Sometimes, accidents and injuries are bad enough that compensation must be sought from the potentially responsible party. When these incidents occur, our lawyers are standing by to help you file a lawsuit for damages.
Time is a crucial factor in any case since every personal injury claim must be filed before the two-year statute of limitations runs out, which typically starts counting down the moment you get injured. The other reason to start your case right after the accident is to preserve the evidence necessary to prove your case. Our team will immediately begin investigating your case, searching for surveillance footage, eyewitnesses, and any other evidence that will support the claims made in your lawsuit.
Call Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. today at (201) 777-1111 to get your case reviewed for free by our car accident attorneys.
When You Should Start a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Paramus, NJ
It is almost always best to get your personal injury case started immediately after the accident. Our personal injury attorneys know that the sooner a claim is initiated, the more time we will have to devise legal strategies and discover evidence. After an accident in Paramus, you generally have two years from the day you are injured to start your claim, according to N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2(a). If the case is filed outside of this timeframe, you might be completely cut off from getting the compensation you need.
Where to Gather Evidence for Your Personal Injury Claim in Paramus, NJ
You need evidence to recover compensation, which can be obtained at various times and places. You can start by preserving evidence while still on the accident scene by taking photos and speaking to eyewitnesses. Accident reports are also helpful since they usually contain details that can be easily forgotten and statements from the parties involved. Our team can also obtain video recordings if they exist, and medical records to assess your damages. We will also consult experts to get their opinions on the case.
At the Scene
Some of the most supportive evidence that can be used in your case can be collected right at the scene of the accident.
The most effective way to preserve evidence is by taking pictures, as long as you are not too hurt. Photographs of the scene and what caused your injuries are especially useful when evidence cannot be preserved to take into court. For example, after a car accident, photos of the crash site, debris, road markings, and other relevant information can be submitted with your claim. Without taking photos, much of this physical evidence will be lost when the scene is cleaned.
Taking pictures would also be a helpful tactic when you are injured on another person’s property. Perhaps you fell because of faulty stair handrails, an uncleaned spill, or an uneven sidewalk. Photos of the dangerous condition that injured you can serve as more powerful evidence than a description of it.
You should also speak to any eyewitnesses on the scene before leaving to get medical attention. They can provide different perspectives on the accident or further support the claims you are making in your lawsuit. They can testify about what they saw the defendant do, your actions, the severity of the accident, and your injuries. At the very least, get their contact information, and our team can talk to them while you continue your treatment.
Accident Reports
Another common source of evidence in personal injury cases is accident reports. After getting injured, it is often a good idea to report the accident to the police.
For instance, anyone involved in an auto accident must report the accident to law enforcement, who will investigate the crash and issue citations. This information, as well as that of the parties involved, where it was located, and the officers’ observations, will typically be included in the police crash report. Our team can determine if a local police department or state police drafted your report and obtain a copy. While police reports cannot typically be submitted as evidence in a trial, they are vital to settle with insurance companies.
Of course, reporting the accident to the police might not always make sense, but the incident should still be reported, like incidents inside businesses. Perhaps you were injured in a retail shop or grocery store. If so, reporting it to the business is usually best so that the manager can make an accident report. Like police accident reports, our team can gather one from a defendant’s business while litigating your claim. Unlike those reports, though, reports from a private business can often be used as evidence if the case does proceed to trial.
Video Recordings
Currently, it is not uncommon for an accident to be captured in a video recording. Again, if your accident happened on a business owner’s property, it might have been recorded by their surveillance videos. Likewise, a car accident might have been recorded by a nearby business or home with surveillance or ring cameras installed. The crucial aspect is getting this footage before the owner erases it, either on purpose or as a matter of practice. Our team will investigate and move quickly to preserve this evidence.
Medical Records
Your medical records often serve as the main evidence tying your current injuries to the accident you are suing for. Medical evidence will tell how severe your injuries are, how soon after the accident you sought treatment, and your doctors’ opinions on treatment plans to get you back to full health. Your medical bills will help us derive an accurate number to demand in economic compensation.
Be sure to get any medical care you need as soon as possible after the accident and follow the treatment directions from your healthcare providers. The defense is entitled to these records and will try to lower the compensation you recover or deny it altogether if you miss even one appointment.
Call Our Paramus, NJ Personal Injury Attorneys to Get Your Claim Started Today
Contact Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111 for a free case review with our car accident attorneys.