You are a safe driver. You are alert and conscientious when on the road, and you take all measures to avoid an accident. This is not an attitude and practice that is shared by everyone. Some drivers are so dangerous that they should not even be on the road. If you have been injured in an accident caused by the recklessness, inattention, or negligence of another, you do have legal options.

A car accident is a violent and dis-orienting event. After such a collision it will take you some time to re-focus. Once you have regathered your wits, you should check yourself and your passengers for serious injuries. You must then call emergency services. You should exchange personal and insurance information with the other driver, but only if you are up to it. If you feel dizzy, sick, or in serious pain, you should wait for the ambulance to take you to the hospital.

As you recover, you should also think about your future. At some point, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company. But before doing so you should speak to a personal injury lawyer Stuart FL. Your insurance company will look after its interests; your attorney will look after your interests. You should be fully briefed on your policy holder rights before you speak to an insurance company representative.

If it is established that the accident was caused by the other driver, then representatives of their insurance company will contact you. They may even offer you a low-dollar settlement figure. You should immediately refer them to your accident injury lawyer Stuart FL. You should commit to nothing until your lawyer has had a chance to review the settlement offer.

If the settlement covers your medical bills and lost income and gives you reasonable compensation for the physical and psychological turmoil you’ve endured, your lawyer may advise you to accept it. If the money falls well short of this, then your attorney will press for more. If the insurance company doesn’t budge, then you will need to file a lawsuit.

A severe car accident can put you on your back for months. You will need to undergo a series of invasive surgical procedures and spend more time in convalescence. This costs money, and if you are not earning any the bills will continue to pile up leaving you financially stranded.

Injuries from the accident may leave you with a permanent disability. This could cost you your livelihood and lead to the ruin of your family. Indeed, accident-related stress is a significant problem. And if you find yourself in such a situation, the person whose recklessness caused it should be held accountable.

You need not go through this process alone. In fact, the only way to get results is to hire a personal injury lawyer. You want someone to be your advocate; you want a professional with deep insight and extensive experience to look after your interests. A personal injury lawyer is the only one who can do this.

Paul Petersen