If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, this is generally only true if you were hurt because of the negligence of another person or entity. Ideally, you will research the law in your state to determine your rights after an accident, and there are resources available to help you do that.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company may provide legal counsel to help pursue compensation on your behalf. It may also have information as to how you can protect your rights during the legal process even if you choose to hire outside counsel. Talking with an insurance agent may also help you learn more about any recourse that you may have in the event that an insurance claim is denied.
Talk with an Attorney
An attorney may be able to talk more about what the elements of negligence such as breaching a duty of care. Furthermore, any injuries that you suffer in an accident must generally be caused by the accident itself and result in financial losses. Personal injury attorney services may also provide guidance as to what you should do or not while the case is ongoing. For instance, you could be advised to refrain from using social media.
The Courts May Provide Legal Information
While a court generally cannot provide specific legal advice in your case, it can help you learn more about the law in general. For example, you could find out what the statute of limitations is in a personal injury case or how to file a lawsuit. You may also be able to learn about the discovery process or other ways to gather evidence in your case.
Government or Professional Organization Websites May Provide Information
Local, state and federal government websites may be a wealth of information as it relates to personal injury statutes in a given jurisdiction. The same may be true of sites like the one provided by the American Bar Association. It may also be possible to review prior court cases and any important decisions that resulted from those cases. Understanding how judges ruled in previous cases similar to yours can help you craft a better argument in court.
If you have been hurt, it is important to act in a timely manner to hold those who hurt you accountable for their actions. By speaking with an attorney or with a local court, it becomes easier to understand the law and the rights and protections granted by it.