Car accidents can wreak havoc in your life, leaving you with medical bills and other costs. If an at-fault party’s insurance does not cover these expenses, a lawsuit is your best option for recovering compensation.
Car accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations and gather evidence, including: Contact Maryland Car Crash Lawyer now!
Car accident victims often suffer injuries that require medical attention. This is important for their health, but it also plays a key role in a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
In addition to treating the immediate symptoms of a crash, a doctor can identify and document any injuries. This documentation is essential to a successful car accident claim, as it establishes the direct link between a patient’s injuries and the vehicle crash that caused them. A doctor’s evaluation can also include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, which help with the diagnosis of internal injuries. In some cases, a specialist may be needed, such as a radiologist or an orthopedic surgeon, for more accurate diagnoses.
When a person gets into a car accident, they are likely feeling shock, fear, and disbelief that the crash occurred. This can distract people from seeking prompt medical attention. They may even try to convince themselves that their injuries are not serious or that they did not suffer any damage from the crash. However, it is vital to visit a doctor for a full medical evaluation, as internal damage can lead to long-term health complications and serious pain.
After a doctor examines an injury, they can write up a treatment plan. This is critical for a car accident claim, as it details the course of treatment that will be necessary to recover fully from the crash. It can also include a cost estimate for all expenses associated with the injuries, such as medical treatments and prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
A car crash lawyer can review a medical record and determine if all necessary damages have been accounted for. This can help ensure that a victim receives the fair compensation they need to cover current and future costs related to their injuries. This includes evaluating medical bills, expenses for a future care plan, emotional consequences, and the impact of an injury on one’s work performance. This ensures that the full measure of damages is incorporated into a settlement or verdict.
Collecting Evidence
While the immediate aftermath of a collision might be focused on your safety, the minutes and hours following the accident can also be vital for collecting evidence. Not only will this help you establish fault for the collision and any injuries that may have occurred, but it can also increase your chances of receiving a fair and reasonable settlement from an insurance company or other party liable for your damages.
Photographs and videos of the crash scene can provide valuable visual evidence. Take close-up and wider shots of the scene, vehicles involved in the accident, any visible injuries, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Other forms of evidence can include witness accounts, medical records and bills, and even police reports filed after the crash.
Eyewitness statements are vital for establishing liability. Try to talk to eye witnesses while their memories are still fresh. Obtain their names and contact information, and ask if they’d be willing to give a written or recorded statement detailing what they saw happen. You can also use expert witnesses to support your claim by presenting an objective analysis of the collision and its consequences. This includes accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial experts.
The event data recorder (EDR) is a crucial piece of evidence to get, especially when it comes to accidents involving commercial vehicles. Often called a “black box,” this device is located inside the vehicle and records data like speed, brake usage, steering inputs, and more prior to an accident. This can be used as evidence of the driver’s actions, or to show that a driver was distracted or impaired at the time of an accident.
To prove the value of your injuries, it’s necessary to demonstrate the cost of your medical treatment and other expenses. Bills, receipts, and pay stubs can show the financial impact of your physical injuries. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, can be more challenging to quantify. However, journal entries, psychological evaluations, and testimonies from friends and family can help to illustrate the emotional impact of a collision.
Filing a Claim
Car crash lawyers help clients file insurance claims, ensuring they abide by all state and federal regulations. They also prepare legal documents, such as demand letters, complaint statements and court filings, as needed. In some cases, a lawyer might work with accident reconstruction experts or other types of specialists to build a strong case. They also serve as a shield against unscrupulous insurance companies, defending their clients from being shortchanged on settlements.
They help clients determine the full extent of their losses and injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage and pain and suffering. They may even consult with life-care professionals to evaluate the long-term impact of a client’s injuries. This is important because car crashes can have long-term effects, impairing a person’s ability to work and care for their family or participate in hobbies and activities that are central to their identity. The at-fault party should be held liable for these losses, which can add up quickly.
The attorney will also review the police report and any medical reports related to the crash, as well as interview witnesses to build a solid case. It’s important to document all damages resulting from the crash, which includes not only physical injuries, but emotional trauma as well. This could include anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The law firm will make sure that all eligible losses are included in the claim, including any future costs that might be incurred due to the injury.
Once all evidence has been gathered, the car crash lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement. A skilled negotiator, the lawyer will avoid undervaluing their client’s claim by highlighting the facts of the case and proving liability.
If the insurance provider refuses to offer a reasonable amount, the lawyer can take the matter to trial. They can provide expert testimony in front of a jury and argue the case to win a judgment for their client. They can also serve as their client’s representative in court, if needed. They have extensive experience arguing complex cases in front of judges and juries.
Negotiating a Settlement
The road to recovering money for damage to your vehicle or injuries sustained in a car accident can be treacherous. Car crash lawyers are able to guide their clients through the process, assisting with gathering important information and preparing legal documents, including demand letters, complaints, and court filings. This important groundwork ensures that car accident lawyers enter negotiations armed with irrefutable facts and a thorough understanding of the case.
Once they have the information needed, car accident attorneys are able to accurately assess damages and determine an appropriate settlement amount. They consider a range of factors, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term effects, to reach an objective valuation of the totality of a victim’s losses.
A successful settlement requires the cooperation of insurance companies and other parties involved in a claim. However, many victims are often intimidated or pressured into accepting a settlement offer that does not cover the full extent of their losses. Car crash lawyers are able to effectively communicate with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel to help their clients avoid being taken advantage of.
Negotiating a settlement is a complex process, and the results can have a lasting impact on an accident victim’s life. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, a car accident lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial. This requires the expertise of an attorney who is well-versed in personal injury law and has the requisite negotiation skills to advocate for their client’s interests in court.
A car accident lawyer’s specialized knowledge, effective communication skills, and deep understanding of the legal system can help clients achieve a more favorable resolution to their claims. They also provide valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of the legal system, which can be challenging for many people. They can also help protect their client’s rights by ensuring that they do not become the victim of bad-faith practices by liable parties or their insurers. For more information about how a car crash lawyer can benefit your situation, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
