important things is to consult with a lawyer. According to the legal team at https://www.erlegal.com/, even if you don’t think you need a lawyer, it’s always a good idea to speak with one after an accident. A lawyer can help you:
- Get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
- Negotiate with the insurance company.
- File a claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
- Get medical treatment and physical therapy expenses paid for by the insurance company.
- Ensure that you are compensated for your lost wages and pain and suffering.
- A lawyer can protect your rights and make sure that the other driver doesn’t try to
It’s also important to note some states require drivers involved in a car accident to seek legal assistance within a certain amount of time, even if they didn’t ascertain the fault yet. While this isn’t always the case, you’ll want to have all your ducks in a row just in case.
2. You Commit Minor Offenses (Like Speeding) And Are Confronted By An Officer On the Road
Being pulled over by law enforcement isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can be ‘uncomfortable if you’re not sure why the officer is approaching your car. There are many different reasons officers pull cars over, but some of the most common include speeding, broken taillights, and failure to yield.
If you’re pulled over for any reason and given a citation, you can typically contest it by mail or in person at an administrative hearing without an attorney present. However, drivers who receive citations for more serious infractions like reckless driving should always contact a lawyer as soon as possible after receiving their ticket. Doing so will almost always increase the chances of getting out of this situation with fewer consequences.
3. You Are Pulled Over And Arrested For DWI/DUI
Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense that can result in a large fine, loss of license, and even time behind bars. You can still face a vehicular manslaughter charge if you meet specific criteria, such as being inebriated while driving due to prescribed medication, even if you’re below the legal blood-alcohol concentration limit of 0.08 percent. If you’re ever in a situation where they did not test blood alcohol concentration, but the police suspect you were driving under the influence of marijuana or any other intoxicant, it’s best to have an attorney look over your case.
DUI often charges surface due to traffic stops, often correlated with other infractions. When police officers see you going against traffic flow or committing moving violations such as speeding, they may pull you over to check if you’re driving under the influence. Even if blood alcohol concentration is not tested, a breathalyzer test can be administered, and that can help determine if the substance impaired your driving.
If you get pulled over on suspicion of DUI, it’s essential to remain calm and cooperative at all times. It will be in your best interest to stop immediately when police officers or traffic control officials signal. You may also want to consider having an attorney present during the traffic stop, especially if the officer appears hostile or if they are demanding that you perform certain tests.
4. Property Damage Claims
Property damage liability laws vary from state to state and depend on where the accident happened. An attorney can help you review these laws and other factors that might affect your case.
You can also consult a legal representative for help navigating through property damage claims that were your fault. When you hire an attorney for your insurance claim, they will ensure your insurance company fully compensates you if your accident is deemed your fault.
Property damage claims often stem from a car accident, but they can also result from a defective product you used while driving. If your property was damaged due to using faulty equipment or manufacturing materials, you might be able to file a legal claim against the responsible party. In many cases, manufacturers are willing to cut their losses and settle outside of court. An attorney can help you demand full compensation for your expenses.
Drivers face many complex legal problems throughout their lives. While you may not always be at fault, it’s never a bad idea to seek legal assistance if you need it. It can protect your rights and ensure you get what you deserve when seeking compensation for damages caused by others’ negligence.
