Car Accident Lawyer Bedford
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Car Accident Lawyer in Bedford – Protecting Your Rights, Securing Your Future
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re likely facing medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. Our dedicated team of car accident lawyer is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. With proven success, we’ll help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Bedford Advocating for Your Rights
After a car accident, you may be dealing with injuries, medical expenses, and the frustration of insurance companies undervaluing your claim. Many accident victims feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of how to fight for the compensation they deserve. Without the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, navigating the legal and insurance systems can be difficult.
At LaViolette Law, we specialize in car accident cases and have over 29 years of experience advocating for victims just like you. Our team understands how to work with insurance companies, gather crucial evidence, and build a compelling case to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and future medical expenses. We are dedicated to giving you the personalized legal attention you need and ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care.
Client Succes Story
How It Works
Schedule a Free Consultation
Get in touch with our lawyer for a no-cost consultation. We’ll listen to your case, walk you through the process, and answer any questions you may have about moving forward with your claim.
Case Evaluation and Advice
Our legal team will carefully review all aspects of your case, including your medical records and accident reports. We’ll guide you on the most effective way to pursue the compensation you deserve.
We Handle the Negotiations
You don’t have to worry about dealing with the insurance companies. Our experienced car accident lawyer will take over, negotiating directly with them to make sure you’re treated fairly and receive what’s rightfully yours.
Preparing for Court (if necessary)
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to court. Our team will gather evidence, bring in experts, and build a strong case to support your claim.
Reaching a Resolution
Whether through a settlement or trial, we’ll work to secure the best possible result for your situation. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, ensuring you’re informed and supported throughout the process.
Why Choose Us
Decades of Car Accident Law Expertise
With more than 29 years of experience, our team of car accident lawyer has handled countless cases. We use this knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve while guiding you every step of the way.
Tailored Legal Support
We offer legal advice that’s customized to your case. This means we focus on your specific situation and create a plan that works for you—whether it’s negotiating or taking your case to court.
No Fees Unless You Win
We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on getting better without worrying about legal costs.
Strong Negotiators and Trial Attorneys
Our auto accident injury lawyer is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies to get fair settlements. If that doesn’t work, we’re ready to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Open and Transparent Communication
We make it a priority to keep you informed throughout the process. We provide regular updates and are always available to answer any questions, so you’ll never feel out of the loop.
FAQs
What steps should I take after a car accident in Canada?
After a car accident in Canada, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to protect your rights and ensure everyone’s safety. Here are the key steps to take:
- Check for Injuries: First, make sure everyone involved is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call the Police: For serious accidents or if there is significant damage, you must call the police to file an accident report. This report will be significant for any insurance or legal claims.
- Exchange Information: Collect the following details from the other driver(s):
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Take Photos: Document the accident scene by taking pictures of:
- The damage to all vehicles involved
- The surrounding area, road conditions, and any traffic signs
- Any visible injuries
- Speak to Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault at the scene, even if you think you may be partially responsible. It’s important to let the insurance companies and legal professionals investigate and determine liability.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the relevant information and cooperate with their investigation.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
- Consult with a Lawyer: If you’ve been injured or are dealing with complicated insurance claims, it’s wise to contact a car accident lawyer to understand your legal rights and potential compensation.
How long do I have to claim compensation after an accident?
In Canada, the time limit for filing a claim after a car accident varies depending on the province. This time limit, also known as the statute of limitations, determines how long you have to pursue compensation after an accident.
- In most provinces, including Nova Scotia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation. This applies to claims for injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses.
- However, some claims may have shorter deadlines. For example, if you are claiming accident benefits (such as medical expenses or income replacement) through your own insurance company, you may need to notify them of the accident within 7 days and submit the required paperwork within 30 days.
- If you are filing a claim against a government entity, such as for poor road conditions, the time limit can be even shorter, sometimes as little as 10 days.
It’s important to act quickly after a car accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to claim compensation. Consulting with a car accident lawyer early on can help you understand the specific time limits for your case and ensure you meet all deadlines.
Is it possible to sue for a car accident in Canada?
Yes, it is possible to sue for a car accident in Canada if you were injured or suffered significant financial losses. While each province has different rules, in general, if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
Here are some scenarios where you might sue after a car accident:
- Injuries: If you suffered serious injuries that impacted your ability to work, live your normal life, or resulted in medical bills, you can sue for compensation.
- Financial Losses: You can sue to recover lost wages, medical costs, and even future earnings if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: In some cases, you can sue for the physical and emotional toll caused by the accident.
