Personal injury is a broad area in law, which generally covers accidents and injuries one sustains due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or maliciousness. The most common type of personal injury case is the auto accident injury. Auto accidents- be it car, motorcycle, or truck accidents – are fatal and can leave a victim with severe personal injuries. These accidents not only cause physical injuries, but they can also cause emotional distress and property damage. The effects of a car accident can be so severe that they interrupt the victim’s life or even result in death.
What next after an auto accident?
By law, all motorists have a duty of care that requires them to drive cautiously at all times. As a result, if an auto accident occurs due to the driver’s negligence, the victim or their family is entitled to total compensation for the injuries sustained. Although the victim might not walk or enjoy life as much as they used to, the financial compensation can help cover the accumulated medical bills and other bills that the victim could not pay due to the accident. It is, thus, essential to file a personal claim immediately after an auto accident has occurred so that you may be compensated.
Filing a personal injury claim
The first step is to rush to the hospital for medical treatment, even though no physical injury can be observed. An early examination can help relieve the worst symptoms that may appear later, and the records can also be used as evidence in front of a claim adjuster or jury.
The next step is to document all injuries, medical treatments, and property damages related to the auto accident. It is especially beneficial to gather evidence on the accident’s cause and how the victim’s life has been affected by it.
The victim will be required to establish negligence as most personal injury claims are centered on recklessness or negligence of the other party. Without this, it can be challenging to receive proper compensation, if any. If established, the victim will then serve notice of claim, which will be the beginning of the settlement negotiations.
Why you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney
It is usually in your best interest to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case. First of all, after an accident, the victim may not be in good health to file the claim by himself. Preparing documents required can be very cumbersome. A personal injury attorney can help you file your claim giving you time to recover and focus on your health and well-being. Moreover, an experienced lawyer knows all the crucial documents required to build your case. They will collect the records from the doctors and the accident report from the police. They will also help you establish the other party’s negligence – something that can be very difficult to prove for victims working on their own.
Secondly, going into settlement talks alone may not be a good idea, even if the insurance adjuster agrees with your right to compensation. In most cases, the insurance adjuster may offer you a low payment because the insurance company is in business and wants to make profits. A personal injury attorney will play a crucial part in the negotiations, especially in calculating the settlement – considering all factors to get the correct amount you deserve.
Lastly, different states have different laws, and a claim should be filed in the state where the accident occurred. If you are not familiar with the regulations, you risk not getting the full compensation you truly deserve. Therefore, if you find yourself in an auto accident in Westland, you should consider hiring an attorney from Mike Morse Injury Law Firm Westland, MI, who will guide you through unforeseen circumstances.
Conclusion
Personal injuries, especially auto accidents, can severely affect the victim. The victim is entitled to financial compensation for his injuries and damages. Unfortunately, the victim may not get a reasonable amount for several reasons. Thus, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to represent you through the settlement process. An experienced attorney will negotiate with the insurer to arrive at a fair amount for both sides.