After being involved in an auto accident and getting legal representation, there will be certain documents that you have to present to your lawyer for a better evaluation of your case.
Here is a list of important documents that you need to secure:
1. Insurance policy – A copy of your insurance policy will help your lawyer determine what type of insurance coverage you may be entitled to.
2. Proof of Premium Payments – These statement, bills, or receipts will show your periodical remittance of premium payments to your insurance company. This is evidence that will help prove that the policy is in force and is paid up.
3. Information Exchanged at the Accident Scene – You must give your lawyer all information exchanged between parties to an accident while at the scene. This includes names and contact numbers.
4. Police Information on the Accident – Provide your lawyer with a copy of the accident report drafted by police. This information contains important details in the accident including the on-scene officer’s initial impression and the diagram of cars and pedestrians at the time of the accident.
5. Tickets Related to the Incident – If you were issued a citation ticket related to the accident, give your attorney a copy of the ticket. This will inform him of the violation made.
6. Photographs – If your car was damaged in the accident and you have taken pictures of it, you have to show them to your lawyer. If you do not have a photograph, your lawyer can help you obtain a copy from the insurance company.
7. Statements Made to the Insurance Company – If you get involved in a car accident, a representative of your insurance company may have contacted you to get your statement about the accident. However, once you hire a lawyer, you are not obliged to give a statement to your insurance company. In any case, provide your lawyer a copy of this statement or inform him if you have given a statement to your insurance company.
8. Medical/ Psychological Records – Provide your lawyer all the medical records of your injuries and treatment made, and as much as necessary the psychological and psychiatric treatment you received, including the names and addresses of your health providers.
9. Income/ Pay Records – Give your lawyer a proof of your pre-accident earnings to help him calculate for “lost wages” compensation.
These important documents will help your lawyer obtain compensation for the damages you received as a result of the accident. To assist you better in your claim, a personal injury attorney who specializes in auto accidents can improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserved.
By: Manuel Salvacion
Archive for November, 2009
Important Documents Needed By Lawyers in Auto Accident Cases
November 30th, 2009Car Accident Injury Claim Q & A
November 28th, 2009
Before you file a car accident injury claim, it’s not unusual to have a lot of questions you’d like to have answered before stepping into the legal mire of such a complicated situation. You or a loved one may have already been suffering from the effects of a vehicular collision and certainly don’t need more stress and anxiety while trying to pick up the pieces of your lives physically, emotionally and financially.
Questions and Answers about Filing an Injury Claim
In order to help you know more about what to expect before you legally file, many of the commonly asked questions are answered below:
Can I file an accident claim or do I need a lawyer to help me?
Yes, you may file, but hiring a lawyer is usually the best option to deal with in most cases. Lawyers who deal with these types of cases have experience and expertise that helps their clients. Also, they have access to expert witnesses and other valuable information that may strengthen your case.
What if I can’t afford to hire a lawyer?
Most winning clients who secure the services of an injury lawyer will receive more compensation than if they had attempted to file a claim alone. Entering into a ‘no win no fee’ contract with a lawyer will be more beneficial to you as well. So, if you win, you and the lawyer get paid. If your lawyer loses your case, you will not lose anything but your time spent on the case. Your initial consultation is always free so that you may discuss this option before giving your case to an injury lawyer.
How long does it normally take to settle a car accident injury claim?
Many people who have sustained injuries are under pressure financially and need to settle as soon as possible. The temptation to settle for a small amount under pressure is easy to do, but it’s best to resist this temptation if at all possible and to let your injury claim lawyer do his or her best job in securing you the best compensation possible.
The length of time that it takes to settle a car accident injury claim depends on the circumstances of the incident and the attitude of the liable insurance company. Some cases can be settled in a matter of weeks and others may have to be taken through the court system for you to receive a fair compensation. You can discuss your best options with your legal advisor.
Should I try to communicate or deal with the liable party in order to settle before going to court?
No, it’s is best to leave all communications to an injury claim attorney who has extensive experience handling claims cases and who can handle your car accident injury claim for your best benefit.
Be sure to be as informed as possible before going ahead with any personal injury case. Knowing the answers to these most commonly asked car accident injury claims questions can help you determine your best option if you or someone you know has unfortunately suffered a whiplash injury.
By: P.S. Orr
How Lawyers Mitigate Effects of Collision Accidents
November 28th, 2009
Vehicle collision is one of the most common road accidents in Los Angeles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicle collisions account for nearly 35% of major road accidents in California last year. In Los Angeles alone, 900 deaths were caused by collision accidents last year.
Car accidents involving other moving vehicles accounted for the large number of accident deaths in California in 2004 with 1,336 deaths due to collision with other vehicles. Collision with non-moving objects like telephone poles, palm poles, street signs and other stationary objects account for another 1,072 deaths in the same year.
Among the major car accident or collisions are:
• rear-end collision
• head-on collisions
• rollovers
• side impact collisions
• truck under-ride accidents
• backup accidents
• suicides
• speeding
Several factors caused vehicle collisions that may be external:
1. road conditions – this take into account the conditions of the road like slippery pavement, wet roads. Muddy, etc.
2. weather conditions – weather conditions can affect driving ability and may also change the way you judge objects in view.
3. condition of the vehicles
4. vehicle speed – maintaining speed can help soften impact in most collision accidents
The internal factors in a collision injury are often determined by the following factors:
• position of the passengers inside the car – an overloaded vehicle may cause fatal effects on passengers during accidents.
• head rest
• seatbelts and airbags – to ensure safety, make sure that car seat belts and airbags are working
• awareness of the crash – knowing what to do in case of collision can help you anticipate emergency procedures
Basic Rules For Proving Faults in Vehicle Collision
Legal liability in an accident is determined by who was less careful. However, there are other propositions for proving faults in collisions:
• if the injured person was were he was not supposed to be
• if the injured person was also careless, his compensation may be reduced
• if the injured person was working for another person, the employer may also be held responsible
• if the accident is caused by property
• if the accident is caused by the a defective product
Who Can Help You
An accident lawyer who specializes in collision accidents can help you obtain your claim for injury and damages.
An accident lawyer can help you in the following ways:
• Assess your legal situation
• Obtain additional evidence, information, and reports to support your case.
• Provide evaluation and coaching on legal issues
• Negotiate for terms
• Represent you in legal hearings
Effects of collision accidents are often disheartening to accident victims. In fatal collision accidents, victims did not even have the chance to obtain justice. In this respect, accident lawyers are available to help car collision victims to obtain compensation for injury and damages they sustain from these accidents.
To have a better chance of obtaining justice, it is essential to choose an accident lawyer who has the skills and the knowledge in litigating collision cases.
Get the most out of your vehicle accident injuries. Hire the assistance of our notable Los Angeles Collision Lawyers and be ready to obtain justice and suitable legal remedies.
By: Manuel Salvacion