You may get a police crash report by contacting the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident directly. They may offer specific instructions for how to get a copy of your crash report, whether through the mail or by obtaining a copy in-person.
You may also be able to get a copy of your crash report through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). A lawyer may obtain a crash report for you, as well as other forms of documentation, which could be important for your personal injury case.
Crash Reports and Other Important Documentation
You can get a more clear idea of the information contained in a crash report by referencing a copy of the form provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, obtaining a copy of the police crash report may not be the only step you take to detail the circumstances of your accident and injuries.
Other forms of documentation that may prove important as you seek compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit can include:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Videos of the accident scene
- Photographs and videos of the damage specific to your vehicle
- Photographs of your physical injuries
- Documentation of any medical diagnoses that you receive for your accident-related injuries
- Your medical bills
- Witness accounts of how your injuries have negatively affected you
A lawyer will help you take the steps necessary to create and organize these types of documentation, as well as any other paperwork that could be beneficial to your insurance claim or lawsuit. These documents will be used to establish the injuries you suffered because of the crash, the parties involved, and the accident’s cause.
For a free legal consultation, call 864-514-8192
A Lawyer Can Assist You in Several Ways
A lawyer can help you get a police crash report and organize the evidence that relates to your case. They may also provide several other services critical to your insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you choose to pursue compensation through an insurance claim, then your lawyer may:
- Create a running account of your damages
- Organize all evidence of your accident and injuries
- Calculate your future losses
- Advise you on the importance of statements that you make to the insurance company
- Engage in settlement negotiations
- Assess the fairness of any settlement offers from the insurance company
- Advise you as to whether you should accept a settlement or proceed with a lawsuit (though this is ultimately your decision)
Should you choose to pursue a lawsuit, then your lawyer will see your case through to completion.
Some lawsuit-specific services that your lawyer may provide include:
- Assigning fault for your losses
- Creating and filing your lawsuit
- Notifying the involved defendants and their legal counsel of your intention to file a lawsuit
- Making in-court appearances on your behalf
- Handling communications with other lawyers, judges, and parties involved in your lawsuit
- Negotiating pre-trial settlements with the defendant’s attorneys
- Completing a trial if necessary
A lawyer can handle many of the obligations that go into building a successful personal injury case. This could be especially helpful if you or a loved one have been physically, cognitively, or emotionally impaired because of an accident.
Your Lawyer May Offer Flexible Terms of Payment
A contingency-fee arrangement means that you may not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for a lawyer to represent you. They may instead get paid only if they secure compensation for you, and will receive payment from any winnings that you receive. Harvard Law School notes that this is the most common pay structure for personal injury cases. This may allow you to hire a lawyer regardless of your financial situation.
Your Accident-Related Losses Could Be Covered
Your legal team’s ultimate goal is to recover fair compensation for your collision-related damages.
What is considered “fair compensation” in your case will depend on the type and extent of your losses, which may include:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lost income to date
- Future lost income
- Harm to your earning power
In the case of a wrongful death, you and other loved ones may be compensated for the loss of comfort, companionship, and guidance that the deceased provided. You may also collect compensation covering your loved one’s funeral.
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Call Hammack Law Firm Today
We offer warm, supportive, and helpful representation at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call Hammack Law Firm today at 864-514-8192. We aim to provide a small firm feel with big firm experience.
Our Client Bill of Rights offers a 30-day unconditional satisfaction guarantee —no costs and no fees. We serve our Greenville clients in all areas of personal injury, including auto and motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and boating accidents.
To get started with our Greenville personal injury law firm, please simply contact us online or call 864-514-8192 for a free consultation.
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