How To Make Sure You Know Your Legal Rights

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles June 12, 2020 - 9:37 am 0 334 Views

The world that surrounds us is governed by law. Literally, everything we do has a law associated with it in one way or another. With the police brutality and misconduct, we are witnessing these days, knowing your rights as a citizen is now more important than ever. Regardless of where you live, just as you have duties to your country, you also have rights, and these are enshrined first and foremost by your country’s constitution. There are also laws and jurisprudence that come together to add to the foundations provided by the constitution. You also have rights under international law, though these tend to be much harder to defend.

So how do you make sure you know your legal rights? Read on to find out.

What Are Your Rights?

Simple acts like breathing, eating, sleeping, and using the internet are protected and regulated by standards, laws, and regulations. From intellectual property to air quality, you have basic rights that you should be aware of. In fact, you have so many rights you would never be able to remember them all. That’s probably why, no matter how much you know about the law, you should consult a specialized lawyer when needed. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, you should seek the best legal representation available. The Legal experts at Hamparyan.com in San Diego, CA, explain that you need a reliable firm with a demonstrated track record. Your lawyer will really make or break your case, so it is always best to look at a firm’s accomplishments. An experienced lawyer will not only protect your rights, but they will also work to ensure you are rightfully and fairly compensated.

What Happens After an Accident?

In different contexts, different laws apply. An accident that happens to an ordinary person in their day-to-day life is different from a crime or a felony. If you’ve been involved in an accident that was caused by a third party, you have rights that you need to know.

Compensation: If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone else, you have the right to pursue a legal claim against the person or entity responsible. This compensation is used to cover repairs to property damage or pay medical expenses incurred due to the accident.
Reporting: You also have the right to call the local police department and ask them to come and support you. They will often write up a report, which will often be used as one of the main pieces of evidence to support a personal injury claim, whether in trial or when dealing with insurance.
Corroboration: Always ask witnesses at the scene for their contact details. You can ask them to contact the police as well to support your case.
Documentation: You have the right to take photos, especially of any injuries you suffered.
Medical care: Should your injuries require medical intervention, you have the right to receive treatment. Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel OK. You can have medical issues that are not visible directly after an accident.

What If You Get Arrested?

Silence: Even with a warrant, you have a right to remain silent until a lawyer is present. You do not have to answer any questions or speak to anyone if your premises are searched. Always exercise this right and ask for a lawyer.
Representation: If you are arrested, you have the right to ask for a government-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one. You don’t have to say or sign anything or make any decisions without legal representation.
Privacy: You do not have to let the police into your home unless they have a warrant. You do not have to agree to a search of yourself or your belongings either.
Contact: You have the right to make a local phone call, and it can be private if you call your lawyer. The police are allowed to listen to a call made to anyone else.
Escalation: You also have the right to file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board if you choose to do so.

Whether you were a victim of malice or negligence, the law is there to protect you. As long as you remember the essentials, you’ll be able to make sure your rights are protected. If you were involved in an accident, always secure contact information from witnesses present at the scene, and if you’re arrested, write down everything you remember, from the officers’ names and their badge and patrol car numbers to the department they work for. And finally, if you were harmed or injured, always seek immediate medical attention and document your injuries with pictures and videos. Stay safe!