Motor Vehicle Claim Tips From The Best In The Business
How to Build a motor vehicle accident attorney (Suggested Resource site) Vehicle Case
In the majority of motor vehicle accident lawyers vehicle cases, you can seek the New York State minimum of $25,000/$50,000 for injuries or property damage. However, the case becomes more complicated when you sue entities other than the driver or owner of the vehicle.
In New York, for example you could potentially recover from multiple parties liable under the strict comparative negligence rule. The issue is if the other parties are leasing companies or rental entities.
Identifying the At-Fault Party
Examining evidence at the crash scene is the first step in determining who was at fault. A police officer investigating the collision will question the drivers and passengers as well as witnesses to compile the full details of what happened. These details will be the basis for an investigation report by the police and help to determine who was negligent and is an essential aspect in determining fault.
It is also useful to examine any damages that have been done to the vehicles involved. For example in the event that you were rear-ended by another driver, the rear vehicle's rear bumper damage will usually provide a narrative that is unambiguous as to who was responsible in the incident.
In New York, which is an insurance state that is no-fault the at-fault party will usually reimburse you for the cost of medical treatment and loss of income up to their policy limits. If you're injured in a way that the state defines as serious, like a loss of an individual body part, serious impairment disfigurement or death in the event of death, you may be able to claim more substantial damages through filing an action.
In the case of car accidents occurring within New York requires a thorough knowledge of the law of the state and various statutes, like CPLR SS 388, which imposes vicarious liability on owners of vehicles for the negligence of the drivers who operate their vehicles without their permission. This is a rebuttable assumption and the evidence of both sides will be scrutinized to determine if the owner had the driver's explicit or implicit consent when the incident occurred.
Collecting Evidence
Evidence is crucial in any case. This includes testimony of witnesses, as well as physical objects, photographs, and documentation. The more evidence you have the higher your chances are of winning. Car accident cases are no exception. The ability to build a strong case for compensation is all about obtaining the right evidence, and it starts with gathering the appropriate details immediately following the crash.
If you're able take photos of the scene as quickly as you are able. Include any vehicle damage or skidmarks as well as any debris. Also, make sure to note down the date when, where, and time of the accident. It's crucial to keep this information in case you need access to traffic or security camera footage for your case.
Depositions and questions are another way to gather evidence. Interrogatories are questions written in writing that the other party must respond to under oath within a certain time frame. Depositions are a type of testimony made outside of court and is usually recorded and then transcribed. Depositions can reveal vital information about an accident and the other parties involved.
It's also important to speak with anyone who was present at the accident, particularly when they are willing to give evidence. neutral witnesses are usually more convincing than those with an interest in the outcome of the case. This is particularly true in accidents involving hit-and-runs, in which the driver who was hit may not be caught immediately.
Obtaining Witness Testimony
If witnesses were present at the scene of the crash, they're likely to testify in your case. However, there are times witnesses who are obstinately refusing to give their testimony. In such cases your lawyer may have to obtain an order of subpoena to legally request their testimony.
In the case of car accidents, expert witnesses are often called upon to testify in a variety of ways. They include experts in reconstruction and medical professionals. Accident reconstruction experts have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of work that allows them to evaluate evidence and give opinions on the causes of your crash. Medical professionals are able to provide an in-depth understanding of the human body and injuries. Radiologist or doctor for instance, could confirm the severity and nature of your injuries. They can also provide CT scan or MRI results.
Vocational experts are an additional kind of expert. They can provide valuable insights into how your injuries had an impact on your life and professional career. They can, for example, explain how your injuries have prevented you from performing certain tasks at work. They can also help a juror understand the full impact on your losses.
Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witness testimony is often the most important factor in an effective case. When we think of experts, we think of long, TV-like trials involving decorated experts giving last-minute details that can mean the difference between winning and defeat. While it is true that experts can be a major factor in a case, their statements should be founded on specific scientific data and analysis and involve an in-depth review of the facts.
There are numerous kinds of expert witnesses that can help in your case, depending on the kind of accident you're dealing with. For instance in cases of car accidents an expert witness who is trained in accidents may make use of their knowledge and training to give insight into the cause of the crash and the underlying causes. Experts are also able to explain the technical aspects of automobiles that are otherwise difficult for a juror to understand.
In personal injuries, experts can also testify on the seriousness of your injuries as well as how they will impact your life going forward. An economist, for example, can prepare a report detailing the financial losses you'll suffer as a result. This includes future income loss as well as household out of pocket expenses.
In general the case of expert witness testimony, it can only be admitted if it adds value to your case. Therefore, it is important to collaborate closely with your lawyer in order to select the right expert for your particular case.