On a typical day in the United States, roads and highways across the country are full of millions of vehicles. Personal cars, commercial vehicles, taxicabs, motorcycles, and even self-driving cars are moving to and fro constantly. On average, American vehicles travel 11 billion miles per day, which works out to be about 40 miles for every person in the entire country.
That’s a lot of driving — and a lot of drivers. When we get on the road, we aren’t just relying on our own safe driving. We’re also exposing ourselves to the dangers that every car driver, truck driver, and taxi driver out there can create. And while many of us will be lucky to drive around for years without getting into a car or truck accident, others among us will find their lives devastated by just such a collision.
If and when a car or truck accident changes your life, you’ll need the law on your side. And while it’s never too late to learn how to get your insurance company to pay up or how to enlist a great attorney to represent you in your car or truck accident case, your best bet is to learn the basics of those things now — before you need them.
Car Insurance
You presumably have a car insurance policy — after all, you can’t drive around in the United States without one.
But what kind of coverage do you have? State minimums for car insurance can keep you legal on the road, but they won’t necessarily do much to help you if you end up in a disastrous situation. You should take the time to wade through your auto policy and check out what’s covered (and what isn’t). Are you all set for general liability issues, property damage, theft, and a car or truck crash?
If not, you may want to take another look at the auto insurance market. Look for an insurance policy with some real protections. You may want to work with a broker to make sure that you get all the details right. Get a free car insurance quote (or, better yet, several) and get your truck or passenger car covered right.
What are my legal options after an accident?
If you get into a car or truck crash, the consequences can be profound. A high-speed crash can cause severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and even death. If you’re the one dealing with the serious injuries, you could soon find yourself swamped in medical expenses, losing income due to an inability to work, and overwhelmed by the sheer mental and physical strain that comes with recovering from severe bodily injury.
If these terrible consequences were triggered by an accident that was another car or truck driver’s fault, then you have a legal right to restitution. That other car or truck driver should be paying for the consequences of their negligence, not you!
That’s why you should call car and truck accident attorneys. A personal injury case could help you recover medical costs and compensate you for pain and suffering. Be sure to turn to a law firm that is local in your area and that specializes in car accident cases.
When you come to your first appointment with your attorney, be sure to bring all the documentation that you may have that’s relevant to your case. Bring paperwork, photographs, and other evidence that illustrates your serious personal injury, the nature of the car or truck accident itself, your medical treatment costs and procedures, and your insurance company and insurance coverage (and the other driver’s insurance information, too).
According to Maryland truck accident lawyers Miller & Zios, victims should take care to avoid delays. Seeking legal help is one of the first things that you should do after your accident because each passing day could make it harder for you to get justice. As the days and weeks go by, the evidence is being lost; eyewitnesses could be forgetting important details, the paperwork could be getting misplaced or disorganized, and more. On top of all this, states have statutes of limitations that could keep your attorney from filing a personal injury case on your behalf if you wait too long. That’s why any experienced attorney will tell you to act fast.
If you do act fast and work with an attorney to file a lawsuit, you could recover the funds that you need and deserve. But don’t wait until you’re a victim of a truck accident or car accident to learn how this works. Get your auto insurance quote, get good coverage, drive safe, and remember: If and when an accident happens, gather documentation and call a car or truck accident lawyer right away.
