In a majority of car crash cases there are multiple parties involved. A jury may decide to apportion damages between different defendants.
Your attorney will request financial documents, question witnesses, get records from medical professionals and experts, take your deposition and more. The discovery process may last from a few months up to a full year. Trials can last for a couple of hours or years. Appeals can add months or even years to the duration of a case.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most crucial steps in an auto accident case is gathering evidence. This evidence could include witness testimony physical evidence of damage medical records, as well as financial documentation to cover your losses.
Photographic evidence of the scene of the crash is crucial. Weather, skid marks and damage to both vehicles and the location of the vehicles can all be factors in determining the cause of the crash and Auto Accident Attorneys who's responsible. The black box information of the vehicle of the other driver could be very helpful in determining the speed of the vehicle and whether brakes were in use or off at the time the accident occurred.
It is best to gather witnesses' information at the site of the accident while it is fresh in their minds. This includes people who were driving, walking on the sidewalks, or even inside nearby restaurants and businesses who witnessed the accident. It's also recommended to get witnesses to record their statements on video.
A police report can be the most important evidence in any lawsuit or claim related to a car accidents. It will contain important details regarding the incident, such as the names and phone numbers of the parties involved, along with the insurance policy information. The report will also contain the officer's opinion about the circumstances of the accident and who was responsible for the accident.
Get Medical Attention
In any car accident, obtaining medical attention is the first priority. You must visit a doctor for an examination and get treatment. Document the treatment you received to prove that you were injured. This will also help avoid insurance companies claiming that you were not injured in the accident.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, it is possible that you need to visit an emergency room. This is essential, especially for serious injuries like injury to the head or spinal cord which could be fatal. Your primary doctor of care (PCP) could be an excellent option for treating minor injuries. PCPs tend to be more likely to provide treatment to victims of car accidents.
If you're seeing a physician who doesn't care for you, you can go to an urgent care clinic. These clinics usually offer extended hours and will accept walk-ins. They are more flexible than PCPs when it comes time to bill for car accidents-related treatments.
In some cases the doctor may have to refer you to a specialist for surgery or assistance to manage your condition. This is a great way to accelerate your treatment and increase your chance of receiving fair compensation. Tell a doctor that you seek treatment because of an auto accident attorneys, and you'll pay the bill in the future through your settlement.
Contacting an attorney
You should hire a lawyer for your car accident as soon as you can after the incident. The earlier an attorney is appointed to work on your case, they will be able to collect more evidence and help you strengthen your claim.
The first step that your lawyer will take is to request access to your medical files and other documents related to the accident. This will help them paint a colorful illustration of your injuries as well as the impact that your injuries have had on your life.
Your lawyer will also look into the incident thoroughly. This may involve visiting the scene talking to police and conducting interviews. It can also include consultation with experts, such as mechanics or auto accident attorneys medical experts.
An attorney will also help you understand the process by which insurance companies determine the amount of monetary compensation they offer for your pain and suffering. It can be difficult to determine a dollar value on these damages that are not economic. This is especially the case when the injuries aren't immediately apparent because of adrenaline, or take days or weeks to develop.
Additionally, your attorney will help you deal with the insurance policy of the driver at fault or property damage, statements or examinations, while preserving evidence in determining liability, and calculating damages, evaluating the case and settlement valuation, which will maximize your settlement recovery, examining correspondence and legal documents, as well as writing releases. Employing an attorney to deal with the numerous complexities of your car auto accident litigation will save you time and stress. An experienced lawyer will make sure you don't fall victim to common mistakes that can derail your claim.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a negligent party caused a car crash that left you injured it is sensible to seek compensation for medical bills along with the cost of vehicle repairs as well as emotional distress. If an insurance company is unwilling to negotiate a fair settlement or offer a reasonable settlement, you can start a lawsuit in court seeking damages.
The filing of lawsuits is the process of civil litigation. The specific rules for each state vary slightly. However, a typical suit begins with the plaintiff filing a formal complaint in court that is served on the party responsible (defendant). The complaint outlines all the legal reasons you are entitled to compensation and your rights to damages.
The defendant responds plaintiff's assertions in a document known as an answer. The defendant denies or admits each allegation listed in the complaint. The document also lists any legal defenses that may be available to the case.
The next step is discovery. During discovery, your attorney can request documents and information from the lawyer of the defendant and witnesses through written questions, referred to as interrogatories or oral depositions, or interviews. Depositions are a common method of obtaining witnesses to the crash, investigating police officers, medical personnel who treated you for injuries and other. The information collected during discovery helps your attorney to build an effective case on your behalf in order to obtain fair compensation for your car accident injuries.
