In any auto accident, a law enforcement officer or a public safety aide will take the information available to determine fault at the crash scene. Sometimes, neither driver is given a ticket (citation) if and when there are no independent witnesses. Other times, the investigating have the benefit of traffic cams or witnesses. More drivers are also taking advantage of dash cams to protect themselves in the event of an accident.
Many cases are complex, and it can be just as confusing for cops. When they have two drivers telling different stories, they have to go off the information they have right then. A car accident lawyer has more time to dig deeper and get the facts, usually through an investigator. It might require them to pull videos from traffic cams or search for more witnesses.
It could also include calling in a professional to reconstruct the accident scene. In most accidents, you’ll be working with insurance companies. So auto accident lawyers can look at your policy or the other party’s policy limits to determine how much is owed for a fair and just settlement. If your injuries exceed the policy limits available, a car accident lawyer can look into whether there are other parties that are also liable.
Call the Police Immediately after Your Accident
Even after a “fender bender” accident, always call the police immediately to document. Both sides may tell different stories so photos can be the most helpful before any vehicles are moved. Police can document the damage and other facts immediately after the accident. This could include damage to the car and injuries to your body. It could even include something as basic as which drivers and cars were involved. When you don’t have objective records of these things, you might be surprised at how quickly things can get turned around.
If there are witnesses, police can also take their information and statements on the spot. This way, you have professionals confirming they were there at the time of the accident. Even if you think the accident was your fault or the damage is considered small, a police report can only protect you.
It can also give lawyers facts to work with such as the location. This could tell lawyers where to check for traffic cams. This could capture the accident from different angles. Lawyers can also use this information to confirm the presence of key witnesses and other details.
Review Insurance Policies in Miami with a Car Accident Lawyer
In most auto accident cases, you’ll be working with insurance companies. Your settlement will be based on the available insurance policies. What if the other driver didn’t have insurance? Many policies have sections for Uninsured / Under-Insured Motorist to help protect against irresponsible drivers. What if you refused those options and chose a liability insurance policy? In some cases, you might need to pursue the other driver directly. Drunk drivers and those who text while driving could be particularly dangerous. Pedestrians who are hit by uninsured drivers might also need to pursue the driver directly.
A car accident lawyer can explore the facts and get more answers. If you’re suing the other party directly, you’ll need to determine how much you could reasonably expect to get from them based on income and other factors. You’ll also need to build a strong case for negligence and your injuries. It’s still best if you can get a settlement both sides can agree to without going to court. If you go to court, your case could go either way.
Find a Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust with Nunez Law
If you’ve been injured in Miami, talk to a car accident lawyer with Nunez Law. We can help you sort out the facts and decide if you want to move forward. If you choose to pursue a personal injury case, we can assist with gathering the evidence and work with the insurance companies involved. This allows us to help you minimize your stress and increase your settlement. To talk to lawyers at Nunez Law about your auto accident case, click here.
