Tips for Building an Auto Accident Case
More than five million car accidents were reported to the police in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The good news? That’s a 22% decrease from 2019. The bad news? 43% of those reported resulted in injuries.
No matter the severity of the injury or the extent of the damage caused, the lasting impact can be extremely draining physically, emotionally, and financially—making it all the more necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are our essential tips for building a strong auto accident case, so that you can spend less energy fighting for a fair resolution and more on getting back to the life you love.
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9 Ways to Strengthen Your Auto Accident Case
When involved in an automobile accident, it's often advisable to seek help from a car accident lawyer. But knowing what to do when you're at the scene of the accident and how to speak with your insurance provider can make a significant difference in the outcome of the auto accident case.
1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention
After any auto accident, the first and foremost priority is always safety. Make sure everyone involved is safe, and out of the way of any other potential road hazards. Seek immediate medical attention for injuries—even those you think are minor—and call law enforcement to report the incident.
Prompt medical attention not only ensures the well-being of all parties but also establishes a crucial link between the accident and injuries when examining the case later.
2. Stay at the Scene
No matter what state you’re in when you get into an auto accident, you are required to stop at the scene. Leaving can have serious ramifications, both legally and financially if you try to pursue an auto accident case later.
If the accident causes injuries to others, be it a driver, passenger, or pedestrian; if it leads to a person's death; or if it results in property damage (such as a parked vehicle), and you leave the scene before the arrival of EMS/law enforcement, you could be found guilty in a "hit and run" incident.
3. Gather Comprehensive Evidence
If you can do so safely, collect comprehensive evidence both at the scene of the accident and after to help strengthen your auto accident case. This includes:
A. Photographs
Capture images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any other contributing factors.
B. Witness Statements
Obtain contact information from witnesses and ask for their statements regarding the accident.
C. Police Report
Acquire a copy of the official police report, providing an unbiased account of the accident.
4. Document Injuries and Treatment
Similarly, make sure you keep detailed records of all injuries sustained in the accident. This includes medical bills, treatment plans, prescriptions, and any other relevant medical documentation.
This documentation not only serves as evidence of the extent of injuries, it also establishes a link between the accident and the subsequent medical care.
5. Communicate with Insurance Companies
It’s important that you report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident. While you should be thorough and honest, there are some important things to keep in mind to make the process of building a strong auto accident case a bit easier.
You should provide:
- The others drivers insurance policy and information;
- When the auto accident happened;
- Where the auto accident happened.
You shouldn’t:
- Give a formal statement;
- Feel obligated to answer all of the providers questions.
Insurance companies are notorious for attempting to minimize settlements, and being strategic when talking to them—and having legal representation can help protect your rights—is necessary to negotiate a fair settlement.
6. Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Speaking of negotiating a fair settlement: Enlisting the services of a seasoned personal injury attorney is crucial in navigating the complexities of an auto accident case.
An experienced auto accident attorney can provide invaluable guidance, assess the strength of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
7. Be Mindful of the Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations (that is, the timeframe within which legal action must be initiated), and it’s important to be aware of what that is in your state so you can take timely action.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for cases resulting from an auto accident include:
- Three years from the date of injury for a personal injury
- Three years from the date of damage for property damage
- Two years from the date of death for a wrongful death
8. Keep a Detailed Record of Damages
Calculating the exact amount you deserve in damages after an auto accident is difficult to do. Many people actually underestimate the amount they are owed, forgetting little costs that add up over time.
To get a better idea of the settlement you would be happy with, maintain meticulous records of all damages incurred due to the accident. This includes property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other financial losses. An experienced auto accident attorney can help with this, making sure you don’t overlook any major costs.
9. Seek Expert Opinions
In complex cases, seeking expert opinions can strengthen your position. In addition to your car accident attorney, look to accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or financial analysts that provide testimony to support your case, offering professional insights that enhance the credibility of your claims.
Again, a professional auto accident attorney can take the lead on this in your case, using their knowledge of the system and professional connections to seek out the right expert opinions.
Final Word: Tips for Building an Auto Accident Case
Building a strong auto accident case requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. By prioritizing safety, collecting thorough evidence, documenting injuries, and seeking legal representation, individuals can navigate the road to justice with confidence. Remember, each case is unique, and consulting with a personal injury attorney is essential to tailor these tips to your specific circumstances and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Book your complimentary 30-minute legal consultation with a car accident attorney at Van Camp, Meacham & Newman either online or by calling us at 910-295-2525.
Disclaimer: The information seen on this website, including the article above, is not legal advice or legal counsel. If you wish to speak to a car accident lawyer, contact our North Carolina attorneys directly using our online form or by calling 910-295-2525. While our law firm is located in North Carolina, our attorneys have tried cases and work with clients across the country, from Raleigh, Fayetteville, Pinehurst, and Sanford, to Virginia, Illinois, Oregon, and California to Florida. Call our experienced attorneys today.
