If you have suffered or caused an accident, it is important that you know your rights and duties as a victim or person responsible for it. In this article we will explain how to inform yourself about this issue before going to a lawyer, so that you can make the best decisions and defend your interests.
The first thing you should know is that there are different types of accidents, depending on their nature and consequences. For example, there are traffic, work, domestic, medical, truck loading accidents, among others. Each of them has specific regulations that regulate the civil and criminal responsibilities of the parties involved, as well as the compensation they can claim or pay.
Right as an accident victim
In general, if you have been the victim of an accident, you have the right to:
- Receive adequate medical care and rehabilitation if you need it.
- Request a medical report that certifies the injuries and consequences you have suffered.
- Claim compensation for damages caused, both material and personal (medical expenses, loss of earnings, moral damage.
- Report the person responsible for the accident if there was negligence, recklessness or fraud on their part.
- Have the assistance of a lawyer specialized in the matter.
Duties as responsible for an accident
On the other hand, if you have been responsible for an accident, you have the duty to:
- Provide aid to victims and notify emergency services if necessary.
- Provide your personal and insurance information to the other affected parties.
- Collaborate with the investigation of the accident and provide the evidence requested.
- Assume the legal and economic consequences of your actions, whether through an out-of-court agreement or a judicial process.
- Hire a lawyer to defend you and advise you on your options.
How to find legal and medical help after an accident?
Before going to a lawyer, it is advisable that you inform yourself about your rights and duties as a victim or person responsible for an accident. To do this, you can consult reliable sources such as:
- The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), if it is a traffic accident.
- The National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work (INSHT), if it is a work accident.
- The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), if it is a domestic or medical accident.
- The Spanish Association of Lawyers Specialized in Civil Liability and Insurance (AEA), if you want to find a lawyer who is an expert in the matter.
These are some of the entities that can offer you truthful and informative information about your rights and duties as a victim or person responsible for an accident. However, remember that this information does not replace the personalized legal advice that only a lawyer can provide you. Therefore, we recommend that you contact one as soon as possible so that they can guide you on your specific case and help you defend your interests.
How to collaborate with your accident lawyer to make your job easier and obtain better results
An accident lawyer can defend your rights, claim fair compensation for your injuries and property damage, and advise you throughout the legal process. However, so that your lawyer can do his job in the best possible way, it is important that you collaborate with him and provide him with all the necessary information and documentation. That is why we will explain how you can collaborate with your accident lawyer to facilitate their work and obtain better results. We teach you 5 tips to achieve it.
5 tips you can follow to make your lawyer’s work easier and obtain a better result in your accident case
Contact a lawyer
The first thing you should do is contact your lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you start working on your case, the more likely you are to gather evidence, witnesses, and other elements that can support your claim. Additionally, you must take into account the legal deadlines for filing your claim, which may vary depending on the type of accident and its circumstances.
Inform the lawyer
Give all the information to your accident lawyer with as much precision and detail as possible. Do not omit any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, as it may be relevant to determine the causes and responsibilities of the accident. Be honest and do not exaggerate or minimize your injuries or damages. Your lawyer needs to know the truth in order to properly defend you.
Deliver all the necessary documentation of the case
Deliver all documentation related to the accident, such as the friendly report, the police report, medical reports, invoices for expenses derived from the accident, vehicle repair estimates, etc. You must also provide the contact information of those involved in the accident and witnesses, if any. It is advisable to keep a copy of all documents you give to your lawyer and ask for a receipt or written confirmation.
Follow your lawyer instructions at all times
He is the expert in the field and knows how to act in each situation. Do not make decisions on your own without consulting them first, such as accepting an offer from the insurance company or signing a document without their supervision. Trust his judgment and let yourself be guided by him.
Maintain fluid and constant communication with your lawyer
Inform your lawyer of any news or changes that occur in your situation, such as the evolution of injuries, consequences or disabilities that have remained difficulties in returning to work or normal activities. You should also ask any questions or concerns you may have about the legal process, steps to follow, and chances of success, among others. Your lawyer must be aware of everything that affects you and resolve all situations related to the accident.
By following these tips you can collaborate with your accident lawyer to facilitate their work and obtain better results. Remember that your lawyer is and should be your best ally and that his goal is to always defend your interests and obtain the maximum possible compensation for the accident you have suffered.
