Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ll want to make sure you hire a good personal injury lawyer. Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. If you don’t, you might find yourself leaving money on the table.
Finding a personal injury lawyer with experience with car accidents
If you have been injured in an auto accident, you will want to find a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents. Choosing a good one can make a huge difference in your case. A qualified lawyer can go head to head with the largest insurance carriers.
An attorney can help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries. Your lawyer will know how to get you the most money for your medical bills, lost wages, and future rehabilitation costs. You don’t want to accept the first offer the insurance company gives you.
A good attorney can also make sure that your damages claim is not over-valued. Insurance companies often devalue your claim to make a profit. They may say that you were injured when the accident happened, or that you waited too long to seek treatment.
A California accident lawyer can also help you file the appropriate paperwork. For example, you can request that the other driver’s insurer provide you with a recorded statement about the accident. This statement is important for determining how much the other driver is liable for your damages.
Obtaining a police report
Getting a police report after a car accident can help you get a fair settlement. The report will contain information about the incident, including the time and location of the crash, as well as other details.
You can request a copy of the report by going to the police department in person, or you can use a website. However, you should remember that not all jurisdictions will provide free police reports. There may be a fee, and in some cases, you may have to pay a processing fee.
To get a police report, you must go to the precinct that is in charge of the area in which the crash occurred. For most departments, you will be required to complete a form and pay a small processing fee.
If you are unable to make a request in person, you can send a request by mail. You will need to include an incident report number. If you are unable to locate the report, you can contact the investigating officer. He or she will have the final word on any corrections.
Punitive damages are rare
Punitive damages are a type of damages awarded in some personal injury cases. They are generally awarded for conduct that was egregious and willful. This is done in order to discourage people from similar behavior in the future.
These damages are not always easily calculated. They are awarded by a judge or jury in a trial. They can range in size from several times the initial damage amount to more than ten times the original damage.
Some states have strict laws that govern punitive damages. Others allow a judge to use discretion.
Most people focus on compensatory damages, which are intended to compensate an injured party. They include damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and wage loss. In addition, a victim may also be awarded a fair amount for property damage or legal expenses.
The concept of punitive damages dates back to the Book of Exodus. It is considered an extraordinary remedy. These damages are rarely awarded in personal injury lawsuits.