You’ve suffered a serious injury at the hands of a careless driver. Or maybe an injury at a business that failed to make safety a top priority. Perhaps you’ve suffered from using a defective product. Or been bitten by a dog. Whatever the case, you will need to be compensated for your medical bills. That and the lost income from your job. Not to mention the pain and suffering you are now experiencing daily. If you are not aware of your rights as an injury victim, you could lose out on the money you need and deserve. To understand your rights after suffering an injury, remember the following.
Get Medical Treatment
As an injury victim, you are entitled to seek medical treatment for any injuries you may have suffered. This includes at the accident scene as well as later at a hospital or doctor’s office. Never allow yourself to be pressured by an employer, store management, or another driver into not seeking immediate medical treatment. This will jeopardize both your health and your legal case.
Hire an Attorney
As soon as possible after your accident, always hire an experienced attorney to handle your case. Look for a local office like Craig P. Kenny & Associates since they’ll know the area and laws better. Since you want to make the best decisions about how to proceed, talking to a lawyer early on can let you know what rights you possess as a victim. They can also lay out the various options you may have for seeking compensation. They’ll advise you as to what you should or should not do while your case proceeds.
Talking to Insurance Companies
After an accident, an insurance company may contact you to inquire about your accident. Should this happen, you will need to be careful what you say since the company will use any words it can against you in court. Also, the company may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement for a very low amount of money. Rather than do this, remember you have the right to refuse their offer.
Settling Your Case Out of Court
Always remember that as an injury victim, your case does not have to ever make it to a courtroom. In fact, the vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court between attorneys and insurance companies. By knowing this and letting your lawyer build a strong case on your behalf, you can come away with an out-of-court settlement that is quite substantial.
Do not be coerced by insurance companies and others into making critical mistakes after your accident. Learn your rights from the very beginning. When you do, you stand a much greater chance of gaining the financial compensation you need and deserve.
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
