Had An Accident Because Of A Reckless Motorist? Here’s How To Defend Your Rights

If you have been involved in an accident as a result of someone’s negligence, you are entitled to get compensation for your injuries. However, there are certain things you should do to protect yourself and get the settlement you deserve. Read on to learn everything you want to know about how to defend your legal rights after an accident.  

Report the Accident

You must report the accident so that you get a police report. This document is crucial since it is used to prove liability in a crash. When you report an accident, the police will attend the scene and conduct investigations to establish fault. While at the accident scene, you must cooperate with the law enforcement agents and try to be truthful in your statement. However, do not accept liability and refuse to be manipulated to say something against your wishes. 

Seek Medical Aid

It is your right to seek medication from the doctor of your choice if you are involved in an accident. Even if you do not feel any pain, you must visit the doctor to get a medical examination. The doctor’s medical report helps determine the compensation you should get. Remember to follow the physician’s instructions.        

Seek Legal Advice

If you use a motorcycle, you understand the risks of riding. Even if you possess the right skills and experience, you can still be hurt as a result of the actions of a reckless motorist. If you live in As Louis, you need to contact your lawyer to explain your legal rights if you are injured as a result of someone’s negligence. There are many benefits you can get from enlisting the services of a St Louis motorcycle accident attorney to handle your case. Lawyers have experience in dealing with similar cases and they know how to negotiate with often tricky insurance companies. 

Document Everything

There are different things you should do to prove fault in an accident. While at the accident scene, take photos or video footage, and try to get eyewitness accounts. Do not post pictures of your injuries or any other evidence on social media. There is a danger that the defendant’s lawyers or insurance company can use the information against you. Keep all the evidence you gather from the accident scene in a safe place.  

However, don’t talk to adjusters from the defendant’s insurance company. Third parties may come pretending to be friendly, yet it will be a ploy to trap you to disclose information that can be used against you. You have a legal right to remain silent, and no one will force you to act against your wishes. Another important aspect is that you must never accept responsibility for an accident even to your insurance company. You should leave the police to conduct the investigations so that your compensation claim will not be compromised once you accept that you were wrong.  

File a Compensation Claim

When you have gathered all the necessary evidence required to support your claim, the next step is to file a compensation claim. Your injury attorney should do this on your behalf since they know everything required. They will send a letter of demand to the defendant’s insurance company stating the reasons for demanding compensation and the total amount.

In most cases, accident claims are settled out of court but don’t rush to accept the first reward. You must consult your lawyer first since insurance companies tend to protect their business interests at the expense of the accident victims. You have a right to refuse the reward offered if you feel that it is not commensurate with your injuries.  

Appeal a Denial

If your compensation claim is denied by the other party involved, you have a right to appeal the decision. You can do this by instructing your attorney to file a lawsuit at court where a judge will hear the case. While this option can be costly and time-consuming, it is the only way you can recover the settlement you deserve for your injuries and financial loss. However, you should remember to meet the statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, you may lose your legal rights to get compensation. 

If you are injured in an accident caused by someone’s recklessness, you are entitled to get compensation. However, it may not be easy to get the settlement you deserve since the defendant can also enlist the services of competent lawyers. The above tips can help you prove liability in your case.