Every year, millions of people are injured and thousands are killed in accidents involving a motor vehicle.
Motorcycles, cars, and commercial trucks all have the potential to cause great harm in a crash, especially if it involves a pedestrian or bicyclist.
Losing a loved one or suffering serious injury in a car crash carries many hardships, emotional and financial, for the weeks, months, and even years to come.
Taking the proper steps after a collision can ensure that your future is protected.
The first step is understanding that you have the right to pursue legal action.
Liability in Vehicle Accidents Some common causes for vehicle accidents include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to obey right-of-way laws, speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, failing to obey traffic control devices such as signals and stop signs, dangerous roadways, and defective tires, or other vehicle parts.
Fault is determined by the controller of the situation.
If an accident is caused by a driver's negligence, recklessness or wrongdoing, then that driver may be held liable for the damages caused by their actions.
If it is a dangerously designed or poorly maintained roadway, then the agency that maintains the road could be held liable.
Finally, if a defective vehicle part caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
Most often, liability falls onto a negligent driver.
If you have been injured by the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, then you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses, even if that driver is also brought up on criminal charges.
Criminal proceedings do not negate civil action; however, any tort action for bodily injury that was caused by the use or operation of a motor vehicle must be brought within three years of the injury causing event.
What to do after a Collision Knowing that you have the right to pursue legal action after an injury-causing accident is not enough.
To be able to do so, you must make sure that there is supporting evidence.
If you are able, following these steps will help strengthen your personal injury claim:
Hopefully, you never find yourself in this position, but if you happen to be in a vehicle collision, be sure that you are aware of your legal rights as well as what important steps you may want to take.
Motorcycles, cars, and commercial trucks all have the potential to cause great harm in a crash, especially if it involves a pedestrian or bicyclist.
Losing a loved one or suffering serious injury in a car crash carries many hardships, emotional and financial, for the weeks, months, and even years to come.
Taking the proper steps after a collision can ensure that your future is protected.
The first step is understanding that you have the right to pursue legal action.
Liability in Vehicle Accidents Some common causes for vehicle accidents include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to obey right-of-way laws, speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, failing to obey traffic control devices such as signals and stop signs, dangerous roadways, and defective tires, or other vehicle parts.
Fault is determined by the controller of the situation.
If an accident is caused by a driver's negligence, recklessness or wrongdoing, then that driver may be held liable for the damages caused by their actions.
If it is a dangerously designed or poorly maintained roadway, then the agency that maintains the road could be held liable.
Finally, if a defective vehicle part caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
Most often, liability falls onto a negligent driver.
If you have been injured by the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, then you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses, even if that driver is also brought up on criminal charges.
Criminal proceedings do not negate civil action; however, any tort action for bodily injury that was caused by the use or operation of a motor vehicle must be brought within three years of the injury causing event.
What to do after a Collision Knowing that you have the right to pursue legal action after an injury-causing accident is not enough.
To be able to do so, you must make sure that there is supporting evidence.
If you are able, following these steps will help strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Call the police.
Make sure you report every detail to the officer taking the police report.
What is in that report can make or break your personal injury case. - Take pictures of the accident.
Most cell phones are equipped with decent cameras, so take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can to document both the damage and the location and direction of the crash. - Take pictures of any injuries.
Barring any serious injury that requires immediate medical treatment, take several pictures of your immediate injuries.
Even with a seemingly minor injury, however, you should always seek medical attention. - Document eyewitness accounts.
Having supporting viewpoints can be invaluable to your case.
Just make sure to record each witness' contact information as well. - Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Never agree to insurance settlements or sign any statements until you have consulted with a lawyer.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money and part of that is never paying out what they can get away with keeping.
Hopefully, you never find yourself in this position, but if you happen to be in a vehicle collision, be sure that you are aware of your legal rights as well as what important steps you may want to take.
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