In provinces with a no-fault insurance system, like Ontario, you may still sue for damages if your injuries meet a certain severity threshold. However, most provinces allow you to sue the at-fault driver for damages related to personal injuries, lost wages, and other costs not fully covered by insurance.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a car accident lawyer to understand your rights and the likelihood of winning a lawsuit in your specific case.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Fault in a car accident is determined by reviewing the circumstances of the accident and analyzing which party was negligent or broke traffic laws. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and sometimes the courts will assess the evidence to decide who is responsible for the accident.
Here’s how fault is generally determined in car accidents:
- Police Report: If the police are called to the scene, they will file a report after investigating the accident. This report often includes the officer’s observations, any traffic law violations, and their opinion on who may be at fault. This report is an important piece of evidence in determining fault.
- Traffic Laws: Violating traffic laws, such as running a red light, failing to yield, or speeding, usually results in the driver being found at fault for the accident.
- Eyewitness Statements: Witnesses to the accident can provide an unbiased perspective on what happened. Their statements can help clarify the actions of each driver involved.
- Physical Evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns can help reconstruct how the accident occurred and who was likely at fault.
- Insurance Company Investigation: Insurance adjusters will also conduct their own investigation. They will review the police report, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence before assigning fault.
- Contributory Negligence: In some cases, both drivers can share some level of fault. For example, if one driver was speeding but the other driver ran a stop sign, both could be partially responsible. In such cases, compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each driver.
Ultimately, determining fault in a car accident is about proving negligence. A car accident lawyer can help gather and present the evidence needed to establish fault and ensure that you’re not wrongfully blamed for the accident.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer in Bedford?
You should hire a car accident lawyer in Bedford as soon as possible after being involved in an accident, especially if any of the following situations apply:
- Serious Injuries: If you or someone else involved in the accident suffered serious injuries, hiring a lawyer can help ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future care needs.
- Disputes Over Fault: If there is a disagreement about who is at fault for the accident, having a lawyer on your side can protect you from being unfairly blamed or from receiving less compensation than you deserve.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to settle your claim quickly and for less than what you’re entitled to. A lawyer will handle the negotiations, ensuring you are treated fairly and receive adequate compensation.
- Denied or Low Settlements: If your insurance claim has been denied or the settlement offered doesn’t cover your expenses, a lawyer can challenge the decision and fight for a fair settlement.
- Long-Term Impacts: If the accident resulted in long-term injuries or disabilities that could affect your ability to work or your quality of life, a lawyer will help calculate and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Hiring a car accident lawyer early ensures your rights are protected and gives you the best chance of securing compensation for your injuries and losses.
Should I give my medical records to the other driver’s insurance company?
No, you should not give your complete medical records to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer first. While the insurance company may need some medical information to process your claim, providing full access to your records can be risky. Here’s why:
- Privacy Concerns: Your full medical history may contain irrelevant personal information that the insurance company doesn’t need.
- Potential for Misuse: The other driver’s insurance company might use unrelated medical conditions or past injuries to downplay your current injuries or suggest that they existed before the accident.
- Limited Access: A car accident lawyer can help ensure that only the necessary and relevant medical records are provided, protecting your privacy while still supporting your claim.
Before releasing any medical records, it’s best to consult with a car accident lawyer to avoid potential pitfalls and protect your claim.
What happens if I think I’m partially at fault for the accident?
If you think you’re partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation, depending on the laws in your province and the specific circumstances of the accident. Here’s what you need to know:
- Contributory Negligence: In many provinces, even if you’re partly responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you may receive 80% of the total compensation.
- Insurance Adjuster’s Role: The insurance companies will investigate the accident to determine each party’s level of responsibility. They may assign a percentage of fault to both drivers based on the evidence.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you’re concerned about being partially at fault, it’s essential to speak with a car accident lawyer. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your case, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you don’t accept more blame than is fair.
Even if you share some of the responsibility, a car accident lawyer can help minimize the impact on your compensation and protect your interests.
Can I still win my case if my accident recollection changes later?
Yes, it is possible to still win your case even if your recollection of the accident changes over time. Memory can be affected by stress or trauma, and it’s not uncommon for details to become clearer or more muddled as time passes. Here are some factors to consider:
- Documentation and Evidence: Your case will not rely solely on your memory. Key evidence such as the police report, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and medical records will all be used to build your case. These can provide a more objective view of the accident, even if your personal memory changes.
- Consistency Matters: While changes in your memory may occur, it’s important to maintain as much consistency as possible in your statements to avoid the appearance of uncertainty or dishonesty. If you realize you made an error in your initial statement, discuss it with your car accident lawyer right away.
- Legal Support: A car accident lawyer can help present any shifts in your recollection in a way that doesn’t harm your case. They’ll work with you to clarify details and focus on the objective evidence that supports your claim.
Overall, while changes in memory can be concerning, your case relies on a wide range of evidence. Having a skilled lawyer by your side will help mitigate any potential impact on your claim.
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