Evidence is the foundation of any legal case, and good evidence can tip the scales in favor of the victim. A compelling array of evidence supports the victim’s claims and presents a clear picture of the events, allowing your accident lawyers in Cody, Wyoming and Casper, Wyoming to ensure justice is served. Here’s how they’ll go about gathering evidence to make your case as strong as possible.
How Car Accident Lawyers in Cody, Wyoming and Casper, Wyoming Gather Evidence
At the Scene of the Accident
A car accident lawyer often starts by examining the scene of the accident. Ideally, this should be done as soon after the accident as possible. Elements such as skid marks, vehicle positioning, and even weather conditions can provide crucial details about how the accident occurred. While police and first responders will have their documentation, an attorney can spot details crucial for the legal aspects of the case.
With the prevalence of smartphones and surveillance cameras, there’s often photographic or video evidence available. Lawyers will seek out any footage captured by nearby security cameras, traffic cameras, or even bystanders. Visual records can offer a direct view of the accident, helping to piece together the series of events and determine fault.
Witness Testimony
There may be several people who witnessed the event unfold, and a car accident lawyer will work diligently to identify and reach out to these individuals. Witnesses can include other drivers, pedestrians, or even occupants of nearby buildings.
Once witnesses are identified, lawyers typically conduct interviews to record their statements. These testimonies can provide an impartial perspective on the accident, corroborating the victim’s claims or revealing new details. Recorded statements often carry significant weight in court, as they present a fresh and generally unbiased recollection of the incident.
Medical Records
After an accident, seeking medical attention is not just crucial for your health, but also for your case. Medical records provide concrete evidence of the injuries sustained and the treatments required. They can also detail the potential long-term effects or disabilities resulting from the accident and give weight to your claims of pain and suffering.
In some cases, lawyers might also consult with medical experts to provide insight into the severity of your injuries. An expert’s testimony can clarify what the injury, rehabilitation process, and possible future medical complications are or might be, enabling the lay persons of the court to fully grasp what you’ve gone through.
Costs and Bills
Bills serve as tangible proof of the financial burden an accident has imposed on the victim. By gathering these, lawyers can establish a clear claim for compensation, ensuring that you aren’t left to bear the brunt of unexpected medical or other associated costs, like car repairs, rental cars, or even things like temporary childcare if you were so badly injured you could not perform normal household duties.
Vehicle Damage Assessment
A lawyer will often engage professional auto evaluators or mechanics to provide a detailed assessment of the damages. This not only establishes the extent of the damage but can also help determine the force and direction of the impact, offering insights into the dynamics of the crash.
Insurance Company Records
Insurance companies conduct their own assessments post-accident. By reviewing these records, a car accident lawyer can cross-reference the insurance company’s findings with independent evaluations. This helps ensure that you receive a fair representation of the damages and can also help if there are any disputes regarding repair costs or the vehicle’s total loss.
Police and Accident Reports
Whenever a car accident occurs, especially ones involving injuries or significant damages, the police are typically called to the scene. They compile an official report detailing their observations, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued. This report can be an invaluable piece of evidence, offering an unbiased account of the incident from professionals who know how to read an accident scene. Their opinion about the accident typically holds a lot of weight.
Some accident reports include diagrams illustrating vehicle positions, the direction of travel, and other relevant details. These diagrams, combined with other evidence, can provide a comprehensive view of exactly what went down during the course of the accident.
Reconstruction Experts
In complex cases where the series of events isn’t immediately clear, lawyers might engage accident reconstruction experts. These professionals use the available evidence, such as vehicle damages, scene photographs, and witness statements, to recreate the accident digitally or through other means. Their findings can provide a clear narrative of how the accident unfolded, making it easier for judges or juries to understand the specifics.
Reconstruction experts don’t just look at the immediate causes of the crash, either. They also analyze various contributing factors like road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, or environmental elements. This can be especially useful when multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident, as, for example, if the city was negligent about repairing a road defect or if the actions of a third party contributed to the at-fault driver’s mistake and caused them to crash into you.
Employment and Earnings Records
Car accidents can result in victims being unable to work, either temporarily or, in severe cases, permanently. Lawyers will gather employment records and previous earnings to establish a pattern. By doing so, they can make a case for your total lost wages, ensuring that you get compensated for both physical injuries and the financial hardships resulting from missed work.
Technical and Manufacturer Details
Every vehicle comes with its unique set of specifications and history. Lawyers look into these details to determine if any manufacturer defects or past repair issues could have contributed to the accident. Manufacturers occasionally issue recalls on vehicle parts that are found to be defective. By checking for any relevant recalls, lawyers can see if a known issue was unaddressed and if it could have potentially caused or exacerbated the accident.
Electronic Data Recorders (EDRs)
Most modern vehicles are equipped with Electronic Data Recorders (EDRs), often referred to as “black boxes.” These devices record a wealth of data, such as speed, brake application, and airbag deployment, in the moments leading up to a collision. Lawyers can access this data to gain a clearer understanding of a vehicle’s actions just before the accident, providing evidence to back up (or contradict) the narrative of events.
Weather and Environmental Data
A car accident lawyer may source data on weather conditions, road maintenance records, or any other environmental aspects that could have influenced the accident.
Personal Testimonies and Diary Entries
While official records and third-party testimonies are crucial, your account as the victim is very importance. Lawyers often encourage clients to maintain a diary after an accident. These diary entries can detail your pain level, emotional trauma, daily challenges, and other consequences of the accident that might not be immediately visible from medical or official records.
Work With Experienced Wyoming Accident Lawyers
Gathering evidence for a car accident case meticulous attention to detail, an understanding of where to look, and the ability to weave together disparate pieces of information into a cohesive narrative. With lots of evidence in hand, an experienced car accident lawyer can effectively advocate for their you, ensuring that you get justice and fair compensation for your losses. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Ochs Law Firm today for a consultation.
