Damages: What is my case worth?

by Kristen White Blogger

Summary:

This article will discuss how to know whether a car accident case is worth anything by way of damages.

Main Text:

Almost every civil lawsuit has one thing in common and that is damages. Damages basically refer to the injury, financial harm or property destroyed that one is entitled to recover compensation for from another party. Personal injury claims provide for drivers and passengers to receive compensation for their injuries, financial loss and property damage as a result of an auto accident. This article will discuss how to know whether a car accident case is worth anything by way of damages.

It must be noted that several factors can affect the amount of compensation an individual receives. In addition, several other factors affect the time that it takes in order for an individual to receive this compensation. For example, in an accident related claim the main damages will include the physical damage to the vehicle, medical expenses - this could be those immediately after the accident and into the future where injuries are severe, lost wages and other damages like pain and suffering. While the above may be standard damages in a car accident case the definiteness and amount recovered mainly depend on how well you can prove your case.

There are a number of questions to take into consideration in order to see the worth of the case. For example:

· Did you get a copy of the police report? The police report provides specific accident-related details that can be used to determine fault in a case. In addition, the report will list the investigating officer’s name and badge number; which is helpful when in need of a witness during a lawsuit. Further, it is not uncommon for insurance company claims adjusters to contact investigating police officers in order to confirm statements that injured parties make on claims.

· Did you immediately seek medical attention? It is necessary to visit the emergency room or your physician as soon as possible after an accident. In some jurisdictions, an individual’s failure to seek medical attention forfeits claims for injuries that do not manifest until later. So, whether or not you feel pain or see injury it is best to seek immediate medical attention.

· Did you have pre-existing injuries? If you had existing injuries or a health condition before the accident ask your physician to take new x-rays or ultrasounds of those injured areas. Being able to compare pre and post-accident scans can help show that the accident did in fact cause additional damage to an area. However, if your injury was not aggravated by the accident then there is no need to claim for that injury.

· Did you talk to anyone at the scene of the accident? Statements you make to other drivers or passengers after the accident can be used against you. Something as simple as “I can't believe I did something so stupid!” can be taken as an acceptance of fault.

· Were there witnesses? If there were, you will need their assistance in proving your case. Or if they may harm your case, you will want to know what they have to say.

More often than not it is best to get contact for accident claims advice from a law firm specializing in auto accidents.

Resource Box: To hire attorneys in Anchorage Alaska [ the author recommends the Crowson Law Group.