Start Collecting Evidence Immediately After a Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC Car Accident

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

If an individual is involved in a vehicle accident in the Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., area, it is important to take down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, take photos of the scene of the accident and file a police report. If the individual is hurt, he should seek immediate medical treatment and not sign any documents from any insurance adjuster.

When an accident occurs, taking care of medical issues and gathering the evidence for a case is of the utmost importance. When filing a claim for a personal injury case, it is important to not only prove that damage was done but also to prove that the damage was caused by the negligence of the at fault party. The earlier in the process that proof can be established, the better the chances for the plaintiff to prove his case.

Injuries

When accidents happen, it’s possible for a head to crash into a dashboard or windshield, for a seat belt to flail a torso around the seat causing whiplash or for numerous cuts and bruises to occur. Some possible injuries in a car crash include:

  • Head and brain trauma
  • Broken arms or legs
  • Dislocated back
  • Abrasions and lacerations

When these types of injuries occur, sizable medical bills can mount and extended hospital stays can be incurred. The costs of initial hospital visits coupled with any rehabilitation and future medical expenses can mean a substantial health care payment disaster for the victim of such personal injury automobile accident. In addition to these lost expenses, drivers can also incur lost work time, lost wages and expenses to repair the damaged automobile. These are all expenses that can be recovered in a personal injury claim.

Piecing together an impressive case to recover damages from a personal injury automobile accident can be tedious. The plaintiff in such a case must prove that an injury occurred, must prove that the monetary damages were incurred as a result of the crash and that the at-fault party is negligent in the car accident and is responsible for paying the bills.

An experienced Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer compiles the evidence and establishes the case against the at fault party in a personal injury case. A qualified Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. car accident attorney fights for the rights of the injured party and can make the plaintiff financially whole once again.

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.