If you are a victim of an accident that occurred during bad weather conditions, you should be aware that compensation is not entirely out of the question. While you may tend to lean towards the thought that the instigator did not act in bad faith and was not in perfect control of their vehicle due to poor weather conditions, this is not usually the case in most situations. An experienced car accident attorney can help you build a case against the negligent party and get you the compensation you deserve.
Stay Calm and Safe
As the victim, it is natural to want to reprimand a reckless driver, despite the bad weather. However, restraint is key in such a scenario, as you risk antagonizing the other party. Engaging in a shouting contest and risking being recorded while doing so could compromise a good case. Moving your vehicle to the side, turning on your hazard lights, or ensuring proper placement of warning triangles is a sign of responsibility and is important.
Do Not Give Any Indication of Not Being Hurt
To build a strong case, it is imperative that you do not claim that you were not injured. While you may feel okay at the moment, there could be internal injuries whose symptoms likely show up after days or weeks. When you admit that you are not hurt, that will most likely be used against you by the defendant’s legal team, which hurts your chances of getting fair compensation.
Take Photos
Photos and video footage are critical in a car accident case. Once you hire a car accident lawyer, presenting them with such material aids them in building a solid case, as such proof is irrefutable in a court of law. Photos of the damage caused to your car, injuries sustained, and photos of the other vehicle as well are necessary case building blocks. Additionally, scenes such as skid marks caused by your car or the other driver’s vehicle should also be photographed.
Visit a Physician
It is vital to ensure that you visit your primary care physician as soon as possible. Firstly, this is key in ensuring that you do not have life-threatening injuries and that your doctor ascertains that you were hurt during the accident. A doctor’s report ensures that there is additional evidence of bodily harm and that the extent of your injuries is clearly expressed. Going through the statements provided in the documents issued by your doctor thoroughly is also essential. Assertions claiming that you were not injured only serve to hurt the chances of winning a case.
Contact an Attorney
A professional who has dealt with plenty of cases involving car accidents during bad weather is exactly the kind of individual you need in your corner to build a rock-solid case. A credible attorney will come in handy in gathering witnesses, reports, and any other evidence to support your claim. With great legal minds handling your case, you are assured of compensation for damages and reimbursement for expenses incurred.
Adhering to the steps mentioned above is essential if your case is going to proceed seamlessly. If you genuinely feel that you were wronged by a fellow road user, being aware of the steps to follow and proceeding with caution is key to recovering your losses.