If you are injured in an car accident, you may have grounds for compensation under the law. Personal injury is defined as an injury that was caused by another party’s negligence or carelessness. The definition is somewhat left open to legal interpretation. That interpretation extends not only to the cause of your injury, but also to who is responsible for it. The law gives you a lot of rope on which to hang your case. That’s why; it is a good idea to get an experienced lawyer as soon as possible following an auto accident.
How Can A Lawyer Help Me If I’m in A Car Accident?
An attorney is likely to be aware of nuances in your case that you may not know about. These subtle differences in understanding are the linchpin many cases turn on. An experienced lawyer can guide you through things like:
- Comparative fault
- Insurance negotiation
- Damages
- Filing a lawsuit
- Collecting your settlement
- Going to trial
These are not things that you should attempt to handle on your own. A lawyer knows how personal injury cases are categorized and processed by the legal system. For instance, auto accidents are the most common cause of personal injury on record and Texas also has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country. Facts like these are helpful when it comes time to prove your case and ensuring you are awarded the appropriate damages. The damages awarded in personal injury cases can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Cost of rehabilitation
- Loss of livelihood
- Mental anguish, pain and suffering
Car accidents are unexpected and there is often a lot of confusion on-scene. By their very nature; personal injury cases can be hard to prove, but there are a few things you can do while still on the scene of the accident that will help prove your case before you walk into a lawyer’s office. If you are involved in an automobile accident, follow this post-accident checklist in order to prepare yourself for whatever happens next:
- Check for injuries – this includes yourself, your passengers, and the people in the other car
- Collect contact information – from everyone involved in the accident
- Look for witnesses to the accident – take short statements and contact information
- Write out a statement of what occurred – as soon as you can (when possible include diagrams and/or photos)
- Exchange insurance information – but do not agree to anything or sign anything
What If My Injuries Are Serious?
If your injuries are too severe to allow you to gather this information, ask someone close to you to do it for you. Keep a copy of this checklist in your vehicle in case you ever need it. Even if you believe you are at partial fault for the accident; bring all of the information from your checklist with you to your first meeting with your attorney. This information will be key in helping your lawyer establish the merit and value of your case.
Serious auto accidents are a part of everyday life, but they are not a part of your everyday life. If you or a loved one is involved in a serious auto accident and someone else is at fault, you need an experienced attorney to guide you through the process. The attorneys at Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas are the experts you need on your side. They will go to court on your behalf if needed and assist in obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. as soon as possible after an auto accident and get their team of professionals working for you.