4 Tips After a Car Accident: Don’t Get Hurt Again

There are a lot more cars on the road and a lot more people driving these days. That naturally means that there will be more car accidents as well. Many are of the fender-bender type and do not require much more than an apology from the offending party and a quick trip to the body shop for repairs. But others, especially those that involve serious injuries, or loss of life, require closer attention and may need legal advice and representation through the process. If you are involved in a car accident you will need to have the best possible legal representation to look after your issues and concerns.

Here are some suggestions that might help you in choosing your car accident lawyer and when you might need this service:

🚗 1. Immediately after a car accident

In most Canadian jurisdictions, there is a requirement to report all car accidents over a certain amount of damage to the police. If the police are involved at the accident scene, you should be cautious about what you say since that might be used against you later. For example, you should refrain from saying that the accident was your fault, even if that is true. You do not have to lie or make a misrepresentation, but you do not have to admit anything at the scene. As soon as you can after the accident you should seek legal representation from a car accident lawyer, so that you can get advice about your statement and the next steps to follow. 

If you are injured or hurt in any way during a car accident you should first seek medical attention, and then get legal advice. In Ontario, for example, every driver must carry auto insurance. If you have an accident, you have to first go to your insurance to seek benefits, but you be able to commence a tort claim against the other driver and their insurance company, if they are at fault for the accident. This is something that is very complicated and may require the advice of a car accident lawyer.

🚗 2. Making a claim

If you have been hurt or injured during an accident you may be eligible to file a claim for pain and suffering as well as damages. These damages could include the loss of past and future income, medical treatment and procedures and associated costs. This, too, is a very complex area that is not easily navigated by the normal person. This is especially true if someone is already upset or suffering the health effects of a car accident. They might be feeling great or they may not be thinking clearly or correctly. A qualified car accident lawyer can provide calm, cool and competent advice at the initial stages of the process.

🚗 3. Following through

Insurance companies have a well-deserved reputation for trying to deny and fight the claims made by victims in car accidents. Even your own insurance company might not be as helpful to you as they could be, if they have to pay out a claim. A car accident lawyer can serve as an intermediary between a car accident victim and the insurance company. If you have to try and deal with the other driver’s insurance company, it is absolutely essential to have legal representation and advice before, during and after meeting with them. There may be lengthy discussions and negotiations about things like fault and the amount of damages, and all of this can lead to complications and delays that a car accident lawyer can help resolve. 

🚗 4. Legal charges

If there are any legal charges or the possibility of charges against you after a car accident that you were involved with, you should speak to a lawyer immediately. This could not only impact your insurance rating, but could bring much more serious legal implications. A lawyer who has experience in this area can provide you with early advice and then be with you as you proceed to dispute any charges which may be brought against you as a result of a car accident.