Establishing liability is a meticulous process, requiring evidence and witness testimony to attribute fault unequivocally. Skilled attorneys can build a strong case that illustrates the true impact of your injuries and damages.
They can also assess the potential for a favorable settlement with the at-fault party or insurance company and your chances of success in the trial. Contact Auto Accident Attorney Duluth GA now!
While your first thought after an accident may be the well-being of those involved, the minutes and hours following a crash are important for another reason: they’re when you can gather evidence. Evidence can substantiate your account of what happened and help you prove fault. In addition, documentation of your injuries and damages can strengthen your compensation claim.
The best way to collect evidence is by taking photos of the scene, including any damage to vehicles or other objects, skid marks on the road, and debris left behind. If possible, you should also take pictures of your injuries and the condition of the vehicle in which the accident occurred before it’s moved or cleaned up. Using a smartphone camera is easy and convenient, and many attorneys use this type of evidence as part of their case.
Other types of evidence are police reports and incident records, as well as witness statements and medical records. Attorneys will carefully review the evidence in these documents and seek out any additional information that could be helpful. They’ll also consult experts, including medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, to gain specialized insights into the case that might help establish liability and the extent of your damages.
Depending on the situation, your attorney may also conduct interviews with witnesses to record their accounts of what they saw and heard before, during, and after the accident. These statements can be extremely valuable, as they provide an objective third-party perspective to corroborate your account of the events and may reveal additional details that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Your attorney may also seek out any footage or other surveillance material from the area that might be relevant to your case. While these materials aren’t always admissible in court, they can be helpful in supporting your version of the events and can help your attorney determine how exactly the accident occurred. They can also confirm or disprove any inconsistencies between witness statements that may be a sign of bias or intent to deceive. Lastly, your attorney will gather any expenses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident, including medical bills and lost wages.
Negotiating
Car accident attorneys handle many aspects of their clients’ cases, including negotiating settlements. They are skilled at assessing their client’s damages, which may include past and current medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, future losses including potential future earnings, and more. They have experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that their clients receive fair settlements.
A good lawyer can help their client maximize their settlement, even in cases where there is a disagreement about fault. In such situations, it is important to find an attorney who will be able to effectively communicate with the opposing party and explain their position in a way that makes sense to the other party. This is especially true if the case is expected to go to trial.
Most car accidents are settled out of court, and car accident lawyers have experience negotiating settlements. They understand the intricacies of negotiating with insurers and can be persuasive when dealing with them. For example, if an insurance company offers you a lowball amount for your injuries and losses, hiring a car accident attorney can reinforce the fact that you are serious about pursuing a fair settlement.
When preparing a demand letter to send to the insurance company, your car accident lawyer will be able to use their knowledge of the policy to calculate the total value of your claim. They can also help you calculate non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering to ensure that you are adequately compensated for this.
Negotiations can take time, and it is not uncommon for the insurance company to make multiple counteroffers before they reach a settlement with you. Your attorney will assess the offer and provide you with their thoughts, but you should always be the final decision maker on whether or not to accept an offer.
When choosing a Manhattan car accident attorney, it is important to consider their track record and reputation. An established attorney is likely to have a greater network of professional connections, including judges and other attorneys, which can be useful in advocating for your case. They may also have a more comprehensive understanding of the laws in New York and be better equipped to handle complex legal issues.
Filing a Lawsuit
When you hire a car accident attorney, they will take the lead in your case from beginning to end. They’ll document evidence, interview witnesses, reconstruct the accident scene and seek expert opinion. They’ll also know how to calculate your damages and determine if you deserve punitive damages. They’ll also help you understand your own insurance coverage and inquire about whether you have additional UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage.
It is not uncommon for an at-fault driver or their insurance company to try and deny responsibility or minimize the extent of your injuries and property damage. A skilled lawyer will be prepared to fight these tactics. They’ll conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf, including reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing eyewitnesses and taking sworn statements from those who witnessed the crash. They may even consult with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the accident scene and establish a clear picture of what happened.
During the discovery phase of your case, your attorney will request materials from the Defendant, such as medical records and bills, as well as any other information that might be relevant to your lawsuit. They will also request any material they believe you are owed under your own policy, such as coverage for pain and suffering, past and future medical care, and loss of earnings.
Your attorney will then submit a complaint to the court with all of your allegations. The Defendant will respond with a document known as an answer. The answer will contain admissions or denials of the allegations and identify any legal defenses they’ll be asserting.
It is not uncommon for a jury trial to be necessary in car accident cases, but the vast majority of these claims are resolved through out-of-court settlements. Your attorney will be able to provide you with an idea of how long your case could take and what you can expect in terms of results based on their experience with similar cases. Many of these cases will also be handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay your attorney by the hour.
Representing You
There’s no question that a car accident can be extremely stressful and even life-changing for an injury victim. Many injuries cause significant medical expenses and other costs that can be difficult for an accident victim to afford. A good attorney can help. They will also help you determine how much you’re entitled to for your non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
An experienced accident lawyer will have a track record and reputation for successfully representing clients in car accidents. This can make them more effective in negotiating settlements and arguing in court. They will have connections with experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstructionists that can assist with building a strong case.
Choosing a car accident attorney is a personal decision. Look for a firm with an excellent reputation, extensive experience and knowledgeable staff. If possible, ask a potential attorney what kind of cases they’ve handled before and whether or not their clients were satisfied with their representation.
A reputable and qualified car accident attorney should be willing to explain their strategy for handling your case. Ask them what they think you should do to get the maximum compensation available for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. They should be able to give you an idea of how long the case will take and what they predict the total value of your claim will be.
If they aren’t able to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider of the at-fault party, your attorney will represent you in court and present a strong case to a judge. This will increase the odds of a satisfactory outcome and may motivate the insurer to offer a more generous settlement.
Car accidents happen every day, and they can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to severe head and spinal trauma. It’s important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Manhattan car accident attorney today.