If you have been involved in a car accident in which the opposite party involved is suing you for damages, you may be worried about how to resolve the case. This can be a scary time because you may be worried about what the situation is going to cost you and how much of your time it is going to eat up. Here are four things to know about being sued for a car accident that should help ease your mind:
- All Factors Must be Considered to Prove Who's at Fault: If your case goes to court, there are several factors that must be considered to prove who was truly at fault for the accident. For example, the positioning of the vehicles at the scene, whether or not someone ran a red light, and more. This means that you may not actually be proven to be at fault, in which case the amount paid to the opposite party is either voided or will be lessened. This is why it is important that right after the accident you should never apologize. This could be held against you later on.
- The Attorney Costs are Usually Covered: Many people worry that the costs of hiring an attorney (from firms like Shaevitz Shaevitz & Kotzamanis) for the situation will be too expensive and thus opt to not hire one at all. However, in most cases, your insurance company will cover the costs of attorney fees up to a certain amount listed on your insurance policy limits.
- You Can't be Sent to Jail: After being sued for a car accident, many people are afraid that they could be facing jail time for causing the accident in the first place. This can lead some people to not continuing with the process of going to court to resolve the issue. However, if someone sues you for being at fault for a car accident, you cannot be sent to jail unless it has been proven that you have broken a serious law.
- Settling is Typically the Best Option: Settling your case in mediation is typically the best option for you, especially if you know that you are at fault for the accident. Be sure to ask your attorney before you consider this option though since they will know based on the evidence if this is the best option in your case. By settling, you avoid the time it takes to resolve the case in court, which can also save you money on court fees and further attorney representation fees, as well.
By knowing these four things about being sued for a car accident, you can put your mind at ease and better understand how to resolve the situation in the best way possible.
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