A car accident is an unfortunate incident that can turn your life upside down in seconds. Beyond the physical injuries that the victim might sustain comes the inability to work.
Ultimately, it can result in financial stress and emotional turmoil. If you find yourself in this situation, take comfort in knowing there are steps you can take to navigate this challenging time. You should hire one of the top car accident attorneys in your city to guide you through the process.
Here’s what you should do if you’ve survived a car accident and are unable to work.
Prioritize Your Health
The first step after a car accident is to prioritize your health by seeing a doctor as fast as possible. It is very crucial for you to seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Unfortunately, some conditions, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. This is why you must follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the core.
Don’t also forget to keep all the medical records, including test results, prescriptions, and receipts, as they will be required for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Understand Your Employment Rights
Understanding your employment rights is crucial in situations like this. There are labor laws that are made available to protect employees in such situations. They are:
- Sick Leave: Before picking up a job, do well to check your employer’s sick leave policy. This will help you know if you’ll be entitled to paid or unpaid leave during your recovery.
- Disability Benefits: In some cases, you may qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits. Consult your HR department or benefits administrator for guidance on how to go about it.
- Job Protection: In the United States, laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ensure job protection for employees with certain medical conditions.
Communicate with Your Employer
Informing your employer about your situation as soon as you can will save you a whole lot. All you need to do is to provide medical documentation to support your inability to work and always keep your employer updated on your progress.
When you have clear communication with your employer, it not only helps you maintain a good relationship but also reduces misunderstandings about your leave or disability claims.
File an Insurance Claim
As a car accident victim, you are within your rights to file an insurance claim to cover your medical bills, lost wages, as well as other damages. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the Accident: Notify your car insurance company immediately after the accident. Provide them all the necessary details of the accident, such as photos and witness statements if one is available.
- Document Lost Wages: Ensure you keep track of your missed workdays and any income lost or deducted due to the accident.
- Work with Your Insurer: While cooperating with the insurance adjuster, you must be cautious about signing documents or accepting settlements without proper advice from your attorney.
Explore Legal Options
If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence and no fault of yours, then you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This is where you’d need the services of an experienced car accident lawyer to help you. Other essential actions you can take are:
- Considering government assistance programs such as SSDI and worker’s compensation.
- Join support groups and seek counsel from a professional therapist.
- Participate in rehabilitation programs.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Hiring a top car accident attorney is crucial because they can guide you through the complex legal and insurance processes. With their expertise, they help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and represent you in court, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
