If you have been hurt in an accident, you may be curious about what you can do to hold the person who hurt your responsible for his or her actions. While you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages, there is a process that must be followed to obtain it. How can you learn more about your legal rights after an accident?
Consult With an Attorney
An attorney such as one from the Ladah Law Firm may be able to review your case for free. Legal counsel may be able to recommend that you seek medical treatment from a doctor or delete your social media accounts until the case is settled. If you hire an attorney, he or she may be able to work with your doctors and other creditors to hold off on demanding payment until you receive a settlement check.
You Generally Have Two Years to File a Lawsuit
In a typical personal injury case, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, those who are under the age of 21 when they get hurt may have two years from their 21st birthday to take legal action regardless of when the accident occurred. Those who are looking to sue a government agency or other entity may have a year or less to file a lawsuit.
You Decide Whether to Settle or Seek a Trial
Ideally, you will be able to settle your case outside of court. This is because it may take less time to reach an agreement, and the other side may be willing to give you whatever you want to make the case go away quietly. However, if the party responsible for your accident won’t negotiate in good faith, it may be necessary to go to trial. Your attorney will be able to represent you throughout the legal process whether you engage in settlement talks or take the case to a jury.
Are You Liable for Your Injuries?
In some cases, you may be deemed to be partially or fully responsible for your injuries. This is referred to as contributory or comparative negligence. If you were deemed to be 20 percent responsible for your accident, you would receive 80 percent of whatever compensation you ultimately receive. Your attorney will do whatever he or she can to reduce or eliminate your liability in a case such as calling expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.
What Types of Compensation May You Be Entitled To?
The types of compensation that you may be entitled to depend on the facts of your case. If you spend time in the hospital or require medication to treat an injury suffered in an accident, you are generally entitled to recoup those costs. If an injury causes chronic pain or emotional distress, you can be compensated for that as well. A financial award may also help recoup lost wages, lost future earnings and a reduced quality of life because of your injuries.
If you are hurt in an accident, it may be a good idea to consult with an attorney. He or she may be able to tell you more about your rights and the best way to pursue compensation. This may allow you to get the best medical care possible as well as provide financially for yourself and your family.