Accidents can be traumatic. When a serious accident occurs, you may feel shocked, perplexed, and unsure of what to do next. People may become traumatized and stressed by different types of crises, ranging from personal tragedies to major international disasters. Even if they are not at fault for what happened, individuals who are involved in traumatic incidents may go through arduous legal battles to obtain fair recompense for the harm they endured.
Accidents are often unexpected. So it is very important to know how the best way to respond before an accident happens. This article will explain how you can protect your rights if you experience a serious accident or another traumatic event. Read on to learn more!
Hire a Lawyer
A knowledgeable lawyer will file claims on your behalf to help you get adequate compensation for the physical, mental, and/or financial damage you incurred. A competent attorney will give you clear and thorough legal advice and fight for your rights in and out of court (if necessary), whether you are dealing with a personal injury, wrongful death, or another type of trauma. Your lawyer will also guide you through the complicated Accident Benefits claims process (if applicable) and put together the rehabilitation team you need to ensure that you or your loved one is able to recover quickly and fully. You should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident or traumatic event.
Document The Event
Although you may not have memory issues, the human memory is notoriously unreliable, especially when an individual is trying to recall a traumatic experience. When we retell past occurrences, we may unintentionally leave out details that we noticed but didn’t focus on or we may add subtle details that did not occur at all. A number of studies have proven that eyewitness testimony is subject to unconscious memory distortions due to personal biases and expectations. This is why it’s crucial to document events as soon as possible after the event.
.Write down as much information as you can, such as the time and date, the people that were there, what occurred, etc. When such a document has been verified under oath it may be used as evidence in court. In fact, it is just as admissible as an oral declaration made under oath.
Seek Legal Assistance Quickly
After a serious motor vehicle accident has occurred, most if not all survivors will experience some amount of trauma. If you are involved in a car accident, it is possible that a mistake or error in judgment on your part directly led to the crash. However, it is also possible that the other driver is was at fault or there may even have been some amount of neglect on the part of the authorities in their attempt to keep the road safe. For example, the police may have forgotten to set up a temporary road safety sign or or they may not have been at their assigned post in time. Whatever the case, if you know you are not at fault and would like to be compensated, you will likely have to turn to the judicial system so it is best to seek legal assistance quickly. Fast action is needed because of the statute of limitations. According to Investopedia, “the statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time that parties in a dispute have to initiate legal proceedings. The length of time allowed under a statute of limitations varies depending upon the severity of the offense as well as the jurisdiction it is being disputed.” A lawyer can keep you up to date on what documents need to be filed and when. It is also important to remember that evidence and memories degrade over time. So the longer you wait before seeking legal advice the more difficult it is to prove your case and get fair compensation for any physical and emotional damage you may have incurred.
Get Medical Help
Some accidents cause injuries that are immediately visible, such as abrasions, bleeding, neck and back injuries, and broken bones. However, the also often have an emotional aftereffect. Professional medical assistance is essential in both cases. Even if you feel okay after the crash, it is strongly recommended that you get medical attention as soon as possible. When you recognize there is a lingering physical problem, do not put off receiving additional physical therapy. Observe the doctor’s recommended treatment plan. Consult a lawyer to find out if you have a claim for compensation to pay for your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Ask for Accommodation
Did you know that if you experience significant personal trauma and develop a mental health issue such as PTSD, you may have a legal right to accommodations? In the USA, PTSD and trauma cases are recognized under civil law. Accommodation may help you to succeed in the workplace. To start the procedure, you merely need to request accommodation. Your employer could have a policy for submitting such requests. If so, you should to stick to it. If none exists, speak to your boss or a human resources representative first. The company may ask you to present documents that prove your condition and show that you need reasonable accommodation in order to work.
Dealing with trauma can be difficult and emotionally exhausting. It is even more challenging when you also have to work through legal issues. However a qualified attorney can help to lighten your load, defend your rights, and put you in position to receive fair compensation. This can give you peace of mind so that you can work with your doctor and your therapist to regain your physical and mental health.
