Brake-checking accidents happen suddenly, leaving victims shocked and uncertain about what happened. They also result in serious injuries, which is why it’s important to consult a lawyer.
Car accidents caused by brake checking can result in severe damages, which is why victims should hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help victims understand their options and secure compensation for their losses.
What is Brake-checking?
So, what is brake-checking? When one driver deliberately slams on their brakes to cause another vehicle to ram into them, it’s called brake checking. This is done to intimidate a driver to rear-end the car in front or get them to stop suddenly.
While these accidents may seem simple, they’re a form of road rage, and victims have grounds to file a personal injury claim. It can be difficult to find evidence, however, which is why a lawyer’s expertise is crucial.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer can help you understand the legal options available and guide you through the whole process of filing a claim and winning damages. Here are the ways a lawyer can help you:
Proving liability
The first thing a lawyer will do is investigate the accident. They will gather evidence to establish the course of events, like security camera footage and statements from possible witnesses. This can be crucial in demonstrating who was responsible for the accident.
A skilled lawyer will be able to organize the evidence in such a way that it is clear who the perpetrators are. They may also call on experts to corroborate the evidence, like doctors or crash experts. These experts can testify that the damage from the accident, including injuries, was caused due to brake-checking.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are the ones that foot the bill for car accidents – whether it’s the insurance company of the victim or the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. Insurance companies will conduct their own investigations to determine the cost of the accident. However, they also aim to pay out as little money as possible, so there is a high likelihood of victims being lowballed.
This is another critical point where a lawyer can help you. Lawyers regularly negotiate with insurance providers and are aware of all the tactics they use. They will be able to side-step such tactics and win you your rightful compensation.
Handling Paperwork and Deadlines
Car accident claims come with a ton of paperwork and many deadlines to meet. As a victim, you may not be aware of these deadlines or the procedures to be followed. A lawyer can save you a ton of time and energy by filing the paperwork for you. This ensures that no errors are made and reduces the chances of your claim being rejected by the court.
Getting Maximum Compensation
Finally, a lawyer is aware of the full list of damages you are entitled to and will make sure that you are paid the highest possible compensation. On your own, you may miss out on a payment you are entitled due to a lack of awareness. Lawyers will ensure that you are compensated for your medical bills, the cost to repair damaged property, wages you may have lost, and emotional suffering due to the accident.
Conclusion
Brake-checking accidents can be a confusing and nerve-wracking experience, and victims shouldn’t take on an accident claim on their own. There are several aspects of a personal injury claim that need to be paid attention to, including negotiations with the insurance company, filing documents before deadlines, and finding evidence to support the claim. So, if you ever find yourself in a brake-checking accident, it is in your best interest to hire a good lawyer.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.