If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you may not be sure how best to proceed. In fact, there are some common myths out there that are very misleading and can negatively affect your case. Being well informed can help ensure that your case proceeds as smoothly as possible and that you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.
If You Are Not at Fault for the Accident, You Will Be Fairly Compensated
If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured in a traffic accident, you may be relying upon the at-fault driver’s insurance to compensate you fairly for your damages, but this is far from a certainty. The fact is that the insurance company is in business to make money, and it does so by limiting the amounts it pays out in the form of settlements. To ensure that you obtain compensation that covers your damages in their entirety, you should work closely with a skilled personal injury attorney who is committed to fighting for your rights and has a track record of successful results.
The Police Report Will Prove the Other Driver’s Fault
If you have been injured in a traffic accident caused by another motorist, the police very likely wrote up a report. While this police report can provide important information in corroboration of your claim, it is unlikely to determine fault in the matter. A police report states the facts – as the officer writing it sees them – and does not speculate about fault in the matter. If the other driver is deemed to have been negligent in some capacity, however, the report should include this fact. Such negligence can include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Violating traffic laws
- Driving while distracted
- Driving aggressively
- Speeding
While a police report can be an important tool, it is not likely to bolster your claim without your skilled personal injury attorney’s professional guidance.
Hiring a Lawyer Is Cost Prohibitive
You know that professional legal services can be expensive, but you should not let this dissuade you from working closely with an experienced personal injury attorney throughout your case. The fact is that reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they are not paid unless the client’s claim ends in a financial settlement offer or with an amount awarded by the court. Do not let the fear of legal fees stop you from obtaining the experienced legal counsel you need to obtain your rightful compensation.