Car accidents, even those with only minor injuries, can lead to expensive medical bills and other damages. Your attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Duluth Auto Accident Attorney now!
A comparative negligence state means that you may be able to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. There are several issues to consider, including:
Car accidents are a common event that can cause serious injuries. These injuries may result in lasting impairments or even fatal consequences. If you’ve been in a car accident, hiring a lawyer experienced in handling vehicle crash cases is important. Choosing the right attorney can help you get full compensation for your damages.
A good attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of your case. They will review any video footage from nearby surveillance cameras and speak with eyewitnesses to determine what caused the accident. They will also examine your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries. They will also consider how the accident will impact your daily life and calculate your losses.
You will want an attorney with experience in fighting for clients’ rights against insurance companies. The right attorney will understand your situation and the ins and outs of New York law. They will explain your options and help you decide on the best path forward.
It’s a good idea to get referrals from friends or colleagues who have used an auto accident attorney. Ask about their experience, how they chose the attorney, and if they would use them again. Having a trusted recommendation can give you peace of mind that the lawyer you choose is a good fit for your case.
Many people don’t realize that the work of a car accident attorney goes beyond filing paperwork and attending court hearings. They will also do a lot of research on relevant laws, review medical records, and recreate the accident scene if necessary. They will also consult with outside experts to make sure they have the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
Another important job of the attorney is to report the accident to the police. This will start the process of filing an insurance claim and can be helpful in determining fault. In addition, it will document the accident and may prevent the other driver from trying to deny responsibility.
It’s also important to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. This will document any internal or external injuries and establish causation. This can help bolster your case when the insurance company tries to downplay your injuries or claims that you did not seek treatment immediately after the crash.
Preserving Evidence
Evidence is your attorney’s greatest ally in a car crash case. Without it, it becomes a “he said, she said” situation that can be difficult to resolve in court. Evidence includes written documents, photographs, video recordings, and physical items. The right evidence can prove your claim and allow you to recover full and fair compensation for your losses.
A good attorney will be able to gather the most comprehensive evidence possible. This will include witness testimonies, accident reports and medical records. They can also request driving history records of the other driver to evaluate past behavior and see if they have a pattern of breaking traffic laws or receiving citations.
Photographic and video evidence are important in any accident case. If you are able, take multiple pictures of the accident scene from different angles. You should also try to capture any skid marks, weather conditions and other relevant details. It is best to return to the scene the following day and take pictures in daylight, if possible.
You should also keep any damaged items that are related to the crash, such as clothing and equipment. You may be tempted to throw these away, but they can prove crucially important in a lawsuit. In addition to this, you should always seek a medical evaluation immediately after an accident and follow any treatment recommendations that you are given. This will create a paper trail that links your injuries to the accident and allow you to recover damages for them.
Do not move any vehicles or other objects at the scene of the accident unless it is absolutely necessary for safety reasons. This will preserve the condition of the evidence and prevent it from being tampered with or destroyed. It is also a good idea to get contact information from witnesses so that you can later ask them to provide their statements. An official police report will be invaluable for a legal case, so you should obtain one as soon as possible.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Many accident victims think they can handle their case without an attorney, but this is rarely in their best interests. Insurance companies are not on your side; their goal is to pay you as little as possible for your losses and injuries. A skilled car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with these powerful opponents.
A car accident attorney can also assist you in gathering crucial evidence for your claim, including police reports, medical bills, property damage repair bills, witness statements, and photos or videos from the scene of the accident. This evidence can help prove your claims and increase the amount of compensation you receive.
Insurance companies use various tactics to make it difficult to reach a settlement agreement that is fair and reasonable. They may ask for picky details, argue against dollar amounts, or look for holes in your story to wear you down and make you accept their low offer. Your attorney will protect you from these insurance company tactics and provide clear, persuasive arguments on your behalf.
An experienced car accident attorney can also help you decide on a reasonable dollar value for your injuries and damages, taking into account current and projected future expenses and loss of income. This is a complex task that requires substantial financial records, a thorough understanding of personal injury law, and the ability to estimate long-term care and future lost earnings.
Often, an insurance company will try to avoid a fair settlement by blaming your injuries on pre-existing conditions. They might also conduct surveillance on you or monitor your social media to find evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
If you are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement with the insurance company, our legal team can file a lawsuit on your behalf. This is an important step that shows the insurance company that you are serious about your demands and that you will not let them get away with avoiding adequate payment for your accident injuries. Moreover, filing a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations gives you a better chance of recovering all damages that you are entitled to.
Going to Trial
When an insurance company is not willing to offer a fair amount for your injury, it is time to take them to court. This is where your lawyer’s trial experience can make a huge difference in your case. The insurer’s legal team will try everything they can think of to reduce their liability and to avoid paying you what you deserve. These tactics may seem sneaky, but your attorney will use his or her experience, legal education and subject matter expertise to expose them.
During the trial process, your lawyer will present evidence to a jury in an attempt to convince them that negligence occurred and that their insured was responsible for your injuries. This is one of the most difficult tasks in a personal injury case, and it takes an attorney with years of experience to get you the compensation you deserve.
While many cases are settled through negotiations, it is important to have a trial-ready lawyer on your side. When you hire an attorney with significant trial experience, you will have the best chance of getting what is rightfully yours after a negligence-related incident. A good attorney will also help you navigate your case’s deadline and ensure that all paperwork is properly filed.