Know Your Rights When You Are Hurt By A Negligent Driver

Car accident law is a type of personal injury law that allows you to receive compensation for your losses when someone else is responsible for the accident. You can share some of the fault, as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. A car accident lawyer will look over the details of your case to see if your injuries and losses are enough to warrant a personal injury claim. If you have medical bills, lost income, or property damage, it becomes important to add up your losses to see what your claim might be worth if you take your case to trial. While most claims are settled prior to going to court, you should know the value of your case ahead of time.

You Can Get Compensation for Measurable Losses

The first kind of losses are easy. Measurable, or pecuniary losses, are things you can add up. This type of loss includes medical bills, repairs for property damage, and lost wages. If you are out of work for a number of months, your lost wages can begin to add up. 

Some Losses Are Harder to Define

Non-pecuniary losses are those losses that are harder to assign value to. You have the right to compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment, and future losses you might suffer due to a permanent disability. Your car accident law attorney will talk to you about the potential value of your case and discuss what a good settlement offer might look like.

You Don't Have to Settle Your Claim

If you are not satisfied with an offer negotiated with an insurance company or guilty party, you don't have to accept the offer. You have the right to take your case to a trial and prove how the accident occurred, the extent of your injuries, and what you believe your compensation should be.

Accident Reports Can be Amended

If an accident report assigns an incorrect amount of fault to you, this can be amended when you can prove to the reporting officer that circumstances were different. Even if the officer does not change the report, you can still argue your side to an insurance company or in court if you take your case to trial.

When you are hurt, you have the right to compensation to protect your financial future. With a car accident lawyer, you can negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial if an offer isn't good enough. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Smith Jordan, P.A. Attorneys at Law.

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