Being injured in a car accident isn’t something anyone wants to go through, but it’s an unfortunate situation that happens every day. In these situations, it’s essential that victims understand what to do after the accident and what their rights are. It isn’t always clear what your rights are, or how to handle deadlines and paperwork that suddenly come up.
With so much at stake, working with a Clayton personal injury lawyer is one of the most important things you need to do in this situation.
When you’re ready to learn more, call Drafahl Law Firm to schedule your free consultation.
Clayton Car Accident?
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Reasons to Choose Drafahl Law Firm Following a Clayton Car Accident
After a car accident, picking the right law firm matters. You need someone you can trust who has a track record of success helping people in situations like yours. Here’s why Drafahl Law Firm stands out for car accident victims in Clayton:
- Over 100 five-star Google reviews from former clients who truly appreciated the care and results they received
- Millions of dollars recovered over the years, showing real success in handling injury cases
- Selection to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, reflecting respect in the legal community
- No upfront fees – we only get paid if you win your case
Choosing the right legal team lets you focus on getting better while someone experienced stands up for your rights. Call Drafahl Law Firm today.
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What a Clayton Car Accident Lawyer Does for Clients After They’re Injured in a Crash
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Clayton, you might not know what steps to take first. A lawyer can work on your behalf so you don’t have to deal with the stress alone. Here’s what a Clayton car accident lawyer typically does for clients after a crash:
- Collects evidence from the crash, police reports, medical records, dashcam footage, and witness statements
- Talks to insurance companies and other lawyers so you don’t have to
- Helps determine what your injury costs actually are, including medical bills today and what you might need in the future
- Negotiates with insurance so you don’t get pressured into settling for less than you deserve
Having someone trained in the law on your side can make a stressful process more manageable.
Why Car Accidents Happen
Car accidents can change lives in seconds. All accidents are different, but they tend to follow similar patterns, being caused by one or more of the following reasons:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Poor weather
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield
- Not using turn signals
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
In all of these situations, a car crash could end up leading to a personal injury case.
Who Could Be Held Liable in a Car Accident?
Not every accident is as simple as blaming the other driver. Sometimes, the driver is at fault for making poor decisions behind the wheel. In other situations, sharing blame between drivers can happen if both contributed to the crash. Other parties might have some responsibility, too. For instance:
- An employer might be responsible if an employee caused an accident while on the job.
- A vehicle owner can sometimes face legal trouble if they allow someone unfit to drive their car.
- Companies or government departments could be liable if poor road design or roadway hazards contributed to the accident.
- Sometimes, issues with car parts or manufacturing defects play a role, in which case the car manufacturer might be included.
When you work with a lawyer, they will help you determine who is liable. This is important because you can only collect compensation if you know who you should be collecting it from.
If you are in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you may have the opportunity to pursue compensation from the company that hired the driver — a truck accident attorney in Clayton will be able to assist you.
Types of Evidence Used to Prove Liability
The more detailed the proof, the stronger your case will be. The following kinds of evidence are most often used to prove that one of the parties above is liable:
- Crash Reports: Police officers who respond to the scene complete an accident report. It usually includes what they think happened, who was involved, what the weather conditions were like, and if anyone was given a traffic citation. It might also include a diagram of how the accident occurred.
- Witness Statements: People who saw the accident can provide helpful details. They aren’t personally invested in the outcome, so their observations tend to carry weight.
- Photos and Video: Pictures taken after the accident can show damage, road conditions, weather, or skid marks that can help show what happened.
- Medical Records: After an accident, visiting a doctor not only helps your health but offers proof that injuries came from the crash. If you wait too long to get treatment, the other side will be able to argue that you weren’t actually injured in the accident.
- Surveillance Footage: If the crash happened near a store or business, you might be able to request security camera recordings.
- Expert Opinions: Specialists like accident reconstruction experts may explain how a crash took place based on marks on the road, car damage, and other facts.
- Phone Records or Traffic Data: Sometimes, phone or GPS data can show if someone was distracted at the time of the accident because they were on their phone.
After a car accident, it’s essential to collect as much evidence as possible so you can prove that someone else caused the crash and as a result, you were injured.
Get in Touch With Drafahl Law Firm to Arrange a Free Consultation About Your Car Accident Case
Facing the aftermath of a car crash is rarely simple, but you do not have to manage it all by yourself. There are professionals whose role is to advocate for you and to hold others accountable. If you’re looking for help, you’ve come to the right place. Our attorneys have been handling car accident cases for many years, so we know how to fight for what you deserve.
Contact Drafahl Law Firm today to speak with a Clayton car accident attorney.