What Auto Accident Claim Is Your Next Big Obsession
Preserving and Protecting Evidence in a Car Accident Case
In cases where the insurance company is disputing the liability of the other party, there could be a huge gap between their offer and your actual damages. This is particularly true when the insurance company blames your accident on something other than your fault.
During this time during this time, your team will inquire for information from the opposing party through interrogatories and depositions. These questions will be asked of the other driver, witnesses and others.
Preservation of Evidence
In a case involving a car accident, the evidence that you possess can significantly increase your chances of winning an award and recovering damages. It is crucial to preserve and protect any evidence that you might have following a car accident.
Thanks to the advancements in technology, this is easier than ever before. Smartphones can be used to take high-quality images and videos of the accident scene. These tools can be used to capture evidence that could otherwise be lost or destroyed.
The most crucial pieces evidence are the accident scene and any witnesses. auto accident attorneys missouri city is recommended that you try to capture the scene of the accident as it was prior to the collision. This could include all cars involved in the accident, any skid marks left on the road or other surfaces, traffic signals, weather conditions as well as other factors that are relevant to the crash.
You may also want to contact local businesses and asking them to keep any evidence relevant to your case. If you were struck by a truck and demanded that its black box be preserved it could be helpful to your claim.
If you believe that the driver in the other car was on drugs or otherwise negligent, asking their drug tests may also prove helpful in your case. These tests may show that the driver was drunk or distracted which could be a solid proof of their negligence for causing an accident.
Documenting your injuries
Documentation is vital in personal injury cases. This will not only ensure that your healthcare provider knows about your condition and symptoms, but will also help your lawyer to prove your damages and losses when bringing a negligence claim against the liable person.
One of the most important types of documentation is medical records. Ask for copies of all records whenever you visit your doctor for treatment after an accident. These records are used to detail your injuries, symptoms and diagnoses. They will also record the costs you incurred as a result of the accident. This is important since many of these expenses can be refunded as part of your compensation claim.
It is also an excellent idea to keep a record of your mental and physical state following the accident. This should include the type of pain you feel and the location it occurs and how long it lasts. Additionally, if you are suffering from mental trauma, it is important to document this as well, as juries frequently award non-economic damages for the same type of pain.
If you're able to then it's also a good idea to take photos of your injuries as well as the scene of the crash. It is possible to take photos of the vehicle you're driving, other vehicles that were involved in the collision and any other damage to objects (such a building or a sign). It is recommended that you take several images of each item from different angles and distances so that investigators can clearly determine the accident's cause.
Collecting witness statements
In a perfect world, witnesses' statements should be collected immediately following an accident. Keep in mind that memory loss occurs as time passes. It is best to have witnesses provide their statements as quickly as they can. The more detailed the statement is, the more precise. It is also recommended to record any interview with a witness (with their consent of course), as this will help ensure that the testimony of the witness is accurate.
It's also worth looking for witnesses outside the immediate area of your accident. You might ask local business owners if they saw your accident. This could result in footage of your incident being recorded on a security camera at a store.
You should also ensure that any statements made by potential witnesses do not include opinions, feelings or guesses regarding the outcome of the accident or sympathy towards you or the other victims involved. These statements can be damaging to your credibility, especially when they are contradicted by a different witness. Do not ask anyone who knows the person who caused your injuries, or who works for their employer, to be a witness. They may attempt to try and influence your claim on behalf of the company they represent. If this is the case, you might not receive the compensation you require.
Contacting an attorney
Take into consideration whether an attorney has the resources to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the accident. This could include visiting the site of the crash, talking to witnesses and gathering other documentation about the accident and your injuries.
After examining all documentation, your attorney will begin the negotiation process of settlement with insurance companies to settle the driver who was at fault. The goal is to secure a fair settlement without the need for a trial. Your attorney might have to negotiate with the insurance company a number of times before a settlement is reached.
The severity of your injury will have a major impact on the amount of compensation that you receive. Severe injuries often lead to higher medical costs and more long-lasting effects that require more extensive medical attention. For instance, certain car accident victims might require surgery to repair the long-term damage from an injury. The cost of these surgeries would be included in your overall economic damages.
Your lawyer will also take into account the medical needs of your future and the reduced quality of life your injuries have wrought. For example, if you are permanently injured in a crash that results in the need for a remodel of your home in order to access all areas, the cost of doing this could be a part of your non-economic damages.