Life changing accidents can change everything – all in a matter of seconds.
Just like that things go from normal, to injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and overwhelming uncertainty.
Here’s what most people DON’T tell you…
When faced with a negligence-related accident most folks don’t have a clue what to do next. And not knowing what to do costs people—often literally.
What Does Negligence Even Mean?
Let’s clear up one thing first: negligence.
Negligence refers to the failure to exercise sensible care, resulting in harm to another person. It’s a key legal concept in personal injury claims.
A common example of negligence is a driver who runs a red light. Or perhaps a landlord neglects needed repairs, causing an injury on their property. Anytime someone fails to do what a reasonable person would do (and causes harm by doing so) that’s negligence.
If someone else was uncaring and caused the accident, you have legal rights.
Negligence accounts for 39.5 million injury cases that require medical attention each year in the United States alone. With numbers that high, chances are you know someone affected by negligence-related injury.
Your Health Comes First — Let’s Dive In
Okay, so you were hurt in an accident and someone else was careless. Now what?
The first thing you should do after any serious accident is seek medical attention.
Doctors can be expensive, but your health is worth every penny. Some injuries have delayed symptoms. From brain trauma to internal bleeding to soft tissue damage — not all injuries can be seen immediately.
Seeing a doctor will do two very important things:
- It will ensure your physical wellbeing and catch any hidden injuries.
- It will document exactly what happened through an official medical record.
Just like with anything else, when it comes to legal claims involving accidents and injuries, documentation is king. Medical records serve as proof of injury — they’re absolutely essential if you wish to follow a legal claim later on.
Here’s what most people don’t think about…
The steps you take during the accident itself and the days after are critical. Every detail matters. If you go to the hospital, be sure to keep records of all doctor visits, prescriptions and over the counter medication you take, and any injuries that pop up later. Take pictures of the accident scene. Write down your personal account of what happened.
What Does an Accident Negligence Lawyer Do?
Okay, so you should see a doctor right away. Keep track of everything.
But who do you actually turn to for help with legal matters?
An accident negligence lawyer is a personal injury lawyer who helps accident victims seek financial compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries.
Representing accident victims, negligence lawyers evaluate accidents, manage claims, and fight insurance companies to get accident victims every dollar they deserve.
Insurance businesses want to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible.
Having proper support from a Minneapolis injury attorney when faced with an accident negligence lawsuit changes the game. Injury lawyers know how to sell with insurance companies.
When you work with an accident negligence lawyer, you gain access to someone who…
- Knows how to gather evidence and preserve it
- Will handle aggressive insurance adjusters that try to twist your words with recorded statements
- Can calculate the true value of your case and negotiate with expert-level insurance company representatives
- Will go to trial if your case needs to be heard before a judge or jury
Pretty important, right?
Legal Options After a Life-Changing Accident
Every accident and injury case is unique.
However, there are only a few routes your case can take after filing a negligence personal injury claim.
Settlement
Most cases are settled before they even see the inside of a courtroom. 67% of personal injury settlements are resolved this way. A settlement is when both parties involved agree to a final number—outside of court.
Trial
Not always, but sometimes cases go to trial. This means a judge or jury hears both sides and makes a final ruling. Taking a case to trial takes time, but plaintiffs prevail in personal injury lawsuits involving motor vehicles 61% of the time.
Mediation
Last but not least, some cases are settled through mediation. Like trials, this allows both parties to reach a resolution but in a more informal setting.
The best course of action…
Will always depend on your individual case. A skilled accident negligence lawyer will go over all your options and recommend the best course of action to maximize your case’s outcome.
How Does Compensation Work?
If you have ever wondered what can actually be claimed in a lawsuit, you’re not alone.
Personal injury compensation can fall into a few different categories:
- Medical Bills — all medical expenses present, current, and future
- Lost wages — inability to work while recovering or even loss of earning capacity
- Pain & Suffering — injuries suffered as a direct result of the accident
- Property damage — if any stuff was damaged during the accident
Crashes cost Americans $417 billion annually — from medical bills to loss of productivity to lawsuits.
When it comes to recovering compensation victims rightfully deserve — time is of the essence.
Did you know every state has what is called a statute of limitations?
That means you only have a set amount of time to file a lawsuit. Wait too long and you could lose your right to sue.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Straight forward guide? Check.
Want some action steps? You got it.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Think the Injury Is Minor.
- Document Everything & Take Pictures
- Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
- Call — Then Meet With — an Accident Negligence Lawyer
- Don’t Wait. Begin Taking Action Now.
Picking Up The Pieces
Going through a serious accident is never easy.
But knowing what to do and taking action immediately can help you during what is already a very difficult time.
Your legal options are there for a reason — learn about them.
Partnering with an accident negligence lawyer is how you hold negligent gatherings accountable for their actions and recover the compensation you deserve.