No matter how careful you are in every circumstance of your daily life, an accident is not something that you can prevent. Your safety and security also depend on how responsible people around you are. If we look at the statistics, innocent people suffer severe, debilitating injuries and even get killed in tragic accidents caused by the negligent behavior of others. Even though you cannot avoid getting involved in an accident, you can control how you respond to the situation. It is not uncommon for accidents to happen. The injuries that may result may be minor or even nonexistent, whereas others may be fatal. The accident often leaves those involved with traumatic memories. Various factors can cause roadside accidents. A driver or another road user can cause an accident. When you suffer physical or psychological injuries in a car accident as a result of negligence, you must hire a personal injury lawyer in Hobart. As a result, your chances of recovering compensation will be improved.
How to determine if you are entitled to compensation after an accident? Read on to learn more.
Examine the Circumstances of the Accident
You can demand monetary compensation after an accident if you can prove that the accident occurred due to negligence on the part of a person or company. If your car gets hit by a drunk or distracted driver, it is evident who is at fault. However, in some cases, establishing responsibility is not as straightforward. Maybe the driver who hit your car did everything correctly, but his vehicle had technical problems. In this case, the manufacturing company must assume responsibility for the accident.
Examine the circumstances of your accident to determine who may be responsible. If you were involved in a traffic accident, the police must investigate the case. If you were injured in the workplace, your manager must establish the cause. In any other scenario, you may have to be proactive and determine who is guilty by yourself or with the help of an attorney.
Did you fall on a slippery floor at the mall? The cleaning staff may be responsible for not marking the area as wet. Did a dog bite you at the park? The dog owner may be responsible for not keeping his pet on a leash. These are all examples of negligence that can lead to bodily injuries and which the law punishes accordingly.
Why the Location of the Accident Matters?
When filing a personal injury claim, you will discover that the location of the accident matters a lot. Were you injured at home or in the workplace? Were you injured in a public space or on private premises? Who is responsible for ensuring your safety at that specific location: yourself, your employer, a private company, or a local government authority? The location is the first clue that can help you determine who is responsible for your accident and who should pay you for your losses.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you have a good reason to believe that your accident was the result of negligence, consider getting in touch with an experienced attorney to discuss your case. An attorney will help you file a personal injury claim if he believes you have a legitimate reason to demand compensation. If you worry about the legal fees, contact Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers for help. You will pay no fee unless you get the financial compensation you seek.
Why do you need a lawyer? Personal injury cases are complex and often involve many parties, including the police, medical professionals, representatives of the insurance providers, private companies, witnesses, and not only. Dealing with all the legal and bureaucratic complexities can be challenging. Moreover, as the victim, you will have to negotiate your compensation. Without any legal experience, you may not know how the law benefits you. A good lawyer will help you maximize your compensation and include all present and future losses, both tangible and intangible.
Insurance providers prefer to settle quickly, and many victims accept the first offer. In a way, this is understandable because they may need money for their medical bills and other urgent expenses. However, accepting the insurance company’s first offer without negotiating is not a good idea. What if you later discover that you will face long-term health complications due to your injuries? What if you need long-term medical care? What if your health condition worsens gradually, and you later realize that you cannot return to work? You need a certain amount of money to plan your financial future. Financial planning is just as important for individuals as it is for businesses.
A fair settlement should take into consideration future losses and damages. However, it is not the duty of the insurance provider to calculate all your losses. Only your lawyer can help you determine what amount of money constitutes a fair settlement in your particular case.
Determine If the Filing Window is Still Open
When it comes to personal injury cases, consider filing a claim as soon as possible. If your accident happened a few weeks or months ago, you can file a claim without worries as long as you have evidence. However, remember that the time allotted for filing a personal injury claim varies from one jurisdiction to another. Depending on your location, you may have one, two, or even three years to file a personal injury claim.
If you suffered severe injuries, consider waiting longer than a few weeks before filing a claim. The more time you take, the more information you will have about the long-term consequences of your injuries. Thus, you will know more precisely how much money to demand.
Get informed about your allotted time and make sure you respect the deadline. Otherwise, the insurance provider has the right to deny your claim, no matter how much evidence you have. Most states set firm time limits on your right to file a claim to ensure that the relevant evidence is still available.
The Importance of Evidence
To receive compensation after an accident, you will need supporting evidence. Even if you feel that you are morally entitled to compensation, you also need to prove it. Medical reports, proof of property damage, and police reports can serve as evidence.
Final Words
If you were injured in an accident without any fault of your own, you have the legal right to demand compensation. The responsible person or company must pay your medical bills, cover your lost wages, and compensate you for your emotional distress. However, to obtain a fair settlement, be ready to fight for your rights.
