Negligence and Injury Must Both Be Present
In an ideal situation, if you’ve been injured in a car accident then an insurance provider will step in, cover your medical bills, and you can focus on simply getting back on your feet and getting your life back in order. However, if things aren’t ideal then you’re going to have to go to court to prove your case, and to fight for your compensation as an injured party in this accident.
That is far from an easy task, even under the best of circumstances. However, understanding what you need to prove is the first step toward actually making your case when it’s time to have your day in court.
The first thing you need to prove is some kind of fault on behalf of the other driver, which means they are largely responsible for the accident. Sometimes this is relatively easy, such as when someone ignores a stop sign and it causes an accident. Or when the other driver is intoxicated, and crosses over a median. Other times, though, it can be more difficult to prove. Especially if you’re arguing that the other driver was distracted, or simply not paying attention the way they should be.
Once you have that, you’ve forged the first link in the chain. However, the second element you need to prove is that your injuries are a direct result of the accident in question.
This sounds like it would be easy enough, but it can be difficult to prove without documentation creating a chain of evidence. If you received treatment at the site of the accident, for example, and have had regular doctor’s visits to chronicle your recovery and injuries, then you should have all the evidence you need to convince the court that the accident is directly linked to your injuries. However, if you didn’t do that because you didn’t think you were hurt badly at first, or because you simply couldn’t afford to cover the cost of treatment and you weren’t certain that insurance would step in and cover the bill, then you may have difficulty with this link. Or if you had an injury that was worsened by the accident, you may find yourself needing to argue about how much of a factor the accident was to your current state.
It Isn’t Easy, But It Is Worth It
Winning a personal injury case that involves a car accident is no mean feat. Even if all the facts are in your favor, it can be one heck of a fight to lay out the chain, and to make the court see it. Even if you have medical reports, police reports, and a mountain of evidence, you’re still likely to get push back from insurance companies who don’t want to cover the costs, or from personal defense attorneys who are doing their best for their client’s interests.
Managing to overcome that kind of resistance is tough, but doing it on your own can feel like trying to run a race with a broken leg. You need to have someone on your side to help walk you through the steps of the proceeding, and to ensure that you have all your documentation in order. They can articulate your case to the court, and explain why you deserve compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve found yourself on the wrong end of an auto accident, and you need someone to help you get back on your feet, then all you have to do is contact us today. We’re here to help make sure the law works for you.