auto accident Law firms Accident Legal Matters

If you've been injured as a result of a car accident, contact an experienced attorney as quickly as possible. Your attorney can explain your rights and assist you get the compensation you need.

All drivers are obliged to obey traffic laws. They are held accountable if violate this duty and cause harm.

Damages

Generally speaking there are two kinds of damages that could result from a car accident. The first type known as special damages, has a value in dollars that can be easily determined. Things like medical bills or lost wages as well as repairs to vehicles are examples of special damages. The second type, which is referred to as non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify. They include things like suffering and pain.

To receive compensation for non-economic losses it is essential to to demonstrate that the injuries suffered were severe enough to merit such an award. This is a difficult task, and the person who has suffered should be represented by an attorney.

Loss of enjoyment is one of the most frequent non-economic damages. Generally, this entails an amount in dollars that represents the reduced quality of life experienced as a result of the accident-related injuries. Also, it is the inability to participate in certain activities, such as driving, which were once enjoyable.

In rare cases victims might be in a position to sue for punitive damage. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and discourage future acts that are equally egregious. Punitive damages are not available in every case, and a successful claim is based on evidence that shows the defendant committed a crime with a clear disregard for other people's safety.

Liability

If you suffer injuries in an accident involving a vehicle the person who caused your injuries is responsible to pay you. This will include money for Auto Accident Law Firms medical expenses and property damage, as well as loss of income, as well as other injuries like suffering and pain. In most cases, this will be the driver who caused the crash. It is not uncommon for the two drivers to share blame. Certain states have laws called comparative negligence, where the jury determines each driver's percentage and adjusts the damages awarded according to the percentage.

It is vital that you prove to the satisfaction of an insurance company, jury or judge what happened. The burden of evidence is what we call it. The burden is shifted to the party making the claim, which is the plaintiff and it requires you to present the evidence that demonstrates how your crash occurred.

A government entity could also be held responsible for an accident. This could happen when a roadway isn't properly constructed or maintained and can cause an accident. These are also known as road defect cases. Sometimes, the manufacturers are at fault in these kinds of claims too. They could be accountable for defects in cars such as brakes, tires and mechanical failure.

At-fault driver citations

Most of the time, police officers can determine who was the cause of an accident by looking at the scene of the crash and questioning witnesses. They may write an order if they believe a driver violated traffic laws. Insurance companies may also rely on police reports to determine fault.

Following an accident, it's normal for drivers to point at each one another. This can be detrimental. This could not only give the other driver a negative impression however, it could also cause you to admit guilt in the court.

Most car accidents involve two or more persons who share some degree of blame. Many states have modified comparative-fault rules that allow claimants to recover damages that are less than their share of blame. Insurance adjusters can use a traffic citation to increase the percentage of fault in the accident, which could limit their compensation for their injuries.

The fact that someone is cited in a car crash can be strong evidence that they were the cause of the accident. It's not any guarantee that a personal injury claim will be successful. Depending on the circumstances of your case you may require additional types of evidence to show that the negligence of another driver caused harm to you. This includes witnesses' testimony, evidence from the scene of the accident, and medical records regarding your injuries.

Police reports

When police officers arrive at a car crash site they complete an official report. These reports contain both facts and opinions of the officers present at the time of the accident. This is a crucial document for any claim for auto accidents. Insurance companies will study the report to help determine the fault and compensate the injured parties.

Based on the location, police reports are admissible or not. The police report contains testimony from individuals who haven't been sworn in as witnesses. These statements must fall within an exception to the law of hearsay in order to be used as evidence.

A typical report from a police officer includes information about the car, driver, and victims involved in the crash, in addition to an account of the incident and any evidence that was found at the scene. Many police reports include an officer's opinion on the cause of the accident, and who is responsible for the incident.

Even if you don't feel injured, it is still in your best interests to make a police report even if the incident seems minor. Documentation is important since there aren't all injuries visible right away.