A specialist in accident claim reconstruction can enhance the value of your case by analyzing the force that caused the accident. They can also provide insights into your injuries and quantify the damages you've suffered.
You'll need to provide proof of your damages, like medical expenses as well as other expenses that are not covered by your insurance. It is best to begin collecting this evidence in the earliest time possible at the site of the accident.
Get Help
If you are in a car accident and require medical attention, seeking immediate medical attention should always be your top priority. If you're able to, gather as much information at the scene of the accident claim as you are able.
Make use of your phone's camera or video feature to take photographs of the vehicles involved, damage marks, skid marks and everything else that could aid your case later on. Also, inquire with anyone at the scene for their contact information as well as an explanation of what they saw. Be careful not to reveal any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or policy limits.
Look for any cameras that may have caught this incident, such as an red light or security camera. Try to find out who controls those cameras, so you can request copies of the footage later on.
Documenting your expenses is also crucial. In certain situations, you may get compensation for money you spent on things such as renting a car during the time your vehicle was being repaired, or a ride from and to work when you were recovering from an injury. You may also seek compensation for lost wages in the past as well as in the future if injuries limit or prevent your earnings in the future.
Keep the track of any medical expenses that are related to the accident. If your injuries result in an indefinite disability, you might be able to claim compensation to cover future costs for care, such as modifications to your home and assistive devices that allow you to remain at home or at work. You may also be able to seek compensation for other expenses, like the cost of a caregiving provider or household replacement services if your injuries make it impossible for you to complete these tasks on your own.
Gathering Evidence
In any case of accident the first step is to gather as much evidence as you can. State-by-state, the requirements for presenting proof in a courtroom may vary. However, certain types of evidence are useful in most accidents.
Witness Testimony
In the case of accidents, eyewitness testimony can be vital. It offers a factual retelling of the incident that can assist in determining fault. There are many witnesses, including pedestrians, drivers of cars in the vicinity or even family members or friends. They might have a mobile in their possession that can be used to record their account or simply provide a written report.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs of the accident scene are the most obvious photographic evidence. This could include skid marks on the road, broken glass and damage to both of the vehicles involved in the collision. This could also include environmental factors like construction sites and traffic signals which may have contributed to the accident.
Police Reports
The police report generated following any motor vehicle accident are essential for a lawsuit involving a car accident. The reports may include the officer's evaluation of who was responsible for the accident as the traffic infractions which either driver has committed. It is important to obtain the report as quickly as you can, or at the very least while it's still being written, so that you have an opportunity to review the accuracy of the information.
Contact Information for Witnesses
It is always an excellent idea to collect as much information as you can from any witnesses who could have seen the accident lawyer. Inquire about their names and contact details to allow your attorney to speak with them about what they witnessed during the incident and its immediate aftermath.
Medical Records
Keep note of all medical appointments if you are injured in an accident. These records will help you document the injuries you've sustained and will aid your legal team in calculating the compensation you're entitled to for injuries.
Documenting Your Injuries
It is recommended to take photographs and videos of the area where the accident lawsuit occurred when you are able to do so without putting your health at risk. You can create a realistic picture of the scene using your smartphone or camera connected to your vehicle. The photos should include any visible injuries and accident lawyer damages from the accident. It is also useful to note any skid marks, road conditions, and other factors that can aid in forming a more clear image of the accident.
You should always get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if your injuries seem minor at the time. Many injuries, especially soft tissue neck and back pain, can take days or even weeks to manifest. The sooner you see a doctor, the more solid evidence you'll have to prove your injury and losses are directly related to the accident.
You should also keep the track of your medical expenses and treatment. Save receipts for prescriptions, equipment and travel costs to and from medical appointments, since they are all eligible expenses that you may be able recover compensation for. Keep a log or diary about your injury, including the symptoms you are experiencing. This will allow you record your pain and discomfort throughout the day.
Giving the police an accurate account of what happened at the scene will be important, but it is an excellent idea to note names and contact numbers for any witnesses as well. The witnesses might be able give additional details that can assist the police with their investigation. This is especially important if you ever need to file an injury lawsuit or insurance claim in the future.
You should also get a copy from the insurance company of the party who was at fault. This report is useful for determining the liability of the crash, as well for the potential damages that could be incurred, including property damage medical expenses, lost wages as well as other compensable expenses.
Discussions with the Insurance Company
It is an excellent idea to employ an experienced attorney when dealing with a large insurance company following an accident lawsuit. They can negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf and usually offer settlements that are significantly more substantial.
Your lawyer will request financial documents from your employer, bank accounts and investments to prove how the accident has affected your earnings. They will also request medical records from your healthcare providers to prove your injury claim. They may have to question you in person or depose you about the accident to obtain an official record. They will then go through all evidence and consult with experts to determine the worth of your non-economic losses.
After gathering all the necessary information After assembling all the necessary information, they draft a letter of demand that is to be sent to the insurance company at fault. This document will detail the facts, state the legal basis for why their insured is accountable under NY law, and request compensation. Insurance companies usually respond with an offer of low-cost. Your lawyer will assist you in deciding whether to accept, decline or re-engage in negotiations over the counteroffer.
Negotiating with an insurance company can be a challenge because what you say may hurt your case. Never admit fault for the accident or promise not to sue, since it could be used against you later in court. It is also important to not make any claims regarding your injuries or the way the accident happened, as these could be twisted around to diminish your claim.
An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can help you handle the insurance company's negotiations. They can assess the offers and provide advice on what you are entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, as well as the medical treatment or other expenses you may need in the near future.
Insurance companies can be difficult and they can employ a variety of strategies to convince you to accept a lower rate. Make sure to negotiate with a firmness and remember that settlements have to be signed. This will stop an unprofessional adjuster from saying something over the phone and denying it later.
