If you own a vehicle, it’s crucial that you regularly check everything’s working okay. Whether you do the repairs yourself or find a pro, make sure any issues are fixed quickly. If you don’t you could be risking both your life and the life of others. As a car enthusiast, you should also be aware of the legal implications of road accidents. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 legal facts that all car-lovers should know about them.
1. Personal Injury Lawyers Can Be Indispensable
These are attorneys who represent people who’ve been injured (physically, emotionally or both) as a result of the negligence or wrongdoing of another. They know the law inside and out and will be able to navigate the often-complex legal process on your behalf. They’ll be experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and other parties, and will fight for the best possible outcome. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover financial damages for your injuries, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Charlotte is the most populous city in the state of North Carolina, so it’s no stranger to road accidents. When people go online to get help from a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer they often read about the statute of limitations and frequent causes of car accidents. They want someone who can investigate their incident and put together their legal claim.
2. Your Medical Records Are Key
Immediately after your accident, it’s important to be checked out by a doctor. Not only will this ensure that you’re physically okay, but it’ll also create a record of your injuries. This can be used as evidence in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. The other driver’s insurance company may try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. That’s why it is so important to have a detailed record of all the injuries you sustained in the accident, no matter how minor they may seem.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that they’re not as serious as you claim. So, if you’re involved in a car accident, see a doctor right away and keep track of all your medical records. They’ll be crucial in helping you win your case, and will help determine how much money you’re awarded.
3. Witness Reports And Security Camera Footage Can Help
The witness report is a written or verbal statement from someone who saw your accident occur. This can be invaluable in helping to prove how the accident happened and who was at fault. For this reason, it’s important to obtain the contact information of anyone who saw the incident. If allowed by the other party/ies use your phone to record a verbal statement of events while they’re still fresh in their minds.
In some cases, there may be security camera footage of the accident happening. This footage can be crucial in helping to show what really happened. If you know there’s security camera footage of the accident, try to get a copy of it as soon as possible. Your lawyer or the police may be able to help you with this.
4. The Police Can Support Your Claim
They’ll usually attend the scene of an accident if there’s a danger to the public, if a crime has been committed or if someone’s been injured/killed. They’ll make a record of the accident and may speak to witnesses. They may also issue fixed penalty notices for motoring offenses.
You should get the name and badge number of the attending police officer as they may be able to help further. Also, request the incident number and the police station details. The police report may be useful as evidence, so you’ll need to request this once it’s been produced.
5. It’s Important To Compile The Evidence
Make sure you collect as much evidence as possible because this will give you the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. One of the most invaluable things you can do is take photographs of the scene of the accident. For instance:
- photos showing your injuries
- damage to the vehicle/s
- road debris
- signs of a poorly-maintained road (e.g. potholes, loose gravel, overhanging trees, poor lighting, etc.)
Also, keep a record of any medical treatment you’ve received as a result of the accident. This could include hospital bills, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and physical or psychological therapy. This evidence will help to show the extent of your injuries and how they’ve affected your life. If you’ve been unable to work due to your injuries, get documentary proof of loss of earnings.
Also include details of any necessary house modifications (e.g. stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, grab handles, walk-in showers, or baths).
6. Lawyers Can Communicate With The Insurance Companies
If you’re involved in an accident, your lawyer will likely contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They’ll also write a demand letter to them detailing your injuries and losses, and demanding compensation. The insurance company may then make you a settlement offer, which your lawyer will help you negotiate.
If you try to deal with the insurance companies yourself, you may be at a disadvantage. This is because insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they’re not going to want to pay out more than they have to. They may try to take advantage of you if you don’t have a lawyer because they know you’ll be unfamiliar with the law. You could be offered less money than you deserve or be tricked into saying something that could compromise your claim. In contrast, a lawyer will be familiar with their tactics and be able to fight for justice and a fair payout.
These 6 legal facts about road accidents are essential if you want to win a personal injury claim. Knowledge is power, and with a legal advocate by your side, you stand the best chance of success. You’ll hopefully receive the money you need to cover your expenses and be able to recover from your injuries quickly.
