Injuries often leave victims facing a painful recovery process and significant financial challenges. The state and federal governments maintain clear personal injury laws to protect victims from undue financial and legal ramifications following an accident. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence or carelessness, it is important to know and understand your rights and to exercise them to their fullest.
Your Rights After a Personal Injury Accident
If you or a loved one have been injured, you have the right to:
- Seek treatment. After an accident of any type, regardless of the extent of your injuries, you have the right to seek medical treatment. Remembering this right is especially important if you do not immediately feel pain or an injury after an accident—it is always in your best interests, and within your legal rights, to seek medical treatment to rule out any underlying injuries such as whiplash or stress fractures.
- Choose your medical provider. After an accident, you have the right to choose your own preferred medical provider, regardless of the other party’s insurance coverage. This means you can see a doctor or specialist you feel comfortable with or choose one from a list provided by their insurance company. At no point in your treatment process are you required to see their provider and you always have the option to seek a second opinion from a provider of your choice if you
- Pursue compensation. Personal injury victims have the legal right to pursue compensation for all losses resulting from an accident. This includes the costs of any medical care or equipment, including future treatment such as physical therapy. You also have the right to pursue compensation for any lost wages stemming from work time missed during recovery or in relation to the accident. Other forms of compensation, including pain and suffering or lost potential income, may also be within your rights as a victim.
- Legal counsel. There are multiple ways to resolve the financial and legal issues relating to a personal injury case, including settlement negotiations, litigation or mediation. As a victim, it is important to remember that you have the right to have an attorney represent you at every interaction with the other party and insurance provider—you do not have to answer any questions, agree to any demands or accept any settlement offer without first discussing the details with your lawyer.
Throughout the personal injury claims process, you may feel pressure from the other party’s attorney or insurance company to waive one or more of these rights. Never waive a legal right without the guidance of your own lawyer—doing so may lead to significant out-of-pocket expense and added difficulty in the future.
Contact Our Injury Firm for Personalized Advice on Your Legal Rights
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an accident, our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and how to exercise them. Schedule a consultation with White & Associates at 763-241-0477 now to learn more about your personal injury rights and legal options.