Auto accident law Firm Accident Legal Matters

Contact an experienced attorney right away if you have been injured in a car crash. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

All drivers have a duty to observe traffic laws. If they fail to do so and cause harm, they are held accountable.

Damages

Generally speaking there are two kinds of damages that could result from a car accident. The first kind of damage known as special damages, has the value of a dollar that can be easily determined. Items like medical bills as well as lost wages and repair work on vehicles are examples of special damages. The second kind of damage, also known as non-economic damages is more difficult to quantify. These include things like pain and suffering.

To be able to claim compensation for non-economic losses, it is necessary to to prove that the injuries suffered were serious enough to warrant such an award. This is a daunting job and the person who was injured must be represented by an attorney.

One of the most frequent types of non-economic damages is the loss of enjoyment life. It is usually the amount of money reflected in the reduced quality of life resulting because of injuries resulting from accidents. This can include the inability of the victim to engage in activities that were once pleasurable, such as driving.

In rare instances victims could be allowed to sue for punitive damages. This type of damage is intended to punish the defendant for a particularly indecent act, and serves to deter others from similar acts in the future. Punitive damages are not available in all cases, and a successful claim depends on evidence that shows the defendant was acting with conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Liability

If you're injured in an automobile accident, the person or entity responsible for your injuries is liable to pay you compensation. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses as well as property damage, lost income, as well as non-economic damages like pain and discomfort. In the majority of cases, it will be the driver that was responsible for the crash. However, it is not uncommon for the two drivers to share a portion of the blame. Certain states follow what's known as comparative negligence laws, where a jury will determine the percentage of fault each driver is responsible for Auto Accident Law Firm and adjust the damages awarded accordingly.

It is essential that you demonstrate what transpired to an insurance company, or to a judge and jury. This is referred to as the burden of proof. The burden is shifted to the person who makes the claim, which is the plaintiff and requires you to provide evidence of how your accident happened.

Another kind of case that can be filed is when a government agency is accountable for the accident. This can occur when a highway is not maintained properly or designed which can lead to an accident. These are also referred to as road defect cases. Sometimes, manufacturers are accountable in these types of claims too. They could be accountable for the defects in cars, such as brakes, tires and mechanical failure.

At-fault driver citations

Most of the time, police officers can determine who caused an accident by studying the scene of the crash and questioning witnesses. If they believe a motorist has broken traffic laws, they may issue a ticket. Insurance companies will also look at police reports to help them identify the source of the fault.

Following an accident, it is normal for drivers to point at each one another. This can be detrimental. Besides giving the other driver a bad impression, it could lead to an admission of guilt, which could be used against you in court.

Most car accidents involve two or more people who share a certain amount of blame. This is why most states adhere to modified comparative fault rules that permit the claimant to recover damages minus their proportion of fault. Insurance adjusters can make use of a traffic citation in order to increase a claimant's percentage blame for the auto accident attorneys which can reduce their compensation for their injuries.

The the fact that a person is cited following a car crash could be strong evidence that they were the cause of the crash. However, it's not an assurance of the outcome of an injury lawsuit. Based on your particular case additional evidence may be required to demonstrate that the driver was negligent and injured you. You will need witness testimony, auto accident Law firm evidence from the accident scene and medical records to prove your injuries.

Police reports

When law enforcement officers visit a car accident scene they will complete an official police report. The reports will contain both facts and opinions that are compiled by officers who are on scene at the time of the crash. This is a vital document for any auto accident attorney accident claim. Insurance companies will also examine the report to determine fault and compensation.

Based on the location, police reports are admissible in court or not. The reason for this is that the police report contains statements by people who aren't sworn witnesses in court. To be able to be used in a legal proceeding they must be covered by one of the hearingsay exceptions under law.

A typical police report includes information about the driver's identity, the vehicles and victims involved in the crash along with an account of what transpired and any evidence discovered on the scene. Many police reports include an officer's opinion on the reason for the accident and who is responsible for the incident.

Even if you're not injured, it's recommended to file a police accident report, even if the accident seems to be minor. Documentation is important because not all injuries are evident immediately.