Photo: Keenan Constance
Did you know that from 1913 to 2022, the number of vehicle accident-related deaths increased by 996%, from 4200 deaths in 1913 to 46027 in 2022? This sharp rise is likely due to the growing number of vehicles on the road, increasing traffic, and population growth.
While surviving an accident is a relief, it’s often just the beginning of a challenging journey. Accidents can lead to car damage, unexpected medical bills, and even emotional issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
This simply shows how stressful and overwhelming car accidents can be. After the accident, it’s easy to feel lost. You may wonder what to do next. Yet, hiring a lawyer is a step that you can take to prevent yourself from any further breakdown. Want to know how they can help you? Read the full article!
A) Understanding Legal Complexities
The legal system is too complicated for a common man to understand. There are many laws and rules governing car accidents. You can encounter different rules for inter-state and intra-state accidents. So, if you don’t understand them, you might make mistakes.
For example, Charleston, a city in South Carolina, is an “at-fault” city. This means that the driver responsible for the crash is liable for damages, and the injured party must prove that the other driver was at fault in order to recover damages.
Hence, to avoid such hassle, you must approach a good car accident lawyer who knows these laws inside and out. You can book a free consultation with them or connect online via their website. They can help you understand your options and take the required steps.
B) Proving Liability and Fault
The main problem that arises after the accident is figuring out who is at fault. It becomes more painful when the accident is caused due to the other person’s negligence, right?
Sometimes, it’s clear who caused the accident, but you need to prove that. Other times, it can be tricky even just to find out. You may think you were not at fault, but the other party might argue differently. Hence, having solid proof is vital for your claim.
So, in this case, the lawyer's help comes in handy. The professional can gather evidence and build a strong case for you. They will help establish who is liable. This can include collecting:
- Police reports,
- Witness statements,
- Medical documents and
- Expert opinions.
They go to the accident place, and hospital and meet with the different witnesses to gather the required information. This makes you tension-free while focusing more on your physical and psychological recovery.
Photo: Sora Shimazaki
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often make the situation more complicated. After an accident, you have to deal with your insurance and the other party's insurance. Insurance companies use their professionalism tricks here and may try to minimize your claim. They might offer you a low settlement.
And, in the situation of losing wages, vehicle crashes, and supporting your family, you might feel pressured to accept it quickly. But to avoid this, getting the lawyer's help on time can benefit you. They know how to handle these negotiations. They can fight for a fair settlement on behalf of you that reflects your injuries and damages.
Protecting Your Rights:
Your rights can easily be overlooked after an accident. So many people simply don't have any idea what are entitled to. A lawyer can help protect your rights throughout the process. They will ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the other party or their insurance. Also, they protect your right to get fair compensation by filing the claims on time. They can also help you understand other related rights, such as:
- Right to get fine treatment by insurance companies,
- Right to legal representation in the court, etc.
Providing Peace of Mind:
Dealing with a car accident is stressful enough without the added pressure of legal issues. So last but not least, a lawyer can provide peace of mind during this challenging time. Knowing you have someone on your side can ease your worries.
They will guide you through each step of the process and represent you in court if required. Hence, this support allows you to concentrate on your recovery, and you won't have to navigate the legal system alone.
Let's summarize...
Ultimately, car accidents can change your life in an instant. So, it becomes important to have the right support when facing the aftermath. For this, seek the help of a lawyer who will ensure the best outcome possible after the accident.