Some of the main causes of car accidents in Los Angeles are traffic law violations. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) cites the following five traffic law violations as primary causes of car accidents:
- Following the vehicle in front of you too closely to stop safely
- Disregarding or failing to obey red signal lights
- Drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to safely navigate a left-hand turn
A driver might be liable for your damages if they caused your accident via a traffic law violation. If a mechanical failure or road hazard caused your accident, another party might be liable.
A car accident lawyer may be able to investigate your accident, identify the liable party, and pursue them for compensation on your behalf.
A Comprehensive Evidence File May Help Prove the Cause of Your Accident
When you work with a car accident lawyer on your case, your legal team may put together a comprehensive evidence file that helps establish the cause of your accident and its resulting costs. Your evidence file may contain:
- Car accident report
- Medical records
- Photos and video
- Witness statements
- Proof of income
Your legal team may also collect receipts and other forms of evidence that bolster and support your potential right to financial compensation from the at-fault driver.
Car Accident Report
According to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a car accident report is mandatory if:
- Anyone involved in the accident was injured
- Anyone involved in the accident was killed
- The accident caused more than $1,000 in property damage
Your lawyer may use your car accident report to:
- Obtain important contact information
- Identify witnesses
- Determine the cause of the accident
Lawyers and insurance company representatives for both sides may request copies of the car accident report to gain objective information that may help resolve your pending compensation claim.
Medical Records
Your medical records may help your lawyer prove the cause, severity, and degree of your injuries. Medical records may also prove the extent of your treatment plan, the cost of all aspects of required health care, and the total cost of the health care plan for restoring your health. These costs may be included when valuing your total compensation claim.
Photos and Videos
You might have taken photos or videos at the scene of the accident. Witnesses and police officers might also take photos or videos, which can provide different vantage points. Homes or businesses in the area may have video surveillance footage of the accident. The lawyer who represents you might be able to gain access to this footage.
Witness Statements
Witnesses to a car accident can provide important information that bolsters and supports your compensation claim. Depending on their vantage point, accident witnesses may provide information and details you might not have been aware of. Witness statements are also valuable if the injuries you sustained in a car accident caused you to lose consciousness or led to memory impairment. Because it is objective and impartial, the statement of a witness may be valuable in your car accident claim.
Proof of Income
Your income prior to the accident can be used as evidence of your financial losses during your recovery. Proof of income might include:
- Paycheck stubs
- Tax records
- Direct deposit receipts
- Business records
Provide your legal team with proof of all of the forms of income you earn that your injuries or their treatments forced you to miss. Proof of income may also help your legal team estimate the cost of income you might miss while undergoing treatment in the future.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices May Be Able to Represent You
Proving the cause of the accident you were involved in may lead to opportunities for financial recovery from the at-fault party. When you work with Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices, we can evaluate the main causes of your Los Angeles car accident and identify the responsible party or parties. Then, we can help you pursue them for compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
To learn more about our services and your legal options in a free case review with a member of our team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at 866-559-7223. We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee basis with no out-of-pocket payments required to start.