According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 40,990 fatal car accidents last year.
Many people find themselves overwhelmed when it comes to dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal claims after a crash.
Today we’re taking a closer look into how a legal expert can help with car accident damage, proving negligence, and maximizing your compensation.
Understanding Car Accident Damage
When you’re in a car accident, there are usually two types of damage to think about: damage to your body and damage to your vehicle. Both need to be carefully documented, especially when you’re making a legal claim.
Car accident damage can be physical, emotional, and financial. Knowing how to properly assess and present this damage is a critical part of the legal process.
Physical damage to your vehicle is the most visible. It includes repairs to your car and any personal property that was inside at the time of the accident.
In addition to the vehicle damage, bodily injuries are a key part of any car accident claim. Whether you have minor injuries or need long-term medical care, these costs can add up quickly.
Medical bills, physical therapy, and future treatments should all be included in your claim. A lawyer can help gather medical records and other evidence to show how serious the injuries are.
Finally, don’t forget about the emotional and financial impact. Accidents can lead to lost wages, pain and suffering, and other non-physical losses. These are harder to quantify but are just as important in a legal claim.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident
Proving negligence is one of the most important aspects of any car accident case. It’s the legal concept that determines who is at fault and, ultimately, who is responsible for paying for the damage.
Duty
This means that the person responsible for the accident had a legal obligation to act in a certain way. In the context of a car accident, every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
This duty exists to prevent harm to other people on the road. If the driver fails to uphold this duty, they may be considered negligent.
Breach
This occurs when the person fails to meet the standard of care required by law. For example, a driver who runs a red light or speeds through a stop sign has breached their duty to follow traffic laws.
Causation
It’s not enough to show that a person breached their duty. You also have to prove that this breach directly caused the accident.
It means showing a clear link between the other driver’s actions and the damage or injury that resulted. A lawyer will work to collect evidence like witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and accident reports to prove causation.
Damages
Once the first three elements have been proven, you need to demonstrate that actual harm occurred. It can include physical injuries, vehicle damage, and other financial losses.
Your lawyer will gather medical records, repair bills, and other documentation to show the full extent of the damages.
Maximizing Your Compensation
After a car accident, your goal is to recover the compensation you deserve for the damage and injuries you’ve suffered. There are three key ways a lawyer can help you maximize your compensation:
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation
- Ensuring future costs are included
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out. They might offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover all your expenses.
A best car accident lawyer will fight for you during negotiations, making sure you get a fair deal. They know the tactics insurance companies use and can counter their efforts to underpay.
Identifying All Potential Sources of Compensation
In many cases, there may be more than one source of compensation available. It could include your own insurance policy, the other driver’s insurance, or even third parties if multiple vehicles were involved.
Your lawyer will identify all these sources to make sure no opportunity for compensation is missed. This ensures that all medical bills, lost wages, and property damage are addressed.
Ensuring Future Costs Are Covered
Car accidents can result in ongoing medical issues or long-term recovery needs. It’s easy to overlook future expenses when dealing with the immediate aftermath of an accident.
However, a skilled lawyer will ensure that any potential future costs, like physical therapy or continued treatments, are included in the settlement. It’s vital in securing full compensation for both present and future needs.
Choosing the Best Car Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right lawyer after a car accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With so many options, it’s important to know what to look for. A good lawyer will have the right experience, a strong track record, and a focus on personal injury law.
Experience is the first factor to consider. You’ll want a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours and knows the ins and outs of car accident law.
Experience means they’ll be familiar with the legal process and how to deal with insurance companies. A lawyer who specializes in personal injury law is better equipped to represent you than someone with a general practice.
Next, consider their track record. The best car accident lawyer will have a history of successful settlements and trial wins. Look for client testimonials, reviews, and examples of past cases.
Lastly, a lawyer should be easy to communicate with. After an accident, you’ll have questions and concerns, and your lawyer should be available to answer them.
Best Accident Law Firm
Hiring the best car accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve after an accident. From proving negligence to maximizing your settlement, their expertise is invaluable. Protect your rights and ensure that every aspect of your case is handled with care and professionalism.
At Kearney, Freeman, Fogarty & Joshi, we’ve served as car accident lawyers in Northern Virginia for more than 30 years. Our dedicated team is committed to protecting your rights and getting a fair recovery for you after your accident.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your car accident case!