An accident reconstruction expert can help maximize the value of your claim by analyzing the forces involved in your crash. They can also provide information into your injuries and quantify the damages you've suffered.
You'll have to prove the damages you sustained, including medical expenses and other costs that are out of pocket. It is recommended to start collecting this evidence as soon as possible at the scene of the accident.
Get Assistance
In the event of a crash it is essential to focus on getting medical attention immediately. If you're able to, gather as much information from the scene of the accident as you are able.
Use your phone camera or video camera to take photos of the cars involved, their damage, skid marks and anything else that could aid your case later on. Ask anyone who was at the scene to give you their contact details along with a brief description of what they observed. Be careful not to divulge any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or policy limits.
Also, check for cameras in the vicinity that could have recorded the incident including red lights or security cameras. Find out who controls those cameras, so that you can request copies of the footage later on.
Documenting your expenses is a crucial step. In some instances you may be able to recover compensation for the money you have spent on things like a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired or transportation to and from work when you are recovering from injuries. Additionally, you may seek compensation for past and future lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working or result in less than anticipated earnings in the future.
Keep track of all medical costs related to the accident. If your injuries cause an indefinite disability, you might be eligible to claim damages for future care costs including home modifications and assistive devices that will allow you to remain at home or working. You can also claim compensation for other financial losses, such as the cost of a caregiver or household replacement services when your injuries stop you from completing these tasks on your own.
Gathering Evidence
In any accident case, the first step is to gather as much evidence as you can. State-by-state rules for presenting proof in courtrooms can differ. However, certain types of evidence are helpful in most accidents.
Witness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony is crucial when it comes to accidents. It provides a recollection of the facts of the incident to aid in determining the cause. There are numerous witnesses who can be identified, including pedestrians, motorists of cars in the vicinity as well as family members or friends. They may be carrying an iPhone that they make a note of their experience, or they may choose to write a report.
Photographic Evidence
The most obvious type of photographic evidence is photos of the scene of the accident. It could include skid marks on the road, broken glass, and the damage to both vehicles involved in the crash. It could also refer to environmental factors, like construction sites or traffic signals, that might be a factor in the accident.
Police Reports
The police reports that are generated following any type of motor vehicle collision are essential for a car accident lawsuit. They could contain the officer's assessment as to the person who was at fault for the accident as also any traffic violations that either driver committed. It is important to obtain the report as early as you can or accident compensation Claim at least while it's still being written, so that you have the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information.
Witness Contact Information
It is always best to gather as much information as you can from any witnesses who could have witnessed the incident. You can request their names and contact information to enable your lawyer to ask them questions about what they witnessed during the accident Compensation claim as well as in the immediate aftermath.
Medical Records
Keep track of your medical appointments if injured in an accident. These records will assist you to keep track of the injuries you've suffered and aid your legal team in calculating the amount you're entitled to for injuries.
Documenting Your Injuries
You should capture photos and videos of the accident site when you are able to do so without risking your health. If you are using your smartphone or a camera attached to your car it will help you create a clear picture of the scene. The pictures should include the vehicles and any visible injuries or damages caused by the accident. It is crucial to note any road conditions, skid marks and other details that may aid in forming a more precise picture of the incident.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should seek medical attention as soon after the incident as soon as you can. Many injuries, like neck and spinal problems, can be apparent in a matter of days or weeks following the incident. The earlier you visit a doctor, the more credible evidence you can use to prove your injury and losses are directly linked to the accident.
Furthermore, you must keep track of all your medical treatment as well as related expenses. You should keep receipts of prescriptions and equipment as well as for travel expenses to and from medical appointments. These are all expenses that you may be able to recover compensation for. Keep a journal or diary about your injury, and include the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will allow you keep track of your daily pain.
Informing the police of an accurate account of what happened at the scene will be essential, but it's also a good idea to take down names and contact information for any witnesses as well. The witnesses might be able provide additional details to assist the police in their investigation, and if you ever need to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim for insurance in the future.
You should also get an insurance company of the party at the fault. This report is useful for finding out the liability of the accident compensation claims, aswell as the damages that may be incurred, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages and other compensationable costs.
Discussions with the Insurance Company
If you're dealing with a major insurance company following an accident, it's always wise to retain an experienced lawyer. These lawyers can deal with the insurance adjusters on your behalf and accident compensation claim often offer settlements that are significantly more substantial.
Your lawyer will ask for financial documents from your employer as well as bank accounts to demonstrate the impact of the accident on your earnings. They will also ask for medical records from your doctors to support your claim for compensation. You may be required to participate in an interview or take a deposition on the incident in order to obtain an official record. They will then review all evidence and consult with experts to determine the worth of your non-economic damages.
After gathering all the required information after assembling all the relevant information, they draft a formal letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company at the fault. The document will describe the facts of the case and the legal reasons for why their insured is legally liable under NY law, and make an appeal for compensation. Insurance companies usually respond with an offer that is low-ball. Your attorney will help you determine whether to accept the counteroffer, decline it, or go back to discussions.
Be cautious when dealing with the insurance company because what you say may hurt your case. Don't admit guilt for the accident, or make a promise not to sue, since this can be used against you in the future in court. It is also essential to not make any claims regarding your injuries or the way the accident occurred, as these could be twisted around to decrease your claim.
A seasoned Long Island car accident lawyer will assist you in handling insurance company negotiations. They will evaluate the offers and give you guidance on what you're entitled to as far as financial compensation is concerned, and also the medical treatment or other expenses you could require in the future.
Insurance companies can be very tricky and they will use many strategies to convince you to accept a lower offer. Be firm when you negotiate and remember that any settlement must be in writing. This will stop an unethical adjuster from saying one thing over the phone, only to deny it later.
