auto accident law firm Accident Legal Matters

Get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible when you've been injured in a car crash. Your lawyer can assist you know your rights and obtain the compensation that you are entitled to.

Every driver is responsible to obey traffic laws. When they breach that duty and cause harm, they are accountable.

Damages

In general there are two kinds of damages that can result from a car accident. The first type of damages, known as special damages, have a value in dollars that can be easily determined. Examples of special damages include medical bills or lost wages as well as repairs to vehicles are examples of special damages. The second kind of damage, also known as non-economic damages, is more difficult to quantify. They include things like suffering and pain.

To receive compensation for noneconomic losses, you must be able prove that your injuries were severe enough to warrant an award. This is a difficult job and the person who was injured should be represented by an attorney.

One of the most popular forms of non-economic damages is the loss of enjoyment life. This usually involves the amount of money reflected in the reduced quality of life because of injuries resulting from accidents. It also is the inability to participate in certain activities, like driving, that were once enjoyable.

In a few cases victims could be capable of suing for punitive damage. This kind of damage is intended to punish the defendant for a particularly egregious act and auto accidents to deter others from repeating the same actions in the future. Punitive damages may not be available in every case and a successful claim is based on the strength of evidence that proves the defendant acted with a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Liability

If you're injured in a car accident the person or entity responsible for your injuries will be held accountable to compensate you. This includes compensation for medical expenses and property damages, as well as lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and discomfort. In most cases, the driver that caused a accident will be the one responsible. However, it is not uncommon for both drivers to share some responsibility. Certain states follow what's known as comparative negligence laws. the jury will decide the percentage of fault each driver is responsible for and adjust the damage award according to that.

It is crucial that you can demonstrate what transpired to an insurance company, or to a judge and jury. This is known as the burden of evidence. The plaintiff is the one who bears the burden of proof. You must provide evidence to prove that the accident occurred.

A government agency can also be held responsible for an accident. This could occur when a roadway is not properly maintained or designed and contributes to an accident. These types of claims are also known as roadway defect cases. These kinds of claims could also be brought by manufacturers. They could be held responsible for defects such as brakes, tires, and mechanical failure.

At-fault driver citations

In most cases, an officer is able to determine who caused an accident by looking at the scene of the accident and interviewing witnesses. If they believe that a driver is in violation of traffic laws, they could issue a ticket. Insurance companies also look at police reports to help identify the source of the fault.

After an accident, it's normal for drivers to point fingers at each other. This can be harmful. Besides giving the other driver a negative impression, it could result in an admission of guilt that could be used against you in court.

In the majority of car accidents, there are usually two or more parties who share some level of blame. Many states have modified comparative-fault rules that permit claimants to receive damages that are less than their percentage of blame. A traffic ticket can be used by an insurance adjuster to increase the percentage claimant responsible for an accident. This could decrease the potential payout for injuries.

The fact that someone is mentioned in a vehicle crash can be strong evidence that they are responsible for the crash. It's not a guarantee that a personal injury lawsuit will be successful. Based on the circumstances of your case, you may require additional types of evidence to prove the other driver was negligent and caused you harm. This could include witness testimony, evidence taken from the scene of the accident, and medical records regarding your injuries.

Police reports

When police officers arrive at a car crash site, they fill out an official report. The reports include both information and opinions that are compiled by officers who are on scene at the time of the collision. This is an important document to be included in any claim for auto accidents. Insurance companies will also examine the report for fault and compensation.

Depending on jurisdiction, police reports could or might not be considered admissible in court. The main reason for this is that the police report contains statements made by individuals who are not sworn witnesses in court. In order for these statements to be used in a legal matter they must fall under one of the exemptions to hearsay law.

A typical police report includes details about the driver, vehicles involved and the victims in the crash as well as an account of the incident and any evidence found on the scene. A majority of police reports contain an officer's view on the reason for the accident and who is to blame.

Even if there is no indication that you are injured, it is still the best option to file a police accident claim even if the incident seems minor. Not all injuries show up in a hurry and having a thorough record can help in helping you claim the money you deserve for medical expenses.