Settlements for car accident claims tend to vary by case. But the claim process is the same in all types of car accident cases. The majority of these claims are settled without going to court. However, they may not settle quickly. Unless you, as the victim, are willing to settle for an amount that does not cover all your losses, car accident claims do not resolve right away. Regardless of how long the claim settlement process takes, an auto accident attorney in Bellevue will closely work with you at each step of the process. Insurance adjusters will employ different tactics to reduce or deny insurance payouts. But your attorney can do whatever it takes to secure maximum compensation for you.
Gathering Evidence Available at the Crash Site
As the victim, you must collect evidence to prove your claims. In car accidents, evidence can include the police report, related photos or videos, statements from witnesses, and medical bills. Also, your attorney may work with an accident reconstruction specialist to put together electronic evidence such as steering angle, vehicle speed, brake application, and engine RPM.
Establishing Liability
Liability in car accidents is assigned to the party that caused the crash and must be held accountable. It may fall on more than one party that has a legal responsibility to compensate you.
Car accidents can result from negligence or recklessness. Negligence happens when a motorist does not drive the car with reasonable care such as within the speed limit. Also, reasonable care, when driving, includes obeying traffic laws and avoiding distractions. Meanwhile, recklessness is more than just not exercising reasonable care. Rather, reckless motorists intentionally disregard an obvious risk that their driving behavior may lead to injuries. Recklessness in driving includes street racing, impaired driving, and swerving around slowed traffic.
To establish liability in car accident cases, you need to document the crash scene by taking pictures or videos. Also, you must report the collision to your insurance provider promptly. Make sure you seek immediate medical attention to document any injuries you have sustained and start treatment. Follow the orders of your doctor.
In addition, you must collect invoices, bills, and receipts of all expenses related to the car accident and your injuries, including medical treatment and car repairs. Lastly, call a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer can investigate the accident and recover evidence that can prove liability for the injuries you have suffered.
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