Car accidents can be a harrowing experience for their victims. Even if you’re dealing with a relatively minor accident with a car driving into the back of your car, the impact can be significant. That bump could cause physical injuries, emotional distress, and the need for some expensive repair work. Anyone dealing with the aftereffects of a car accident should get in touch with qualified car accident lawyers to seek compensation. These professionals will help you build a case to get the end result you deserve.
Ultimately, success in a compensation case after a car accident is all about finding evidence to prove your case. Compensation works in two ways. First, you need to prove that the other person involved in the accident is the one at fault. If the court rules that it was your negligence that caused the crash instead, you may have to pay out via a countersuit. Then, there’s the proof that the accident caused enough damages to warrant a payout. Courts can rule that defendants pay compensation for various costs, but only with suitable evidence.
Proving Fault In A Car Accident
The first step is to prove that the other driver involved in an accident is the one at fault. You and your car accident lawyer need to show clear evidence that even if you share partial blame in some way, you’re owed compensation due to the actions of the other person. There are many ways that other drivers can be at fault. Recklessness and negligence on the road are common, with drivers failing to signal, running red lights, or simply not paying attention. Distracted driving through texting, intoxication, and fatigue can also be influencing factors. Either way, you must prove their guilt while their team is out to prove their innocence. Eventually, the court has to rule in someone’s favor, and you want the best possible chance of getting justice.
Accident Reports
Your best chance of proving fault after a car accident is to have as much information as possible from the scene of the crime. Police reports are essential for an official report on the circumstances surrounding the crash. They will highlight other traffic violations that led to the incident, such as a DWI charge or driving while texting.
Photographic and Video Evidence
It is also important to take as many photos as possible of the crash and damage before anything gets cleaned up and fixed. This is essential for insurance claims and is clear evidence for your case. On top of that, you can also try to obtain dash cam footage from other drivers in the area or CCTV footage from the area. You might be surprised at how many angles you can get of a crash in busy urban areas.
Also, remember that the defendant will do all they can to prove that the accident was due to your driving or other circumstances. They may try to blame the weather or road conditions. Evidence to counter those claims could go a long way. For example, if they insist the road was wet, but you can prove it was actually a nice sunny day.
Proving Damages In A Car Accident
Proving the other driver is at fault is just the start. The end goal here is to gain compensation to help you handle the consequences of the accident. Once the court is sure that the other driver is at fault and liable to pay out appropriate costs, it comes down to determining a figure. Look for car accident lawyers in St Louis who know how to build a case to highlight economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to financial losses caused by the accident. This could be a way to cover the medical bills associated with your injuries, the costs of repairing your vehicle, or the loss of earnings at work. Non-economic damages refer to the pain and suffering caused by the accident. You can claim for physical pain and suffering via any injuries caused but also for the emotional and mental suffering experienced. For example, those dealing with PTSD following a car crash or depression from lost earnings can claim with the right evidence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are typically the easiest to prove because all you need are legitimate receipts and invoices detailing your costs. You can get hold of your medical bills following the accident and for any related follow-up care. Money paid out for surgeries, pain medication, and physical therapy all count. You can also add invoices for repairs to your car, the cost of getting a rental while it’s off the road, or any other monetary expense. Beyond that, you can also find a way to prove your loss of earnings if you had to take time away from work after the accident.
Non-economic Damages
These are harder to prove because they are more subjective and don’t come with the same black-and-white written proof as economic costs. Courts will want to see how the accident caused the emotional and mental strain highlighted in a claim. One suggestion from car accident lawyers is to create a journal about your thoughts and struggles after the accident. You can also use character statements and testimonies from doctors and loved ones for an outside view. Your lawyer will help you gather as much as possible and work with family members to strengthen your case.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer Today
The sooner you make a start on a car accident compensation claim, the better. You need to ensure you have all the necessary evidence available from day one, such as accident photos and injury reports. Talk to a professional lawyer about your case and let them help you build a strong file with as much proof as possible. Every piece of evidence that proves the other driver was at fault and that you’re entitled to compensation helps. With their expertise, you can present your case to court and hopefully get the compensation you deserve.
