After a devastating wreck, collecting evidence of another driver’s fault may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, this is an essential step that could improve your chances of recovering full financial compensation for the harm you suffered.
Evidence in Johnstown car accident claims should prove not only that the defendant was at-fault, but also establish the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Gathering, preserving, and presenting this evidence without a legal professional could be challenging, especially as you are working toward your physical recovery. Work with a talented Johnstown car crash attorney to get started on your case.
Depending on when a Johnstown attorney is brought onto a car accident case determines what evidence could be available. In almost all cases, it is better to contact a legal professional early on in the case to ensure more evidence is available.
Some evidence will include photographs and video footage from the scene of the collision. These should show the position of the vehicles, debris on the road, the weather conditions, and anything else that could be useful when building a damages claim. Other important evidence includes:
It is also important for people involved in a car wreck to contact law enforcement so as to ensure a police report is made. This report may also include the contact information of witnesses the officer speaks to, and will also set forth the officer’s opinions relative to who caused the collision.
After gathering evidence from a motor vehicle accident, a Johnstown lawyer has to authenticate it. This means he or she must establish things such as who took the photos and if the photo fairly and accurately depicts the scene. In a deposition setting, an attorney would present the evidence to the defendant in the case and ask him or her questions about it.
This is an important step that happens in litigation in any case before it goes to trial.
Notably, evidence does not just prove that another person is at fault for a vehicle collision. Evidence can also establish the full extent of a person’s personal and financial losses. In some cases, especially those involving complicated subject matters, an expert witness may need brought in to explain the evidence. This can include the treating doctor explaining the impact of a catastrophic injury or a reconstructionist explaining how the collision occurred.
Proving another person is responsible for the harm you suffered can be difficult without guidance from an accomplished attorney, especially if you are dealing with catastrophic injuries. Fortunately, the lawyers at Marcus & Mack could assist with gathering and preserving evidence in Johnstown car accident claims. Furthermore, our team could assist you with presenting this evidence either during settlement negotiations or trial, if necessary.
Do not attempt to handle this case on your own. Call to schedule your free case consultation.
