Car accidents can be terrifying events, even if they’re minor fender-benders. You may be hurt, your car might be damaged, or you might not be able to get to work.
If you’ve been in a car accident, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney can assist you in recovering monetary damages for any losses you may have incurred. But how can you help your lawyer win your case?
Collect Evidence
If it is safe for you to do so at the accident scene, take plenty of pictures. It would be best if you also tried to get the names and contact information of eyewitnesses who may have seen what happened.
Photographs can help show the relative positions of the vehicles after the crash, the road, weather conditions, and other factors. They can also document damage to vehicles and other property, skid marks, and other essential details.
Preserving receipts and invoices for all expenses resulting from the accident is advisable. This can help prove your losses and injuries and support a compensation claim. In addition, it is essential to gather all medical records and documents relating to the accident. This will help your car accident lawyer establish a duty of care, breach of that duty, and causation. The more comprehensive your evidence is, the stronger your case will be.
Get Statements and Names
A car accident is a terrifying experience. You are concerned about your safety and the condition of your vehicle, but what’s more important is getting paid for your injuries and losses. A reputable attorney will know what to do to help you recover.
In addition to evaluating the crash scene and investigating your injuries, your lawyer will speak with witnesses. They will also contact any police officers who handled the investigation to ask for additional information. They may even visit the crash scene to understand better what happened.
Ideally, you want an attorney with experience fighting against insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement for you. They should have the skills necessary to prove that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused damages. They should also understand the case law that applies to your crash.
File A Police Report
Police reports are considered more accurate at face value than a driver’s opinion and can significantly impact the outcome of any legal or insurance claims for compensation. It’s important to speak calmly with law enforcement at the scene and provide as much information as possible.
Answer the officer’s questions honestly and include details such as the location, time of the accident, and whether or not anyone was injured. Gathering witnesses’ names and contact information is also a good idea.
It’s also essential to visit a doctor immediately following the accident for a medical evaluation. Many injuries don’t present themselves until a few days after the crash, and documenting your symptoms will help to prove that you were hurt in the crash. This can support any future claim for damages, including medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses.
Wait and Let the Lawyer Work
A severe car accident may cause injuries, medical bills, and property damage. It can also lead to lost income, increased auto insurance rates, and stress and frustration. These problems can be compounded by the difficulty of fighting an insurance company for a fair settlement for your losses.
A reasonable attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve to cover your past and future losses. They will also be able to handle the complicated legal issues and negotiate with insurers for you.
The best time to hire a car accident lawyer is as soon as possible after the crash. If you wait too long, some evidence may disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and important crash details will be overlooked. If you hire a lawyer, they will already have experience dealing with insurance companies and can use their knowledge to your advantage.