Car accident cases are often frustrating, especially when dealing with stubborn insurance companies who will fight tooth and nail to avoid compensating you. In order to pursue damages in a car accident case, you need to be able to build a strong legal case. There can be no gray areas as to who was at fault and how the crash occurred.
If you were involved in a crash, it's important that you understand the key components to building a strong claim. An experienced Toronto lawyer at Smitiuch Injury Law explains the courses of action you should take after a crash and what your lawyer can do for you.
Your initial crash investigation
Be sure to check on everyone involved immediately after a crash. Report any injuries to the police. While waiting for the police to arrive, be sure to take pictures of the crash scene, get the contact information of witnesses and take note of any nearby surveillance cameras.
When the police arrive, they will conduct an initial investigation and draft up a comprehensive crash report. This will include:
- A narrative and diagram indicating how the crash occurred
- Citations and arrests made
- The weather and road conditions
- Tire marks in the road
- Damage to both cars
- Direction of both cars at the time of the crash
A police report can be valuable in your car accident case because it confirms specific details that can't be disputed by the other driver's insurance company. For example, if your crash was caused by drunk driving, the report will likely document an arrest. The at-fault driver's insurance company can't dispute this.
Getting medical attention after a car accident
You may not feel injured at the time of your crash, but you should still get medical attention. Some injuries take several days to start showing signs and symptoms. This is common with whiplash, concussions and injuries to the spine.
By getting timely medical attention and an accurate diagnosis, the other driver's insurance company can't argue that your injuries are exaggerated. In addition, your medical evaluation and diagnosis can prove that the other driver's negligence resulted in damages. These include:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Evidence gathered by your lawyer
Always consult with an experienced car accident lawyer after a crash. It's easy to sabotage your chances of getting compensated without the right legal representation. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your crash and gather critical evidence used to support your case. This includes:
- A copy of the police report
- Cellphone records of the at-fault driver
- Surveillance camera footage
- Statements from witnesses
- Your medical records
- Photos of the crash scene
With the right evidence, your lawyer can negotiate with the other driver's insurance company for a fair and complete financial settlement. If a settlement can't be reached, your case may go to trial where the evidence can be presented before a judge and jury. Your lawyer will then fight for compensation through a verdict or judgment.
Contact our Toronto law firm for help with your car accident case
Smitiuch Injury Law offers free and confidential case consultations to clients in the GTA. We'll review the details surrounding your crash and work tirelessly to help you recover every dollar you're entitled to.
Our law firm has helped injured people get the justice they deserve since 2001. Contact us online today to find out how we can help you.
