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The Importance of Documenting Your Injuries Car accident injuries can be costly, especially when the victims have to pay for costly medical treatment and vehicle repair or replacement costs. They could also face financial hardship due to missed work or a loss of income. Insurance companies are aware of this and often use tactics to undermine legitimate injury claims. An experienced car accident lawyer is able to thwart these tactics and obtain the highest amount of compensation for the victims. Collecting evidence Although it may seem like an afterthought it is essential to gather evidence in any accident. The evidence can determine who is accountable for an accident, as well as how much compensation you can receive for your injuries and other expenses. An experienced accident lawyer's job is to collect and preserve any evidence relevant to a client’s case. The most reliable evidence is physical, something that can be seen or even touched. A dent on a car can show the severity of the accident or that someone drove recklessly. Physical evidence could also include things such as weather conditions, skidmarks and even the debris left behind by the accident. It is likely that the other party may attempt to hide evidence or alter it in any way, which is why an accident lawyer must act swiftly to get any potential evidence before it's lost. Pictures can also be valuable evidence in a car accident case. It is crucial to have a variety taken from various angles. A digital camera is the best however, a normal camera will also work. It is best to capture photos as soon after the accident as possible, as this will reduce the chance that someone could alter them. It is also helpful to put an expiration date on your photos, so be sure to do this. After an accident, you will also need to collect the police report. A police officer who is responding to an accident site will write a report. The report will contain details about the incident as well as observations made by the officer and the officer's opinion on who is at fault. This is among the most important pieces of evidence, so it's essential to obtain an exact copy whenever you can. Medical records are also essential evidence to gather in an accident case. They will show how much suffering and pain you've endured, and will be a strong evidence for your claims of injuries and loss of income. In addition, an accidents lawyer may consult with medical experts to provide information on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your life in the future. Documenting Your Injury Documenting your injuries is a crucial step in establishing an injury claim. It's not enough to simply take photos of the evidence. Your lawyer will need to know the effect of the injuries you suffered on your life. This includes the financial and emotional costs of your treatment, and also the present and future medical expenses. The documentation of your injuries will aid your attorney in establishing an association between the accident and your injuries. This increases the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation. Photograph Your Injuries If you're physically able, take pictures of any visible injuries, like cuts, bruises, and lacerations, immediately after the incident. This will be a great addition to your medical records, providing you an immediate picture of your injuries. Take photos of any damaged items, like clothing or your car. These images are a great asset in your case since memories fade over time. It is important to seek medical care after any accident, no matter how minor the injuries may seem. This will not just ensure that you receive the correct medical treatment, but also is a crucial part of your documentation. When you visit your doctor, make sure to get copies of all records pertaining to the incident, such as doctors' notes, prescriptions, X-rays or MRI scans. The documents you have will show the extent of your injuries, and will also show that you're devoted to following medical advice. Keep a Pain Journal As you progress through your treatment it's recommended to keep a daily pain journal that documents your daily symptoms and feelings. This will show your commitment to a full and complete recovery, and also provide you with a clear understanding of how your injuries have affected your life. Keep accidentinjurylawyers of all expenses that you incur due to your accident. This includes travel expenses and medical costs. Keep all receipts and invoices that relate to your income loss. This will allow your lawyer to estimate the financial impact of your loss which will be incorporated into your compensation claim. Request family members or friends who witnessed the incident to write down what they saw. Witness testimony is an important instrument in establishing the severity of your injuries and obtaining compensation for your loss. Negotiating with the Insurance Company Negotiating a fair settlement should be easy when you have the right evidence to prove the damage. The insurance company will try to minimize your claim by offering less than what you're entitled to. You need an attorney who is willing to fight for your rights and to protect you. A lawyer with experience in accident cases can help you negotiate with insurance companies and help protect you from being taken advantage of. Your lawyer or you will then prepare an order letter that outlines your compensation request after you've determined the complete extent of your injuries and damages. This document should describe your medical treatment, injuries and losses incurred due to the car accident. It should also be accompanied by medical records, witness statements and invoices. The demand letter should also contain details about any property damage or other losses associated with the accident. Your lawyer will send this letter to your insurer and wait for a response. You should reject the initial offer made by the insurance adjuster. After you reject the initial offer, an adjuster will usually offer a counter-offer that is slightly higher than the original demand letter. Negotiations will continue until a fair settlement can be reached that compensates you in a fair manner for the losses and costs. It is essential to negotiate your claim with a sense of patience and respect. It is important to remember that the insurance adjuster has a job to ensure the company's bottom line, not you. It is also beneficial to talk about your hardships and injuries in an eloquent and respectful way. This can have a positive effect and make the insurance adjuster more empathetic towards you. It is essential to keep an original copy of the settlement agreement once you have reached an agreement. It should be recorded in a written contract that is signed by both parties. You should also request a transcript of any conversations you had on the phone or face-to-face. Filing a Lawsuit Your lawyer will file a suit against the insurance company of the party at fault within the shortest time possible following the accident. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be required to file multiple lawsuits. It is essential to hire a car accident lawyer who has experience handling multifaceted car accidents and negotiating with multiple parties. Once the initial discovery process is completed after which your lawyer will send a letter to the insurance company of the party at fault stating the facts and legal grounds the insured is responsible under New York law, along with an order for damages. The letter will also list the economic damages you have suffered which include medical bills, lost income, and your non-economic damages like suffering and pain. The insurance company will respond with a counteroffer, and the negotiation process will begin. Remember that the insurance company of the defendant has an economic incentive to pay your claim as low as is feasible. During the trial, your lawyer will present evidence, including the testimony of your medical experts. The defendant will present their defense and also argue in favor of their case. The judge or jury will then listen to both arguments and make a final decision. The process of filing a vehicle accident lawsuit could take up to a year or more but it's worth the investment. The insurance companies will know that you have a seasoned lawyer for car accidents on your side, and they are more likely to offer an appropriate settlement for your injuries. You will be better positioned to negotiate if the case does not settle. Your lawyer will also not charge per hour but rather a percentage of your verdict or settlement. This is called the contingency payment, and is the most popular method of paying lawyers for their services. This can help many people afford to have a qualified lawyer representing them in a car accident and increases their chances of getting the compensation they are entitled to.