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Basics When Filing a Car Accident Liability Claim

There are several different kinds of personal injury cases and claims out there, and perhaps the single most common and well-known surrounds car accidents. Car accident liability claims are quite common, involving one party making a claim against another for both monetary damages and bodily harm, and those who are in such a situation should know a few basic things before proceeding.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to offer the very best car accident attorney services you'll find in Utah, helping clients get their due compensation when involved in accidents that were the fault of another party. A major part of our value to clients involves explaining the liability claim process and helping walk them through it - with that in mind, here are some of the simple facts and approaches you should know about auto accident injury cases.

filing car accident liability claim

Calling the Police

In most cases that will involve a personal injury claim, one of the first and most important steps to take while at the actual accident scene is to call the police. Police officers will typically arrive and take an official report of the incident, which can then be used later on as part of your evidence in making a claim for damages.

If anyone in your vehicle or others has been injured, this is also an opportunity to inform the police, and if needed you can even ask to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

Written Report Copy

While the first responsibility of police is to ensure safety and security at the scene, they will also typically produce an official written report of what happened. Make sure that you get a copy of this report to use as evidence when making your claim.

As part of making this written report, police responders will speak to witnesses and record their statements, so if there were any witnesses to the accident who you weren't able to speak directly with, the police report should include their testimony. These reports will also include things like the time, location, and other details of the incident which will be important in filing a claim.

Gather Any Other Evidence

While you're still at the scene of the accident, you should take any other evidence that may be available. This can include photos of the scene and vehicle damage, contact information from any witnesses who were present, and even a video recording if possible.

These pieces of evidence will help make your claim stronger when going before an insurance company or court of law - so it's important to collect as much of it as possible.

Contacting a Car Accident Attorney

The next major step that should be taken after an auto accident is to contact a car accident attorney. This is especially true if there has been any kind of injury as a result of the incident - either physical or psychological.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim for damages, whether against another individual or their insurance company. They will also be able to ensure that you are compensated for all of the damages incurred, both physical and financial.

Determining Fault

One of the key elements your attorney will walk you through when filing a claim is the concept of fault and negligence. In most cases, you'll need to prove that someone else was responsible for causing the accident in order to receive compensation.

A qualified car accident lawyer will help by reviewing all of the evidence available and examining various factors such as speed, traffic conditions, vehicle maintenance history, and more in order to prove negligence on the part of another party. If successful, this is often a major step in winning your case and receiving the compensation you deserve.

How to Manage Insurance Company Dealings

Whether on your own or with the help of your attorney, it's important to know how to manage dealings with an insurance company. Insurance companies will often try to get out of paying for a claim and may even attempt to pressure you into settling for much less than what you deserve.

It's important in these cases that you are firm and stick to your guns when negotiating, or at least have the experience of an attorney to help you navigate these waters.

Kinds of Damages You May File For

Depending on the specifics of the incident and the extent of harm that you have suffered, there are a variety of different damages that you may be able to file for in a personal injury claim. These include both economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Your attorney can help you understand these different categories of damages and how to calculate them properly in order to maximize your compensation.

Overall, if you have been in an auto accident it's important that you first ensure your safety and then move through the necessary steps for filing a claim. It's also wise to contact an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process and provide knowledgeable legal advice.

And at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we understand what it takes to win a personal injury case and are here to provide you with the guidance needed to fight for justice. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.

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