The 10 Scariest Things About Auto Accident Attorney
Why You Should Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer
A lawyer experienced in car accidents who is experienced can help you receive compensation for medical expenses loss of wages, as well as property damage. Insurance companies that insure cars are notorious for under-valuing victims and doubting or downplaying the severity of their injuries.
Economic damages are the most common type of compensation in car accident instances. But non-economic damages have a hard time being quantified.
Recovering Compensation after a Car Crash
In the majority of states, the system is based on fault. This means that the person or business responsible for an accident must pay compensation. This is typically done through insurance policies covering the at-fault party's liability and your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). You could be entitled to non-economic damages such as discomfort and pain emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of your life in addition to medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. In rare instances punitive damages can be awarded if the driver who was at fault's behavior was particularly offensive.
While most car accidents don't require legal counsel, it is usually best to engage a lawyer to take care of your claim. A skilled lawyer can investigate the accident, collect and compile evidence that proves liability, and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies. This frees up your time to focus on your physical recovery.
A lawyer for car accidents with experience is often required to obtain fair and reasonable settlements. Insurance companies often challenge the legitimacy of claims for injury and reduce the severity of injuries to compensate victims. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and have many years of experience battling these types of insurance companies to ensure that they get their clients the most compensation possible. Our lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for their clients.
Proving Negligence
You must prove negligence when you're the victim of a car accident. A personal injury attorney can help you with this. They'll get the police report and, if required, go back to the site of the accident and take photographs themselves. They'll also speak with any eyewitnesses and examine any other evidence from the incident.
To establish negligence, you must prove that the person who caused the injury owed a duty to you. This could be based on the ownership or operation of an instrument that caused the injury, your relationship with defendant, or even the law. Once you've established that there is a duty it's essential to prove that the defendant has not complied with the duty. This means that they failed to adhere to the standards of reasonable conduct for their circumstances and actions.
You must also show that their breach of contract resulted in your injury or damages. This is often called causation in law and is a part of the concept of proximate cause. It is the notion that the breach directly caused the injury or damage you suffered.
For instance, if someone crashes their car into yours when you are stuck at a traffic light it is clearly a case of negligent driving. Certain injuries are more complicated. In these instances, you might have to prove your injuries through a concept known as indirect causation.
Gathering Evidence
A car accident case hinges on evidence, and the more evidence you have, the more convincing your argument. Witness statements photographs of the scene, damage to both cars, and police reports.
The best time to collect this information is during the scene, as it's the most fresh. Almost everyone has a camera in their phone, so it's simple to take photos of the wreck site and the damaged vehicles. Recording weather conditions is a good idea, as they can play a role in an accident.
Injuries sustained in a car accident tend to be severe, so it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important for your well-being, but it's vital to determine the severity of your injuries, and demonstrating the impact they've had on your life. This will allow you to claim compensation for the expenses of your medical treatment, as well as any losses in wages and other costs caused by your injury.
Keep all the expenses you've had to pay due to the accident, like transportation to and from medical appointments or hotel accommodations if your injuries made it impossible for you to travel. You may also want to include pay stubs and tax returns as proof of your financial losses.
The process of negotiating a settlement
Insurance companies usually offer a small initial settlement to victims of car accidents. They hope that you accept the offer and not employ an attorney to fight for the compensation you deserved.
An experienced lawyer for auto accidents can help you negotiate for an affordable settlement that covers all of your expenses and losses. They can also aid you with bringing a suit if the insurance company refuses to settle.
The adjuster will go through your medical documents, as well as other documents to determine the strength and legitimacy of your claim. It could take a few weeks or even months to receive the settlement.
A file with digital and physical copies of all documents related to the crash is highly recommended. This will enable your attorney to quickly access any needed information during negotiations. auto accident lawyer mountain view will also prevent you from having the need to provide any documents that the insurance company previously obtained and used in your case.
It is essential to remain cool when you are negotiating with an insurer and not let your emotions get the better of you. Avoid making statements that could be perceived as an admission of fault. Contact your attorney immediately when the adjuster makes allegations. If you've been in negotiations for a long period of time it could be a sign that you are being pressured into litigation.