"After an accident, it is important to go immediately to be examined and receive initial medical treatment"/ShutterStock
A car accident is one of the most traumatic and frightening events that can happen to us. In cases of serious accidents, life may change completely - due to severe physical injuries, mental anxieties and more. Despite the great pain and suffering, many of the accident victims are unaware of the legal rights they deserve and the compensation they deserve. Attorney Limor Bar Peretz, from the attorney office of Hazot-Bar Zabintsky, an expert in the field of personal injury claims and traffic accidents, explains that the accident must be treated seriously and immediate steps must be taken to protect the rights of the victim. "It is important to act quickly and document all the essential details."
What is important to do immediately after the car accident?
Getting checked up
Attorney Bar Peretz explains: "After an accident, it is important to immediately go get checked up and receive initial medical treatment, even if it is apparently a minor injury. "Sometimes because of the adrenaline and the storm of emotions after the accident, there is a feeling that everything is fine, but the pain comes at a later date," explains Attorney Bar Peretz. Early medical treatment will document the injury near the incident and facilitate the connection between the accident and the injury down the road."
Exchange of details
"At the scene of the accident, it is important to take complete and accurate details of the other driver, also the details of the vehicle and the details of the insurance company must be recorded. In the event of a serious accident involving the police, the details can also be obtained from them at a later date. All this documentation is essential for handling With the insurance companies later."
Immediate application for professional legal advice
"As soon as possible after the accident, you should contact a lawyer from the field of road accidents," advises Bar Peretz. "Do not deal with the insurance company without legal representation, because usually they try to close the case in a short time and without compensation An experienced lawyer will accompany you throughout the entire process - he will provide you with all the relevant information about the required tests and documents that you need to obtain, will manage all contacts with the insurance company on your behalf, and will stand up for your full rights.
Contact Attorney Limor Bar through ZAP Legal
Article courtesy of ZAP Legal
Attorney Bar Peretz emphasizes that in many cases it is important to classify the accident correctly - if it is also a work accident for example, rights must be exhausted with the National Insurance in addition to the insurance claim. The lawyer's expertise can significantly affect the final compensation."
In addition, it is important to remember, says Attorney Bar Peretz, that in personal injury claims, in contrast to car damage claims, there is no question of "guilty" or "not guilty", and therefore every victim is entitled to receive full compensation for bodily harm suffered, even if Guilty of an accident, for example driving under the influence of alcohol or while committing a traffic offense, and this of course considering that the driver has a valid driver's license and vehicle license. There are two exceptions in which there will be no insurance coverage and they are driving under the influence of drugs, including cannabis, and an intentional accident. In these cases there will be no coverage Insurance for the victim.
How is the claim process carried out?
"About a year later, on average, it is expected that the picture of the injury and the long-term consequences will be clear. Only then will the lawyer submit a claim to the insurance company for compensation. The compensation itself is determined according to calculated formulas and based on professional medical and rehabilitation opinions of various experts - psychiatrists, orthopedists, physiotherapists and more. Expected medical costs, lost work days, pain and suffering and long-term functional limitations are just some of the critical parameters that will be included in the compensation calculation.
After the claim is filed, the insurance company will be able to offer a compromise to close the case and in cases where the insurance company will not compromise, the case will be handled in court, which will hear the parties with their evidence and rule on the case. Such legal processes may drag on for months and years, but in large personal injury cases, the investment is undoubtedly worthwhile.
"Most of the victims are not really aware of the rights they deserve," says Bar Peretz. "They think that if they were at fault in the accident they will not receive compensation, or that they only deserve a meager compensation for the medical treatments. But when it comes to a physical injury that left real consequences, it is about much larger compensation amounts to cover mental, financial and functional damages - for all of these there is a right to receive proper compensation in a properly managed case."
Attorney Bar Peretz recommends completely avoiding attempts to negotiate with the insurance company Without legal advice. "Insurance companies are large organizations whose main goal is to reduce expenses. Without professional advice, it is very easy to fall into the trap and close a case with a bad settlement that does not provide adequate coverage. In the case of physical injury, fair and proper treatment must be guaranteed."
Bottom line, the key to guaranteeing the rights of the victim in a car accident lies in a chain of timely and professional steps from the scene of the incident to the legal ruling. Collecting evidence at the scene, comprehensive medical documentation and especially legal representation in the early stages will ensure treatment Thorough and fair with the insurance company. "The accident is a traumatic and difficult event, but managing the legal case correctly can compensate for the damage," concludes Attorney Bar Peretz. "It's a bit reassuring to know that you deserve proper compensation for everything you've been through, and that's our importance as lawyers in this field."
Hazot-Bar-Zabintsky law firm, 18 Jerusalem Ave., Ashdod. 077-2314588
In collaboration with legal zap
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