Why We Why We Auto Accident Attorney (And You Should Also!)
Auto Accident Legal Matters
Get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible If you've suffered injuries in a car crash. Your attorney can help you to understand your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
All drivers are responsible to obey traffic laws. If they violate that duty and cause harm, they are held accountable.
Damages
In general, there are two different types of damages that may result from an auto accident. The first type known as special damages, comes with a value in dollars that is easily determined. Things like medical expenses, 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 such as pain and suffering.
To receive compensation for losses that are not economic, it is essential to be able to prove that the injuries suffered were severe enough to merit the compensation. This is a difficult job and the person who was injured must be represented by an attorney.
The loss of enjoyment is among the most frequently reported non-economic damages. It is usually an amount in dollars that represents the diminished quality of life experienced because of injuries caused by accidents. This includes the inability of the victim to perform activities that were once enjoyable, such as driving.
In rare instances victims could be able to sue for punitive damages. This type of damage is designed to penalize the defendant for a particular sloppy act and helps deter other people from doing the same in the future. The possibility of punitive damages is not available in every case, and a successful claim depends on the strength of evidence that proves the defendant was acting with conscious disregard for other people's safety.
Liability
If you are injured in a car accident the person or entity responsible for your injuries will be held accountable to compensate you. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses and property damages, as well as lost income, and any other non-economic damage that include discomfort and pain. In the majority of cases, the driver who caused a crash will be accountable. It is not uncommon for two drivers to share the blame. Certain states have laws called comparative negligence. In these cases, jurors determine the proportion of each driver's share and adjusts the amount of damage in accordance with the percentage.
It is crucial to prove what happened to an insurance company, or to a jury or judge. auto accident law firm bellingham is referred to as the burden of proof. The plaintiff is the one who bears the burden of proof. You must present evidence to prove that the accident occurred.
Another kind of case that could be brought is when a government agency is responsible for the accident. This could happen when a roadway has been poorly constructed or maintained and causes an accident. These types of claims are also known as roadway defect cases. Sometimes, the manufacturers are responsible in these types of claims as well. They could be held accountable for car defects such as tires, brakes and mechanical failure.
At-fault driver citations
An officer will usually determine who caused an incident by analyzing the accident scene and interviewing witnesses. If they suspect that a driver has violated traffic laws they could issue a ticket. Insurance companies could also use police reports to determine the fault.
Following an accident, it's normal for drivers to point at each one another. This can be detrimental. This can not only give the driver in front of you a bad impression but could also cause you to admit guilt in court.
In most car accidents, there are at least two people who share a percentage of fault. This is the reason why most states use modified comparative blame rules that allow the victim to recover damages minus their share of blame. An insurance adjuster might use a traffic citation to increase a claimant's percentage blame in an accident, which may reduce their settlement for their injuries.
The fact that someone is mentioned after a car accident may be a strong proof that they were the cause of the crash. It's not any guarantee that a personal-injury case will be successful. Depending on your case, other types of evidence may be required to show that the other driver was negligent and injured you. You will need witness testimony, evidence at the scene of the accident, and medical records to show your injuries.
Police reports
When officers from the police arrive at a vehicle accident site they complete an official report. These reports contain both the facts and opinions of the officers present at the time of the crash. This is a vital document for any auto accident claims. Insurance companies will also look over the report to determine fault and the amount of compensation.
Based on the jurisdiction of the police, reports can or may not be considered admissible to court. The police report contains statements from individuals who haven't been sworn in as witnesses. In order for these statements to be used in a legal matter they must be covered by one of the exceptions to hearsay law.
A typical police report will include information regarding the driver, vehicles and the people involved in the crash, as well as a description of what happened and any evidence that was found on the scene. Many police reports also contain the officer's opinion on the circumstances of the crash and who's responsible for the incident.
Even if you don't feel injured, it's the best option to file a police accident claim, even if the accident seems to be minor. Not all injuries are apparent immediately, and having solid documentation can help in helping you get the money you deserve for medical expenses.