If you have been injured in an automobile accident, you want to receive the maximum damages you deserve. Hiring a car accident attorney who understands the laws and can properly evaluate your case is essential to ensure this happens. Regardless of the type of auto accident you’ve been involved in, if someone’s negligence caused it, you need to know how much your case is worth.
There were 24,003 collisions in Edmonton, AB, in 2018. This figure represents an increase of 0.4% from 2017. The key contributors to these collisions were following too closely (38.6%, 9,254 collisions); striking parked vehicles (13.6%, 3,253); changing lanes improperly (11.2%, 2,692); and running off-road (7.0%, 1,684).
Many factors will affect the value of your auto accident claim. Some of those factors include:
- The severity of your injury
- The cost and length of your treatment
- Any other damages that resulted from the accident
We spoke to highly-experienced Edmonton car accident lawyers and learned five ways a car accident attorney can help victims claim maximum damages.
1. Understanding the Road Rules and Laws
If you’re a resident of Alberta, it is essential to understand the laws and rules of the road when investigating an auto accident. For instance, if you live in Edmonton, learning which driver in the accident was responsible is also an essential factor when seeking compensation in this city. While multiple circumstances can contribute to an auto accident, violating legal rules is the most relevant. Some of those violations can include the following:
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Confusion concerning the right of way, especially at an intersection
- Reckless driving
- Other violations, such as driving without headlights or with broken tail lights
2. Gathering Evidence
An experienced car accident attorney knows which evidence to look for and how to gather it for your case. There is a lot of evidence, such as:
- Photographs
- Witness testimonies
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records
- Videos
- Forensic vehicle analysis
- And more.
The evidence gathered will help to paint a picture of how your accident happened and the damages which occurred.
3. Organizing Medical Records
The medical records concerning your injuries and treatments resulting from the accident will provide compelling testimony for your suffering. These records will prove your injuries’ seriousness and lend credibility to their impact on your quality of life. If you need treatment resulting from an injury in a car accident, you should not be responsible for exorbitant medical expenses. Your lawyer will seek compensation for these bills.
4. Negotiate with Insurance Providers
Insurance companies are typically reluctant to offer fair settlements after car accidents. This fact is true, especially if one driver claims they were not at fault. If your insurance company offers a settlement, do not accept it before talking to your attorney. If it is discovered you were given a lowball offer, the attorney will negotiate for a higher settlement on your behalf.
5. Filing Legal Documents
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, several legal documents will be needed to settle your claim. You want an experienced legal team working with you to ensure relevant motions and other documents are presented to keep your case moving in the right direction. These documents must be filed correctly and on time so the courts do not dismiss your claim.
The injury attorneys will advocate on your behalf during the court proceedings to ensure you receive the maximum damages from your car accident. They can also fight for the compensation that includes:
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Loss of life
Concluding Thoughts
Hiring accident lawyers is your best move if you’ve been involved in an auto accident. Not only will their experience help you receive maximum compensation with your personal injury claim, but they can also secure fair compensation for your property damages. They will put your interests first and ensure you receive the maximum damages to help you recover financially.
