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Steps to Take After a Car Accident A car accident can be a very difficult experience for those involved in the accident. Car accidents can cause a variety of losses, including physical injuries, lost income and medical expenses. Being in good contact with a car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process following an accident. They can also negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies. Medical Records Medical records are a crucial element of evidence in a variety of legal cases. However, obtaining them isn't always simple. They are kept for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is that they are used by insurance companies to verify injury claims. Depending on the accident or treatment, different kinds of documents are required to be submitted for reimbursement. These include medical bills, doctor's narrative reports and correspondence as well as billing information. These records are important for a lawyer representing victims of car accidents because they provide evidence of the severity and causes of injuries. This is difficult to prove without them. They can also be used to determine who is responsible for the cost of the damages. Most of the time doctors who treat an accident victim release required medical records to their legal representative after getting the authorization of the client. These records are usually a couple of years old and permit the lawyer to evaluate the person's life prior to and after the accident. Another reason why medical records are vital is that they can identify whether a patient suffers from a pre-existing condition that exacerbated or aggravated the injuries they sustained following the accident. If a problem is identified before an accident but worsens afterward, it could be a sign of negligence. In addition to proving that an accident resulted in injuries medical records can be used to record the extent of the injury and also provide a breakdown of treatment costs. The information is typically found in a CCR or a health summary of the patient that is a standard format that can be read by various electronic medical record systems. Demographics and vital signs are also part of the medical record. These information can be used to determine the age, gender and race of a person. It is also normal to find emergency contact information in medical records, such as cell phone numbers and addresses. This information is required if a patient needs immediate treatment, such as following an accident. In addition, medical records can be obtained by a court of justice through an order to produce. This can be a very lengthy and complicated process which is why it is recommended to seek out an experienced lawyer who has the resources to ensure that your rights are secured. Photographs A lawyer for car accidents could use photographs to help build an argument. They can help paint a picture of the accident and the damages and prove the liability of the case of a personal injury lawsuit. They can also aid in reviving people's memories when they do not attend the scene of the crash. If you want to get the most value out of your photos you should take pictures on the location. However, if this is not possible, there are still other methods to capture the accident scene. Have someone else take photos of your injuries or damage to your car when you're injured and unable walk. Take pictures of street signs or lights. This will allow you to prove your liability if another driver was speeding or ran a red light. If the accident happened on a road It's also a great idea to capture photos of the road itself, especially if it was wet or snowy at the time of the collision. This will allow an attorney in a car accident to prove that the other driver was driving in unsafe conditions, and thus was responsible for the crash. It's also a good idea, should the skid marks be visible following the accident taking a photograph of them. These marks can suggest that the other driver was trying to avoid a collision, but driving too fast under the conditions. You'll want as much evidence to a jury that you can. This includes pictures of the incident, witnesses, police officers, and vehicles involved in the accident. Your car accident attorney can also document your photos to document your injuries and the impact that the accident has had on your life. These can include physical pain as well as emotional stress and mental trauma. Include medical expenses and lost wages. Insurance claims can result in economic damages. Non-economic damages, however, are awarded in a personal injury lawsuit including pain and suffering, impairment or loss of enjoyment life and future lost income. Witnesses One of the most important steps you can take after a car crash is to gather witnesses. This will help your lawyer create your case and show that the other party is accountable for the crash. You should also try to locate witnesses as soon as possible following the incident, as credibility of witnesses can be lowered if they haven't been heard from or seen within a few days. You can inquire with nearby residents police officers, emergency responders and any other individuals who could have been at the scene of the crash for statements. In evaluating witnesses, jurors, judges, as well as insurance adjusters look for several factors. Some of these factors include the degree to which the witness can remember the incident, their experience with car accidents in the past, and their mental state at the time. The location of the incident is another factor. If the witness was driving or distracted during the time of the accident it won't be as credible as someone with a clear view of everything happening. pedestrians can be great witnesses due to their ability to see everything in a single glance and cannot be distracted by music, cell phones or other distractions. Moreover, they're often the first on the scene of an accident, which means they can have detailed accounts. Employees from nearby businesses can be reliable witnesses, as they can give insight into the cause of the accident, like construction zones or other conditions that made driving more difficult in the area. They can also reveal the duration they were there as well as how close the accident occurred, and whether they saw any blatant acts of recklessness or unsafe behavior of other drivers. Passenger witnesses can also make good witnesses, but they can be tricky. They are usually close friends or relatives of the people who were involved in the accident, making it difficult for a judge to judge their credibility and impartiality. Regardless of their background, witnesses can be crucial for a car accident attorney's success in courtroom. They can share information about the car accident and the injuries sustained by the victim, as well as their personal experiences. In certain cases they can even explain the incident to jurors in a manner that can convince them that you're owed compensation for your damages. Statements Following an accident, many victims are contacted by the insurance company to record a statement. car accidents attorneys near me is to help the adjuster of the insurance company know the specifics of the crash and decide what amount of coverage should be applied. The issue with submitting the written statement to an insurance company is that you might not intend to say something that could weaken your case or damage your credibility as an individual plaintiff. You could claim that you were okay after the accident, when in fact you had a serious injury. A lawyer for car accidents will review all statements submitted by you or any other party involved in the crash, to ensure they are truthful and consistent. These statements can be used by an attorney in court to resolve disagreements over the fault of others or to settle claims for damages. Inconsistencies in your statements with what was told witnesses or law enforcement are often utilized by insurance companies to deny your claim. Insurance companies could also argue that if you don't mention previous incidents in your report, you are not being honest. This could result in a reduction or denial of your claim. A seasoned attorney in car accidents will know the best method to handle these issues and ensure you receive what you are entitled to. They will also help you avoid making mistakes that may reduce the value of your claim and damage your credibility. Despite the efforts of the insurance company to convince you to sign a statement, it's not always in your best interest. An experienced attorney will handle your interactions with the insurance company, such as the negotiation of a settlement and defending you in court. One of the most important things an attorney for car accidents can do is protect you from being deceived into accepting a bargain from the insurance company. They can also help negotiate a fair settlement so that you receive all the amount you're entitled to for your injuries or medical expenses, property damage and much more. Insurance companies are skilled at sabotaging injured victims and are always looking for ways to minimize their claims or withhold compensation from accident victims. You should consult with an attorney immediately following the accident as you can to ensure your insurance company isn't unfairly treating you.