In the United States, motor vehicle accidents cause over 100 deaths per day, making car crashes one of the leading causes of death.  Many thousands more also suffer life-changing injuries in auto accidents.

Unfortunately, car accidents often occur because drivers are careless behind the wheel, putting others at risk. If you or someone you love is hurt in a car crash caused by the negligence of others, you have a right to pursue a claim for compensation.

Navigating the justice system and recovering the damages you deserve can be complicated, though. That’s why you need an advocate you can trust.

Canopy Legal is here to help. We have experience, a history of successes, and we don’t charge legal fees unless we win. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn what we can do for you. 

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What are your rights after a car accident?

Your rights after a car accident depend on where you live and who is at fault for the crash.

1. In no-fault states, you will need to obtain compensation for medical bills and lost wages from your own insurer for minor injuries. For serious injuries, you can take legal action against the driver who caused the crash.
2. In at-fault states, you can always pursue a claim against the driver who caused the accident to occur.

Canopy Legal represents clients nationwide who suffered harm in auto accidents. We’ll help you understand the individual rules where you live so you can work with the right insurers and act within the deadlines in your area.

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Who is responsible for car accident losses?

In many situations, you can take legal action against the driver who caused the crash. However, you will need to prove that they are to blame in the eyes of the law.  This means you will need to show:

1. They owed you a duty of care. All drivers on the road have a duty to protect others by following the rules of the road and operating their vehicles with a reasonable degree of caution.
2. They breached the duty of care. A driver breaches the duty of care when they are negligent. That means they behave more carelessly than an average reasonable driver would under the same circumstances. Violating a safety rule, such as speed limit laws, also creates a presumption of negligence.
3. The breach was the direct cause of the crash. The other driver’s careless actions must have been the direct reason for the accident.
4. You suffered harm because of the breach. You’ll need to show you were actually damaged by the crash.

In some cases, others besides the driver could also be responsible for compensating you.

If the negligent driver was working at the time, vicarious liability laws could make their employer responsible. If road design or maintenance, or vehicle malfunctions, played a role in the crash, those responsible for the issues could also be held fully or partially responsible.

Canopy Legal will work with you to identify all potential defendants so you stand the best chance of being fully compensated. Our experienced car accident lawyers will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your accident and the laws in your state to help ensure those who harmed you are held accountable.

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What compensation can you recover after a car accident?

After a car accident, you should be compensated for all the economic and non-financial losses you experienced. Some of the different kinds of compensation you may be entitled to include:

1. Medical bills: Any bills you’ve already paid should be covered, as should any future medical care you will need for permanent or long-lasting injuries.
2. Lost wages: You should be compensated for work you have missed and any future reduction in earning power.
3. Pain and suffering: You deserve to be paid for the pain and discomfort you endure. Keeping a pain diary can help you demonstrate the extent of your suffering.
4. Emotional distress: If you experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health issues because of your accident and injuries, you should be paid for these losses as well.

If your loved one has passed away, a car accident lawyer at Canopy Legal can also help you pursue a wrongful death claim. This could result in payment of funeral expenses, as well as compensation for lost companionship and a lifetime of lost income.

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How can a car accident lawyer help you?

A car accident lawyer can work with you to understand your rights after a collision and to maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve.

Your attorney can help you to:

1. Gather evidence in the aftermath of a crash: This includes police reports, interviews with witnesses, medical records, and testimony from experts like accident reconstruction specialists.
2. Identify the right defendants and pursue a claim: We’ll carefully review the facts of your case to determine who could be responsible for compensating you.
3. Negotiate with insurers to try to reach a settlement: Many car accident cases settle, or are resolved out of court. We’ll work with the insurer of the defendants to help you get a fair offer when possible so you can resolve your case more quickly, and with less stress – without leaving money on the table.
4. Litigate in court on your behalf: If no settlement is reached, we have litigation experience and are ready to present a compelling claim on your behalf in court.

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Why turn to Canopy Legal for help? 

Canopy Legal is the firm to turn to when you need a knowledgeable and compassionate car accident lawyer. Our team has decades of experience, we provide personalized support, and we care about every client.

As a nationwide firm, we have the resources to connect you with experts, gather the right evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and put together the strongest claims possible. We also offer the connection and care you need as you navigate a challenging time in your life and  cope with injury and loss.

Our firm doesn’t charge legal fees unless we win, and your consultation is always free, so give us a call today to speak with a car accident lawyer who is here and ready to help you.