Common Factors in Every Traffic Accident Case

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Have you been involved in a traffic accident? If so, you may not know what to look for when you begin to file an accident claim with the insurance company. Three factors are common in all traffic accident cases.

First Factor: Did you suffer injuries in the accident?

Not all injuries will be the same in every accident claim, but for you to recover money, you must have suffered some type of injury. There is not a threshold for the severity of injuries in Pennsylvania to file a personal injury claim. Therefore, you can file a claim for any physical injury. However, the severity of the injury and whether you suffer permanent disabilities can impact the amount of money you receive for your claim. We will work closely with your doctor to establish the severity of your injuries and the extent of any future disability.

Second Factor: Which driver was at fault for the crash?

The second factor in every traffic accident case is a fault. Fault is one of the most important factors in a case because it determines who is liable for the payment of compensation for injuries. Identifying the responsible party is a crucial step in the claims process.

Typically, our office begins by reviewing the Traffic Accident Report completed by the officer who investigated the accident. In most cases, the officer describes how the accident occurred and whether each driver contributed to the cause of the crash. However, there are instances when a police report contains errors. We do not rely solely on the accident report to determine fault. Our Erie car accident attorneys investigate the crash to determine which driver is at fault so that we can file your claim with the correct insurance company.

Third Factor: What evidence do we have to prove fault?

The third factor is the existence of evidence. We must have evidence that proves the other driver caused the collision. Our legal team begins gathering evidence immediately when you retain our firm. Evidence and information that we may use to establish fault includes:

  • Police reports
  • Photographs and videos of the accident scene
  • Property damage to the vehicles
  • Witness statements
  • Expert witness testimony

Filing an Accident Claim with the Insurance Company

If the other driver was responsible for the crash, you must file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider to recover money for your injuries and damages. However, while you should notify the company of your claim, you do not want to settle the claim until you have recovered fully from your injuries. Settling your claim too early can result in less money for you. The insurance adjuster may push you to settle the claim, but this is usually not in your best interest. You need to consult with our Erie car accident attorneys before you provide any information to the insurance company or sign any documents.

Call an Erie Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

Our Erie accident attorneys have extensive experience handling accident claims. We will take care of your claim so that you do not need to deal with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. You have more important things to focus on, such as your recovery and your family.

For your free legal consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Erie, call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066.