If you sustain an injury in a car accident, you may file a claim against another driver who is responsible for your injuries. However, there is no guarantee that your claim will result in the recovery of compensation for your injuries. There are a number of factors that will influence your ability to collect monetary damages One of the first steps you can take to improve the potential success of your claim is to research Automobile Accident Attorneys in your area and find a lawyer to represent your interests and rights. When it comes to this step, the ball is entirely in your court. Once you have an advocate at your side, there are other people and circumstances that might impact the success of your claim.
Proving Liability
You and your attorney can help improve the chance of success by doing a thorough job collecting evidence and building your case. If there were bystanders who can illustrate that the other driver was at fault, you will want their information. Alsol, you should collect any photographs of the scene, videos from nearby security cameras, or other evidence to build your case Showing that the other party is at fault is only part of the battle, though. You will also need to prove your damages.
Illustrating Damages
Proving economic damages is a matter of compiling related medical bills, lost income, property damages, and other costs resulting from the accident. However, sometimes, the opposing party will challenge the total you provide. For instance, they might argue that your injuries predate the accident or that they weren’t as severe as you claimed them to be. In addition to documents backing up your claim, you might also need to have your doctors or experts provide information supporting your damages. The opposing counsel may depose those medical providers or experts in an effort to argue for a lower total amount of damages. You will also likely request damages for pain and suffering and non-economic damages, and you and your attorney will find a strategy to support those claims.
Who Makes the Decisions in Your Case
Most cases will settle rather than go to trial. When your attorney and the insurance company or opposing attorney negotiate, they will both be taking into account what they believe the value of your case is, as well as other factors, like how receptive a jury might be to your claim. If your attorney and the other party cannot reach a reasonable consensus, your case may go before a judge and jury. In that case, the jury will decide matters like fault and the amount of damages.
Remember, There are Strict Time Limits
Even if you have the strongest case imaginable, you need to meet some strict technical requirements as well. Most notably, Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations that prevents you from filing a case if it’s more than two years after the date of the accident. The best way to avoid technical issues that could bar your claim is to contact an attorney sooner rather than later. While two years might feel like a long time, it passes quickly, and you need to give your lawyer time to prepare your case.
Reach out to a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer
The only way to get information about your specific case is to reach out to an attorney. Scheduling a consultation will allow you to discuss the details of your case and hear what that lawyer thinks is your best course of action. Contact The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin today and set up a time to speak with an experienced automobile accident attorney.