Importance of Evidence in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
December 20, 2019
Collecting Evidence in a Car Accident Case
There are car accidents every day. Some of these car accidents are purely an accident whereas others, the negligence of one, or multiple, drivers are to blame. Multi-vehicle car accidents can make it even more complicated as you attempt to identify who is at fault. In order to identify fault in a car accident, it is important to collect the available evidence.
Identifying Fault in a Fairview Multi-Vehicle Accident
There are many reasons to identify fault in a multi-vehicle accident. Just a few reasons include:
- Reduce liability for damages
- Identify who is responsible for covering damages
- Ensure the police report is accurate
- Prevent car insurance increases
While it may not always be easy to identify who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident, collecting evidence can help to determine who is liable. It is also possible that while one driver is to initially blame for a car accident, that another driver also holds minimal liability. For example, if they were following too closely to the vehicle in front of them at the time that they were also rear-ended, they could be also liable.
Importance Evidence in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
The exact type of evidence that is needed for your multi-vehicle accident case will depend on the details of your accident. However, the following types of evidence are often used:
- Medical records: to determine the extent of the damages
- Police report: to identify the details of the car accident
- Witness statement: to collect any information from a third-party witnesses
- Expert witness report: to offer expert information about the accident
- Income documents: to determine the amount of lost wages due to the car accident
The consequences of a car accident can be expensive. If you have to seek medical care, you might have to pay for an ambulance or emergency medical fees out of pocket. Even if you have health insurance, you will have to pay for the deductible. Additionally, many injuries from a car accident can require that you take time off work. If the injury is extensive, then you might not be able to return to work for a while. This can cause the bills to quickly add up, leaving you in a difficult financial place. In order to collect any compensation from the responsible party, it is important to determine fault.
Why a Car Accident Lawyer is Important to Your Erie Case
Because determining fault in a multi-vehicle accident case is so important, it is crucial to work with a car accident lawyer that you trust. You will rely on them to collect important evidence while you are recovering. Any and all of the evidence that is collected will be used in your case.
If other drivers involved in the multi-vehicle accident have legal representation, they may attempt to place the fault on you. It is important that you have a lawyer representing your best interest when you are in a multi-vehicle accident.
Staying Within Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
In addition to preserving important time-sensitive evidence, it is also important to stay within the statute of limitations that is set by the state of Pennsylvania. The state of Pennsylvania gives you just two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury case. Waiting to file too close to this deadline can make it difficult, if not impossible, to meet it.
Additionally, timelines that are set by your insurance company vary. They may require that you take action within a certain time period. In order to protect your compensation eligibility, it is important to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Fairview Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Multi-Vehicle Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a multi-vehicle accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients injured because of a multi-vehicle accident in Erie, Millcreek, Fairview, Harborcreek, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (814) 833-7100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16506, as well as offices in Meadville and North East.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.