Why We Are In Love With Auto Accident Law (And You Should, Too!)

Phases of an auto accident law Accident Lawsuit

Injuries from car crashes can result in significant medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages. An experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you need.

The process varies depending on the case, however, it generally begins with filing a complaint. Then comes the discovery phase trial, and any appeals.

Medical Records

Medical records are a vital component of any auto accident attorney crash case. They will help the judge or jury to know how the injury had an impact on your life, including the physical, emotional and financial costs of your injuries. Medical records will also provide an insurance company a story they will have a hard to argue.

You might only have a particular amount of time, contingent on the laws of your state and the policy of your doctor to obtain medical records. You should speak with your lawyer as soon following an auto accident lawsuit as is possible. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA is a law that protects your right to access these documents. However, this doesn't mean that you or your lawyer are the only ones who are able to look over your medical records. Insurance companies are usually keen to look for anything that could suggest that your injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as you think.

Your lawyer will utilize the medical records you provide to create an order letter that will include evidence supporting the damages you seek. It is essential that your lawyer only provide relevant medical documents to the insurance company, as they may request you to sign an authorization that allows them to access all of your medical records. This is not in the best interest of your claim as it may expose past injuries that are not relevant to this claim.

Police Reports

When a police officer responds to a request for help, such as an auto accident lawyer, he or she produces a report. Even though they aren't admissible in court (they are considered to be hearsay) however, they provide valuable information to attorneys conducting an investigation and preparing the case.

A police report provides an independent account of the crash that is based on the witness' testimony as well as the officer's observations of the weather conditions, the drivers, and other elements. It's an important piece of evidence that can aid in winning an auto accident lawsuit.

You can usually request a copy of the records from the precinct that was responsible for the investigation. Contact their non-emergency number and provide an invoice or an incident number for identification. The police department may have a website on which you can request copies of the records online.

You'll need to file a suit against the driver responsible after your medical expenses along with lost wages and property damage have reached the amount of. The police report can prove to be a helpful tool in settlement negotiations, especially if you can prove that the other driver was largely at blame based on the officer's observations. Many cases are settled without having to go to trial. It can take a while to go through the pre-trial steps and your case could not be resolved for a year or more.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once an adjuster has all the information they require from you, and the investigation into the accident, they will extend a settlement offer. They will put all the information and facts into a computer program to generate their initial offer. Most likely, they'll arrive at a less than the amount you calculated from your study. It's important to keep in mind that insurance companies have their own financial interests in mind when deciding on settlement offers.

They will wish to limit the amount they pay in medical bills and other damages. You can fight back by pointing out all the ways your injuries could affect your life in the future. For instance, you could mention your increasing medical bills and your lost earnings potential, as well in the mental and physical suffering you're experiencing.

You or your attorney will then prepare an official demand letter and submit it to an insurance company. This letter will include all of the evidence that you have gathered including witnesses' statements and photographs of your injuries. You should also make an inventory of non-negotiables in order to stop the insurance company from undervaluing your claim. Once an agreement is reached, it will be reflected in the form of a written settlement agreement. Negotiations can be a back and forth process, but being patient can help you achieve an equitable settlement.

Legal Advice

Discovery is the next stage of the lawsuit in which both parties exchange information and evidence. The parties may seek medical documents, police reports or witness statements. The parties may also exchange interrogatories that are written questions that must be answered on an oath within certain times. In addition your lawyer will record the extent of your physical emotional and psychological injuries in addition to the other damages you might be seeking to recover in the future, including current and Auto Accident Lawsuit future medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.

Your lawyer will also talk with experts such as medical specialists, mechanics and engineers. These experts can help the jury get clear information about your injuries and auto accident lawyers.

Your lawyer will then start negotiations with the insurance companies to settle your case without a trial. If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement or auto accident lawsuit does not consider your injuries and other damages, your case is likely to go to trial.

It is crucial that victims file a lawsuit immediately even though very few cases are heard in the courtroom. With time, memories fade, witnesses die and evidence is lost and makes it harder to establish a solid claim for maximum compensation. Plus, you must comply with the statute of limitations in your state, which can be anywhere from one to six years.