The Three Greatest Moments In Auto Accident Attorney History

auto accident law firm Accident Legal Matters

If you've been injured as a result of an automobile accident, consult an experienced attorney as quickly as possible. An attorney can assist you know your rights and obtain the compensation that you deserve.

All drivers are required to obey traffic laws. They can be held accountable if they do not abide by this obligation and cause harm.

Damages

In general there are two types of damages that may result from a car crash. The first kind of damage called special damages, has a dollar value that can be easily calculated. Special damages can include medical bills as well as lost wages and vehicle repairs. The second type, which is referred to as non-economic damages, are more difficult to quantify. These include things like pain and suffering.

In order to receive compensation for losses that are not economic, it is necessary to to show that the injuries suffered were severe enough to merit the compensation. This is a difficult task and the victim should be represented by a lawyer.

Loss of enjoyment of life is among the most frequently reported non-economic damages. It is typically a financial amount that reflects a reduced quality of life because of injuries resulting from accidents. It also includes the inability to participate in certain activities, like driving, that were once enjoyable.

In a few cases victims might be capable of suing for punitive damages. The purpose of this type of damage is intended to penalize the defendant and discourage future acts that are as egregious. Punitive damages may not be available in every case and a successful claim is based on the evidence that proves the defendant committed a crime with a clear disregard for the safety of others.

Liability

When you are injured in an accident in a car and are injured, the person or company responsible for your injuries is liable to compensate you. This includes money for medical expenses and property damage, as well as loss of income, and other non-economic damage like pain and suffering. In the majority of cases, it is the driver who was responsible for the crash. However, it's not unusual for both drivers to share some responsibility. Certain states have what are known as comparative negligence laws, auto accidents where a jury will determine the proportion of fault for each driver and adjust the damage amount according to that.

It is crucial to demonstrate what transpired to an insurance company or to a judge and jury. The burden of proof is what we call it. The burden is shifted to the person who makes the claim - the plaintiff and it requires you to present evidence of how your accident happened.

Another kind of case that may be brought is when a government agency is at fault for the accident. This could happen when a road is poorly maintained or designed and causes 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 tires, brakes and mechanical failure.

At-fault driver citations

An officer will often be able to determine who caused an incident by analyzing the scene and interviewing witnesses. They may write an order if they believe that a motorist violated traffic rules. Insurance companies may also use police reports to determine fault.

After an accident, it is normal for drivers to point fingers at each one another. However, this can be detrimental. This may not only give the driver in front of you a bad impression, but it could also result in you committing a crime in court.

In the majority of car accidents, there are two or more parties that share a certain amount of responsibility. This is why most states have modified comparative fault rules that allow the person who is claiming to seek compensation for damages minus their percentage of fault. A traffic ticket can be used by an insurance adjuster to increase the percentage claimant at fault in an accident. This can reduce the potential payout for injuries.

The fact that a person is mentioned in a vehicle accident could be evidence that they were responsible for the crash. It's not an assurance that a personal-injury case will be successful. Based on the circumstances of your case the other evidence may be needed to show that the other driver was negligent and caused injury to you. This includes witness testimony, evidence at the scene of the accident, and medical records detailing your injuries.

Police reports

When law enforcement officers attend the scene of a car accident they will complete an official police report. These reports include both facts and opinions that were observed by the officers on the scene when the accident occurred. This is an important document to be included in any claim for auto accidents. Insurance companies will scrutinize the report to help determine fault and compensation for the injured parties.

Based on the area of jurisdiction, police reports can be admissible or not. The main reason is that the police report includes statements made by people who are not sworn witnesses in court. To be able to be considered as evidence in a legal case, they must fall under one of the exemptions to hearsay law.

A typical police report includes information regarding the driver, vehicles and victims involved in the crash and a description of what happened and any evidence discovered on the scene. Many police reports also include officers' opinions on what caused the crash and who is responsible for the incident.

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