(Newswire.net — July 4, 2018) — When you’re injured in a car accident, your entire world is turned upside down. Along with the medical bills to treat your injury, you may be looking at a loss of income if you’re not able to work as a result of your injuries. The best way to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve is to consult with an attorney who specializes in car accidents. However, for an attorney to help you, they’ll need to understand the facts of the accident and your injuries. Here are five essential details that you’ll need to share with your lawyer when dealing with an auto accident claim.
When the Accident Occurred
Every year, there are more than six million car accidents that occur in the United States, according to the site Driver Knowledge. When your accident occurred is extremely important when it comes to filing a claim. Failure to file a complaint within your state’s statute of limitations may keep you from being able to file a lawsuit and recover damages from your injuries.
What Happened After the Accident
Your traffic accident lawyer will need to know what happened immediately after the accident. The events that follow an accident can affect a potential lawsuit. For example, if you apologize to the other driver after being involved in a crash, it could be used against you as an admission of fault if your case ends up going to trial.
The Extent of Your Injuries and Financial Losses
According to data released by USA Today, highway crashes cost an estimated $871 billion a year, which includes both economic costs and harm to the society. Whether or not you should pursue a lawsuit will be determined in part by the kind of injuries you sustained and other financial losses as a result of the accident. In addition to the vehicle damage, medical bills, and lost wages, the damages you are awarded might also factor in a loss of consortium, emotional injuries, and pain and suffering, although these can be difficult to prove.
If There Were Any Commercial Vehicles Involved
Accidents involving commercial vehicles like buses or semi-trucks may be subjected to a different set of rules. These rules can include the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. This makes an employer liable for an employee’s acts when the employee is on the job and acting within the scope of their employment requirements.
If Any Laws Were Being Broken
If you were speeding, driving under the influence, or violating any other traffic laws at the time of the accident, it could affect the outcome of your case. If you were committing a traffic violation when you were injured in the crash, it could change the apportionment of fault attributed to the accident. While it may not prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries, it could affect how much you win.
If you’ve been in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical care for any injuries you may have received. Then you need to speak with a qualified auto accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation that you deserve.