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Finding a Car Crash Lawyer
Maryland Car Crash Lawyer can help you obtain all the evidence you need to prove liability in your case. They can also help you file claims with the proper insurance companies and discuss your specific options based on your policy.
They can also prevent you from making mistakes that could hurt your claim. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
When it comes to car accidents, a lot of things need to be done right away – check for injuries, call 911, and get the names and insurance information from all parties involved. One of the most important things to do, though, is to file a police report. A police report records the accident and contains information that may be crucial for your legal case.
The police report is completed by the responding officer – either from your local police department or the Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident happened. It will include their assessment of the incident and statements from the drivers and witnesses. While the police report is not admissible in court, it provides a valuable, unbiased third-party view of the events.
Police reports usually include useful information, such as the date and time of the crash, weather conditions, a detailed description of the vehicles involved, and a list of any eyewitnesses. It will also often include a diagram of how the accident occurred and what the vehicles were doing at the time of the crash.
One of the most important uses of a police report is that it proves you reported the incident to the police. This can be especially helpful in a lawsuit or insurance claim. If you have proof that you reported the incident, you are less likely to be accused of lying or making inaccurate statements.
The other thing a police report can do is help you to establish liability for the accident. However, it is important to remember that police officers and insurance companies often have different opinions of what happened. This is why it is crucial to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side.
Getting a police report is relatively simple, and you don’t even have to visit the police department in person most of the time. In fact, you can now often do it through the NYPD’s online portal. However, the portal is only available for people who live in New York, Connecticut, or Massachusetts, so if you were visiting from another state when your accident took place, you will have to use another method.
Take Pictures
When it comes to car crash cases, pictures are some of the most powerful pieces of evidence. If you don’t have enough or the right kind of pictures, your case could quickly become a “he-said, she-said” situation where it’s impossible to determine who is at fault and how severe the damage really was. Pictures provide a clear, indisputable portrayal of the accident scene, damages caused by the crash and the extent of any injuries suffered.
Whenever possible, take as many photos of the accident scene as you can. A good rule of thumb is to have a mix of close-ups and wide angle shots that are clear and in focus. Take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle, the skid marks left behind on the road, and any debris that was left from the crash. You should also take a few photos of your injuries, both immediately after the accident and again the day after to show any swelling.
If you are severely injured in the crash and not able to take pictures, it’s best to ask a friend or family member to do so. It’s not a good idea to risk your life, however, so only do this if you are healthy and safe enough to.
Photographs are not the only important piece of evidence after a car crash, but they’re incredibly useful and crucial to the strength of your case. You can also write down notes or even record a statement about what happened while the information is still fresh in your mind.
Another thing to keep in mind is that any pictures you take of the accident scene must be time stamped and dated. Otherwise, they will not be allowed as part of your case’s evidence. This is a small but important detail that can make all the difference when it’s time to present your evidence in court.
Finally, if you are able to, it is important to take photographs of the other driver’s vehicle and license plate. This is an essential step to proving who was at fault for the crash and can make or break your case in terms of getting the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company
When you are involved in a car accident, it can be very difficult to get back on your feet. You are dealing with injuries, may not be able to work, and have bills to pay. This can put a huge strain on you and your family. You might be tempted to talk with the insurance company to try to speed up your claim, but this can be a big mistake.
While an adjuster may seem friendly and helpful, they are not on your side. They are an employee of the insurance company and have a duty to their employer to find anything that they can use against you to deny or reduce your claim. They are also skilled actors, and they can trick you into saying something that could hurt your case.
The insurance adjuster will ask questions designed to get you to say something that can be used against you. They will likely ask if you had any pre-existing injuries or if there was any alcohol consumption on the day of the accident. They may also want you to sign a medical release so they can obtain your medical records. You do not need to provide this information to the insurance adjuster, and you should always avoid signing any documents they give you without first reviewing them with your attorney.
If you are asked for a statement by the insurance adjuster, politely decline. If they pressure you, tell them that all communications should go through your attorney. If they persist, then answer the questions they are asking but keep the conversation short and offer only basic information. Anything you say can be used against you, so it is best to stick with the facts and not discuss fault or the extent of your injuries.
If they ask to speak with your passengers, do not allow it. This can be used to build a case that your passengers are at fault for the crash, and it will negatively impact your claim. Instead, have your lawyer speak with your passengers so they can answer any questions the insurance adjuster has.
Hire an Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need to find a skilled and experienced attorney to represent you. Taking the time to research an attorney’s background, work history and strategy can help you narrow your choices and make a confident decision that is in your best interests. Start by reading reviews on lawyer websites and social media. Then, take it a step further and check your state’s legal board to see any complaints against the firm or individual attorneys.
It is also helpful to ask friends and family for recommendations. They may have gone through the same experience you are, and they can tell you about their experiences and how they worked with their attorney or law firm.
You can also find out more about an attorney’s approach and strategy by scheduling an initial consultation. Most attorneys will schedule a free initial consultation to get a feel for your case and see whether they are the right fit. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about their fees, as well as whether they charge on an hourly basis or require a retainer.
An experienced car accident lawyer will have a strong sense of what your claim is worth and will be incentivized to maximize the payout. This helps ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of and receive the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills, property damage and lost income.
A qualified attorney will also be able to investigate the accident and gather evidence, including witness statements, photographs and videos, and medical records. They will be able to uncover important details that could strengthen your case, such as the presence of pre-existing conditions or extenuating circumstances at the scene.
Finally, an experienced attorney can level the playing field with insurance companies by knowing the tactics they use to minimize or deny claims. They can also build a solid case to prove that your injuries meet the required severity threshold under state law and that you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering.
A car crash lawyer can also guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit, which can be intimidating and confusing for a first-timer. In addition to preparing documents, they will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and can answer any questions you might have about your claim.