How to Build a
Motor Vehicle CaseIn the majority of
motor vehicle compensation vehicle attorneys -
Read Alot more, vehicle cases, you are entitled to the New York State minimum of $25,000 or $50,000 in damages for injuries or property damage. However, the situation gets more complicated when you have to sue other entities than the driver or owner of the
motor vehicle litigation.
For instance under New York's strict comparative negligence fault rule you may be able to be able to recover from multiple at-fault parties. The question is if the other parties are rental car companies or leasing entities.
Identifying the At Fault Party
Examining evidence from the accident scene is the first step to determining who is at fault. A police officer who is investigating the incident will speak with all the passengers and drivers as witnesses to collect an accurate account of what transpired. These details will form the basis of an investigation report by the police and help to determine who was negligent and who was at fault, which is an important aspect in determining fault.
It is also beneficial to check any damages to the vehicles involved. If you were rear-ended, the damage to the rear bumper of the
motor vehicle attorney will tell you who was at fault.
In New York, a state with no-fault insurance, the person at fault will reimburse you for
[empty] medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits. However, if you sustain an injury that the state classifies as severe, such as loss of a limb, significant impairment to your body, disfigurement or death in the event of death, you could be able to seek more extensive damages through an action against the at-fault party.
In the case of car accidents occurring within New York requires a thorough knowledge of the law of the state and other statutes, such as CPLR SS 388, which places vicarious liability on the owner of vehicles for the inattention of drivers who operate their vehicles without their permission. This is a rebuttable assumption, and evidence from both sides will be scrutinized to determine if the owner had the driver's written or implied permission at the time of the incident.
Collecting Evidence
Evidence is the most important aspect in any case. This includes testimony of witnesses, as well as physical objects, photographs, and other documents. The more evidence you have more chances you are of winning. Car accident cases are no exception. The ability to build a strong case for compensation is all about having the correct evidence, and this starts by obtaining the correct details immediately following the crash.
If you're physically able to do so, take pictures of the scene of the crash as soon as possible, including any vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris. Also, ensure you write down the date the time, location, and date of the crash. This information is crucial in case you want to obtain security or traffic camera footage to assist in your case.
Another method of gathering evidence is to make use of depositions and interrogatories. Interrogatories are written inquiries that the other party has to answer under oath in a specified period of time. A deposition is a testimony made outside of court and is typically recorded and transcribable. Depositions can provide important details about the accident and the other parties involved.
It is also important to talk to anyone who was present at the incident, particularly if that person is willing to provide a statement. Witnesses who are neutral are more convincing than those who have a financial stakes in the outcome of an investigation. This is particularly true in collisions that involve hit and run where a driver may not be caught immediately.
How to obtain witness testimonies
If witnesses were present at the scene of the accident and witnessed the accident, they're likely to be willing and able to testify in your favor. However, there are instances witnesses are unwilling to testify. In such cases your lawyer might have to obtain a subpoena to legally request witnesses' testimony.
There are various kinds of expert witness testimony that is often used in car accident cases. They include experts in reconstruction and medical professionals. Experts in accident reconstruction are armed with a wealth of experience and knowledge which allows them to study the evidence and offer an opinion on the cause of the crash. Medical professionals have expertise about human anatomy and injuries. A physician or radiologist for instance, can verify the severity and nature of your injuries. They can also provide CT scan or MRI results.
Vocational experts are another important type of expert. They can provide valuable insight into how your injuries affected your career and life. For instance, they can explain how your injuries have made it impossible for you to perform specific job duties and help a jury comprehend the full impact of your losses.
Obtaining Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witness testimony can be the key to winning a case. When we think of experts, we think of long, TV-like trials with expert witnesses who provide last-minute details that could mean the difference between winning and defeat. While it is true that experts can be a major factor in a case, their testimony must be founded on specific scientific data and analysis, and should include an in-depth analysis of the facts.
There are numerous kinds of expert witnesses who can assist you in your case, dependent on the type of incident you're facing. For instance, in car accident cases an expert witness who is specialized in accidents could utilize their experience and training to provide an insight into the cause of the crash and its causes. Experts can also to explain the technical details of automobiles that are otherwise difficult for a jury to understand.
Experts can also testify in personal injury cases regarding the severity of your injuries, and how they will affect you going forward. For instance, an economist can make an account of your financial losses you experience as a result of the accident, such as the loss of future income and household expenses out of pocket.
In general the expert witness testimony of an expert can only be admitted if it adds value to your claim. This is the reason it is essential that you work closely with your attorney to choose the right experts for your case.