It’s not uncommon for personal injury cases to become a “he said, she said” situation. If you got into an accident and the other driver is lying about what happened, can you do anything? You can. You can build a stronger case than them with the help of a Snohomish County car accident lawyer.
How Can I Build an Effective Case Against the Other Driver?
If the other driver lies, you need to be prepared to counter with a consistent story of your own. You should:
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Call the cops so that they can make a report
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information
- Speak to other involved parties through your lawyer
- Use the testimony of expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction specialists, to strengthen your case
- Keep careful track of the other driver’s story and make note of any changes or inconsistencies
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win If I Sue the Other Driver?
You won’t just be compensated for economic losses when you sue the other driver for damages. A car accident can also have psychological effects. The experience of the crash itself and the work it takes to recover from serious injuries are sure to affect your mental health.
That’s why our lawyers will help ensure that you receive two types of damages:
Economic damages: These help make up for the monetary costs associated with an accident. If you have a pile of medical bills and missed work while recovering, your compensation should help you pay your bills and make up for lost wages. These damages can also help you pay for future medical expenses if your injuries are serious and you will continue to need treatment after your lawsuit has concluded.
Noneconomic damages: These compensate you for the mental anguish, psychological trauma, and other pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the crash and the other driver’s negligence.
Punitive damages, meant to punish a defendant for particularly egregious or dangerous behavior, are rarely awarded for personal injury suits in Washington state.
How Long Do I Have to Sue For Damages?
In most cases, accident victims have three years to take legal action. There are some exceptions to this statute of limitations, but don’t just assume you are one of them. We recommend that you act as quickly as possible. The sooner you sue for damages, the sooner you can claim the compensation you deserve.
Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer?
It can be tough to prove negligence on your own, especially if the other driver keeps muddying the waters with untrue statements. A lawyer can help you build a convincing case and pick apart a defendant’s inconsistent stories.
Contact Our Law Firm
When you are ready to sue for damages, our car accident lawyers are ready to help. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation and start building your case against the other driver today.