When you take your safety seriously, you’ll be alert and attentive when on the road. The safety of yourself, your passengers and your fellow drivers should be your highest priority at all times. Unfortunately, not everyone is so conscientious. Some people are so reckless when they get behind the wheel of a car that they shouldn’t be allowed to drive one. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by the negligence or inattention of another driver, find out how lawyers in Melbourne can provide assistance.
What to Do After a Car Accident
A car accident is a sudden and confusing event. It can take some time to recover your senses afterwards, but once you have done so, you need to check the status of your passengers, call emergency services, check the status of the other driver, and exchange information with them.
You should also take photographs of the damage done to your vehicle. At no point should you admit fault for the accident. You should also go to the hospital emergency room to have yourself examined, even if you’re not suffering a noticeable injury. If you’ve been injured, you should photograph the cuts and bruises before they’re treated and bandaged. The medical staff can tell you how to do this safely.
Before you report the accident to your insurance company, you should contact a lawyer. Personal injury lawyers in Melbourne are dedicated to acting on behalf of their clients, whereas insurance companies only act for themselves.
Why You Need a Lawyer
As you recover from your accident, you should speak to a lawyer who specialises in personal injury. During the initial consultation, your lawyer will ask you to recount the events and circumstances that led up to the event. They’ll also ask about your current state of health and the prognosis for your recovery. These statements will help form the basis of their legal strategy.
If it becomes quite clear that the accident was caused by the recklessness of the other driver, their insurance company may want to settle the matter by offering you money. You should commit to nothing without first consulting with your lawyer. Indeed, you should refer all such enquiries to your lawyer. Let them speak for you and handle all negotiations on your behalf.
If the money offered compensates you for your medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you’ve incurred, your lawyer might advise you to accept it. However, if the accident caused you serious injury, it might not be adequate.
The Consequences of a Serious Accident
If you’ve been severely hurt in a car accident, you’ll need to be hospitalised. You may need to undergo a range of surgical procedures to make you well again, and you couldrequire rehabilitation. Being out of work for so long can also do permanent damage to your career and even force you out of work altogether. Fortunately, you don’t need to shoulder such a burden alone. Lawyers in Melbourne can help you get the money you need to get your life back on track.
What Your Lawyer Will Do
You shouldn’t immediately file suit against the insurance company that’s responsible for compensating you. Your lawyer will gather the evidence needed to demonstrate that the accident was caused by the recklessness of the other driver, that you were severely injured as a result, and that the driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying you damages that are commensurate with all that you’ve suffered. If the case goes to court, your lawyer will be able to represent you to help you achieve the best outcome.