In many car accident scenarios, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to determine how the accident occurred and who caused it. When that happens, it may become necessary to retain an accident reconstructionist or other expert who can piece together how your accident happened.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident that someone else caused, you might have legal options available to you. A knowledgeable Orange County car accident lawyer in your area can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your accident – and your injuries. Your lawyer could also retain the necessary experts to help you prove the legal elements of your claim and recover the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Rearmost Drivers in Multi-Vehicle Pile-ups
Many rear-end accidents involve multi-vehicle pile-ups and chain-reaction collisions. When more than two vehicles are involved in a crash, it can be difficult to tell who caused the accident.
In a rear-end accident scenario, it is typically the rearmost driver who is negligent — and who is ultimately responsible. These accidents usually happen when drivers speed or violate some other road rule. At other times, they happen when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs – or when they fail to watch the road sufficiently.
Retaining an Expert in Your Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit
In car accidents that do not involve a rear-end impact – but where more than two vehicles are involved – it can be difficult to determine who caused the crash. In these circumstances, the accident victim’s lawyer may be able to retain an accident reconstructionist or other expert.
An accident reconstructionist could first review the police report and any eyewitness statements. They could also speak with eyewitnesses who saw what happened firsthand. Eyewitnesses are extremely important witnesses in a disputed liability case because they can attest to their observations – including the relative speeds of the involved vehicles and the drivers’ maneuvers.
An accident reconstructionist may then review all this evidence and piece together how the crash likely happened and who caused it. They can then detail their findings in a report. If the car accident case goes to trial, an accident reconstructionist could take the witness stand and authenticate the report that they prepared. A judge may then admit this report into evidence so that the jury can review it when deciding the case.
Common Car Accident Injuries and Damages
Car accident victims can suffer serious injuries, depending on how their body moves in the car at the time of impact. Potential injuries include traumatic head and brain injuries, bone fractures, internal organ damage, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and death.
To recover monetary compensation as part of a car accident claim or lawsuit, you will need to establish the required legal burden of proof. In car accident cases, accident victims have the sole legal burden. In contrast, the at-fault driver does not need to prove or disprove anything in the case.
First, the accident victim must be able to demonstrate that the accident resulted from someone else’s carelessness or negligence. If an accident reconstructionist investigates the crash and makes a favorable determination, that finding can be extremely helpful when proving the liability element of an accident claim
In addition, the accident victim must establish that they suffered at least one injury in their accident – and that their injury directly resulted from the accident. To establish this causal connection, the accident victim’s lawyer may need to retain a medical expert. Upon examining the accident victim, the provider must be willing to state in writing, and to a reasonable degree of medical probability, that the claimed injuries directly resulted from the car accident.
If the accident victim can establish both the fault and damage elements of their claim, they may be eligible to recover various types of monetary compensation. The damages that a car crash victim recovers depend upon various factors, including the seriousness of their injuries, the extent of their medical treatment, whether they missed work time, and other factors. Potential monetary damages include compensation for:
- Related medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of the ability to use a body part
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Permanent disability
- Loss of spousal companionship and consortium
A knowledgeable California car accident attorney in your area can review your injuries with you and determine which of these damages you may be able to recover in your claim or lawsuit.
Speak with a Knowledgeable California Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents can leave victims severely injured and in need of prompt medical care and treatment. In addition to seeking immediate medical treatment after your accident, you should talk with a knowledgeable California car accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer can determine if you’re eligible to file a claim and, if so, can pursue the monetary compensation you need to become whole again.
