Free Car Accident Legal Information
Changing lanes is seemingly a simple task. A motorist checks his or her mirrors and blind spots, engages the vehicle’s turn signal, checks mirrors and blind spots a second time and then changes lanes. However, the actual act of changing lanes is not always so straightforward. Sometimes, due to distractions, poor road conditions, impediments to good visibility, mechanical malfunction, weather or other factors, changing lanes becomes a tricky business. As a result, accidents often occur when motorists change lanes. Oftentimes such accidents could have been prevented had a motorist been more careful, but sometimes even uber-conscientious motorists find themselves navigating the aftermath of a lane-change collision.
First Steps
The first thing that must be done in the wake of an accident is assessment of any injuries. If anyone involved in the accident has been injured, contacting medical assistance is of paramount importance. It is worth noting that even if no one seems to be injured as a result of the collision, it is generally a good idea to follow up with a physician within 24 hours or so. Soft tissue injuries and certain other conditions may not make themselves immediately apparent.
Once the medical situation has been attended to, it is a good idea to contact an attorney. A personal injury lawyer will be able to advocate on your behalf and can take the pressure off the situation. It can be difficult to think clearly while processing the shock of being involved in an accident. An attorney can help to ensure that all relevant evidence has been collected, police reports have been filed and necessary steps have been taken generally.
Contemplating Legal Action
If you are thinking about filing a personal injury claim in the wake of your accident, an attorney will be able to advise you of your options. It is important to understand that not every accident is actionable. If no harm has occurred as a result of the collision, there would be no grounds for a suit. If another motorist, traveler or entity behaved in a negligent, reckless or intentionally harmful way, you may not have cause for a claim. However, it is often difficult to determine how strong a potential claim may or may not be at first glance. This is one of the many reasons why speaking to an attorney is important before you settle upon any final course of action or inaction.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have recently been involved in an accident and have questions about your legal situation, please consider contacting an experienced car accident lawyer Milwaukee, WI relies on. Once you have been advised of your legal options, you will be able to make an informed decision about your circumstances. Please also note that if you have questions about insurance claims, police reports and other accident-related challenges that an attorney will be happy to advise you in regards to these matters as well. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be a complex and frustrating process, but you do not have to navigate the legal elements of this reality alone.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Hickey & Turim, SC for their insight into car accidents and injuries.