The road is the most common means of transport, and accidents are bound to happen. Accidents can cause fatalities and life-changing injuries. You might be the one who caused the accident or the affected party, but in either case, you should know what to do to avoid facing legal charges and to ensure you are remunerated fully.
What to Do in Case of a Car Accident
Modern cars are fitted with many safety features to protect you in case of an accident, but they are not always enough. If the injuries are major or minor in the case of an accident, one should seek medical help as soon as possible.
A small concussion can turn into serious brain problems if not treated early. In case of long-term injuries, you might not be able to fight for justice, and that’s why it is crucial to contact a lawyer to fight the legal battles for you.
Report Immediately
An accident must be reported as soon as it occurs, and if possible, don’t leave the scene. Knowing who is at fault is very important when dealing with car accidents. While most accidents are caused by one of the drivers, it is also possible that a third party was involved.
A car part may fail, which shifts the blame to the car manufacturer as they might have made Unroadworthy vehicles. In the case of hazardous material or poor roads, the fault is on the government for causing the accident.
Contact Insurance
Not all accidents require court settlements. In some cases, you will exchange insurance information with the other driver. You will be required to contact the insurance agent immediately to stake your claim. The Insurer then sends an adjuster to get an estimate of injuries and accident costs.
Getting full compensation is necessary, and insurance companies might try to devalue your claim, so it is essential to have your facts right. In case of a low payment, you are not obliged to take it and can seek legal advice to demand full settlement.
The Compensation
When demanding compensation, you should know what your claim is worth. The worth of a claim is the total expenses incurred during the accident and also the non-financial pain. The financial compensation is inclusive of future costs brought by the accident. In case the vehicle was your source of livelihood, the payment should pay for the loss incurred. If the accident leaves you in a situation where you can’t take care of your family, the settlement should take care of the bills. Non-financial compensation might be a little challenging to determine as there is no monetary value to pain and suffering caused to you and your family members because of an accident. Luckily if you contact a lawyer, they can help you determine the kinds of claims and their monetary value.
Conclusion
Car accident claims are very tricky as insurance companies rarely want to part with their money and would put as much pressure on you to accept less than the claims’ worth as possible. Due to the pressures, desperation, and expenses associated with accidents, most people take what they are offered and move on. This should not be the case and the reason why you may need an attorney’s services.
