Auto Accident Legal Matters

Get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible when you've been injured in a car crash. Your lawyer can explain your rights and help you get the compensation that you need.

All drivers are responsible for adhering to traffic laws. They are accountable if they violate this duty and cause harm.

Damages

In general there are two types of damages that may result from a car crash. The first type of damages called special damages, comes with the value of a dollar that is easily calculated. Special damages are medical bills as well as lost wages and vehicle repairs. The second type of damage, also known as non-economic damage is more difficult to quantify. They include things like suffering and pain.

To be eligible for vimeo compensation for noneconomic losses it is necessary to prove that your injuries were severe enough to warrant such an award. This is a daunting task, and the injured must be represented by an attorney.

One of the most prevalent types of non-economic damages is the loss of enjoyment of life. It is typically a financial amount that is a reflection of a diminished quality of living because of injuries resulting from accidents. Also, it can result in the inability of participating in certain activities, like driving, that used to be enjoyable.

In rare cases victims can pursue punitive damages. This kind of damage is designed to punish the defendant for a particular sloppy act and also to discourage others from doing similar things in the future. Punitive damages may not be available in all cases and a successful claim depends on the evidence that proves the defendant acted with conscious disregard for other people's safety.

Liability

If you are injured in an oklahoma city auto accident law firm accident the person who caused your injuries is responsible to compensate you. This will include money for medical expenses or property damage, as well as loss of income and noneconomic damage like pain and suffering. In most cases, the person who caused a crash will be responsible. It is not unusual for two drivers to share responsibility. Certain states have laws that are called comparative negligence, where jurors determine the percentage of each driver and adjusts the damage award in accordance with the percentage.

It is important that you can prove to the satisfaction of an insurance company, juror or judge that the incident occurred. This is referred to as the burden of proof. The burden falls on the person who makes the claim - the plaintiff and it demands that you provide the evidence that demonstrates how your accident happened.

A government institution can be liable for an accident. This could happen when a road is not maintained or constructed properly which can lead to an accident. These types of claims are also known as road defect cases. Sometimes, the manufacturers are the ones to blame in these kinds of claims as well. They may be responsible for car defects like brakes, tires and mechanical failure.

At-fault driver citations

Usually, a police officer can determine who caused the accident by looking at the crash scene and interviewing witnesses. If they suspect that a driver is in violation of traffic laws, they can issue a citation. Insurance companies may also examine police reports to determine who is at fault.

After an accident, it is normal for drivers to glare at each one another. This can be harmful. Apart from giving the other driver a negative impression, it could lead to an admission of guilt which could be used against you in court.

Most car accidents can involve two or more individuals who share some degree of blame. This is why most states follow modified comparative fault rules that allow the claimant to recover damages that are less than their percentage of fault. An insurance adjuster might use a traffic citation to increase a claimant's percentage of blame in an accident, Vimeo which could limit their compensation for their injuries.

The fact that someone is cited after a car accident may be a strong proof that they caused the crash. It is not a guarantee that a personal injury case will be successful. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may require other types of evidence to prove the negligence of another driver caused harm to you. This includes witnesses' testimony, evidence from the scene of the accident as well as medical records regarding your injuries.

Police reports

When law enforcement officers attend a car accident scene they fill out an official police report. These reports include both information and opinions recorded by the officers at the scene at the time the incident occurred. This is an important document for any claim for auto accidents. Insurance companies also will review the report to determine fault and the amount of compensation.

In accordance with the area of jurisdiction, police reports can be admissible or not. The police report includes statements from people who aren't certified as witnesses. In order for these statements to be used in a legal matter they must be covered by one of the exceptions to hearsay law.

A typical report from a police officer contains information about the driver, the vehicles and the people involved in the accident as well as an account of the incident and any evidence found at the scene. A majority of police reports contain the officer's opinions on the reason for the accident and who's at fault.

If you're not injured it is recommended that you always submit a police report after any incident you're involved in even if it seems to be a minor. Not all injuries are apparent right away and having a solid record can go a long way toward helping you get the compensation you're entitled to for your medical expenses.