Finding yourself in the middle of any lawsuit can be worrisome, especially when you have been hurt in the process. Even as the sole injured party, you may need to understand the legal aspect of your case. Discussing the events with a licensed attorney, such as the legal professionals at Preszler Law, can help you figure out your next move in your legal case. To make sure you have a solid and legitimate suit, gathering all the right information is vital. Your lawyer will sift through what you have and determine what else is needed to move forward. Here is what you need to know about your personal injury lawsuit.
At the scene
Every year, about 6 million people find themselves involved in an automobile accident. Between 2 to 3 million are hurt, many permanently. This can cause financial strain for them and their family. This doesn’t even include the damage to houses and businesses that can destroy your livelihood and alter your life forever. After an accident, it can be difficult to be in the right frame of mind. You can be shaken up mentally and hurt physically, causing you to lose focus on what you may need. Trying to focus may be the last thing on your mind, however, it can be the difference of a slam dunk case and struggling to make ends meet. You need to follow a few steps to make sure you have everything in place for a good case.
The first step is calling the police to ensure reports are completed and that everything has been done properly in case your lawyer needs this for legal purposes. The police will take down all parties’ information for insurance claims and record all parties’ version of what occurred.
The next important step is to call for medical help. If you are in the car and find you are too injured to get out, wait until help arrives. If you are able to move yourself and your vehicle, try to get it to the side of the road to prevent other accidents. Once the medical team arrives, they will help you exit the vehicle safely.
The importance of evidence
Collecting evidence that consists of paperwork such as medical statements and police reports help solidify your case. If you find yourself in a suit against another party, you and your lawyer will need solid records of your injury claims, the police report, and other documents. Sometimes weather conditions can cause car crashes and you may not be at fault. However, the other party may claim they have medical problems and want you to pay their insurance claims. Taking physical evidence such as photographs of the scene with a time stamp can clarify any misunderstandings or false claims. Witnesses to the accident can also benefit you and can recall what happened without wavering from the events. Unreliable witnesses can be detrimental so make sure you and your lawyer vet those coming forward with their version of events.
What do accident physicians do?
Seeking advice from one of your family doctors may be a great asset in your case. They may tell you to ask an accident doctor who specializes in those getting hurt because of car-related accidents. After their assessment, these medical experts will bill the insurance company. Professionals will recommend getting medical attention immediately or within three days of the incident. Even if you feel fine after a crash, your body can show signs later on. Whiplash is one condition that can be felt days afterward. If you suffer from an accident-related injury but see a doctor days or weeks later, it may get dismissed as another unrelated injury. Another tip is to continue medical treatment until the physician tells you to. It isn’t just for your physical benefit and following doctors orders; these sessions are the best proof you have to show you are indeed hurt.
Creating a paper trail of necessary care gives your lawyer more leverage for you to receive what you deserve after the accident. Always look over your own paperwork so that if you’re asked about it from the other legal team during court, you can answer correctly. Every detail counts, and even though you may not want to recall a painful memory, it can help you get the result you are seeking.