Car accident victims idealize the personal injury solicitors as their last resort. They think that the process of filing a compensation claim becomes simplified if an experienced solicitor is hired. This is a partial truth as because the victims also need to do a lot of things on their own to win the car accident claims and also to maximize the compensation payout. From arranging the requisite documents to collecting the contact details of the witnesses, a car accident victim has to play a major role in the preparatory stage for filing a claim and should also assist his solicitor in every possible manner. The primary focus of an accident victim should be to gather the documents as instructed by the solicitor. These documents and evidences, if accumulated properly, can significantly increase the compensation payout. Here below is a list for your future reference.
Photographs of the accident scene
A road traffic accident victim or anybody who was travelling with him at the time of the accident should take out a camera (in whichever form available) and start taking snaps of the accident place immediately after an accident. The skid marks on the road that clearly demonstrates that an accident happened in that place, personal injuries, damaged car parts and the road traffic signs should be snapped randomly. These documents will clearly prove how the accident affected the victim.
Witness statements
Fate of a car accident claim lawsuit largely depends on the views and opinions of the witnesses. Statement of a common person who just came across an accident can turn immensely vital in the court. Generally these people share their own experiences and explain the incidents from their own perspectives. The judges always want to hear different interpretations of the same accident and they take into consideration their statements quite seriously. Therefore, one needs to gather the contact details of the informants. Just do not try to grease their palms as because if it is found that you tried to brainwash the witnesses, you may face other legal complications.
The police report
Informing the nearest police station about the car accident you faced falls among your general duties and responsibilities as a citizen and you should promptly take necessary actions after the accident. Even if you are badly injured, call the emergency number of the police department and officers from the nearest police station will arrive in no time. Chances are there that the traffic sergeants on duty will locate you within a few minutes and all you have to do is to state them briefly what happened. The court gives high importance to police reports.
Medical reports
Getting medically diagnosed and seeking proper care and treatment is a sure-fire way to increase the compensation payout in the future. Only a licensed physician's report will be considered authentic in the court. You should seek medical care and follow your doctor's advice for another reason as well. It will prevent you being accused in the court for contributory negligence.
In a nutshell, car accident claims are assessed and quantified on the basis of all the available documents. It is your solicitor's duty to draw reference from previous landmark cases during the court proceedings and guide you through the procedure as well. It is your duty, on the contrary, to follow the above-mentioned guidelines.
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