Whether you’re a nervous driver or consider yourself a pro on the road, most people are likely to be involved in a road traffic accident at some point in their lives. Road safety becomes an even greater concern when you think about erratic driving behavior that is often experienced in bustling Asian conurbations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Shanghai.
Despite the fact that driving is a necessity for many people,especially in places where public transport isn’t a viable option, knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident can make a huge difference in terms of insurance claims and recovering from the physical and mental trauma.
Depending on the nature of your injuries and the damages incurred to the vehicle and property, the expenses following an accident can quickly add up. This is why it is crucial to file a successful personal injury case as soon as possible, especially if you’re the victim in a motor vehicle accident where you weren't to blame.
For most of us, filing a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident is the furthest thing from our minds. In order to make things a little more manageable, we’ve come up with some useful tips to help you set the wheels in motion for the legal proceedings:
Hire a Specialized Attorney
There are some people who can successfully file a legal case on their own, but utilizing the knowledge of a legal expert with experience in motor vehicle accident claims will be a huge help in your battle to receive compensation. An accident attorney with extensive experience in road traffic accidents will be best placed to help you assess the merits of your case and talk you through the whole legal process.
Get the Legal Process Started Quickly
When it comes to filing a lawsuit, your mind will be preoccupied after being involved in any sort of trauma. Along with the practicalities you’ll need to handle, you’ll also have to process the emotional trauma. However, delaying legal proceedings will only have a negative impact on the final verdict in court. The first thing you should do is make contact with your insurance company.
Don’t Inflate the Truth
It might seem tempting, but you should avoid exaggerating or lying about damages to the vehicle or the extent of your physical injuries. It’s important to remember that the courts are used to handling these types of cases daily, and they won’t look favorably on anyone who tries to manipulate the system. Your lawyer will be able to help you figure out a reasonable claim. Be sure to also include verifiable proof medical bills, payslips to show loss of income as well as the record of expenses related to fixing the car.
Exercise Caution On Social Media
While it's tempting to share your traumatic experience on social media, your daily posts can significantly influence your legal case. Change your settings to private and refrain from accepting additional friend requests. Be mindful of what you share and avoid engaging in unhealthy behaviors that can inadvertently refute your claim. If a loved one asks about the status of your case, consult with your lawyer for a suitable response. If you're unable to practice caution on your digital platforms, it would be best to go on a social media detox while your case is ongoing.
Let Your Lawyer Do the Talking
In some instances, the other party may want to offer an out-of-court settlement to avoid legal expenses. This isn’t always the worst idea, depending on the nature of the incident. However, unless you have a background in law, you won’t really be the best person to negotiate a settlement. Instead, get your lawyer to do the negotiating for you. It is also worth remembering that in the aftermath of an accident, you aren’t necessarily going to be in the best frame of mind which is even more reason to let your lawyer handle things.
Launching a legal case after being involved in any sort of car accident is a huge feat, but these straightforward steps should make the process easier. Legal proceedings can be complicated and have the potential to drag for months in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand where bureaucracy is complex. Delays are exacerbated further if the other party or their insurance company is unwilling to cooperate. Having a specialist lawyer on your side will be a massive asset, and is likely to give you a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve and to allow you to get your life back on track.
