Riverside Injury Lawyer Reminds Car Accident Victims: Gather Evidence to Substantiate Losses

Only the best Riverside accident injury lawyers appreciate the value of evidence in a car crash case. For anyone involved in a car accident in Riverside, California, their primary concern will be to obtain the medical care they need to fully recover from their injuries. Yet to increase your chances of fully recovering financially from your losses and medical bills, you'll need to keep accurate records of the damages to your person and property. Many drivers think they'll never get into a car accident, so they won't have to worry about things like this. But accidents happen more often then they realize.

Accidents Occur Upwards of Five Times a Day

The California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported that in 2006, 29 people died and 1,891 were injured in Riverside car crashes--that's almost five per day. Four pedestrians were killed and 88 were injured in car collisions. One bicyclist was killed and 71 were injured in crashes. Five motorcyclists were killed and 91 were injured. Drunk drivers caused 18 fatalities and 201 injuries. In 2007, 29 car collisions ended in 31 deaths.

Keep Records on Injuries, Losses and Expenses

An experienced Riverside auto accident lawyer knows how often car collisions occur and how complicated they can get. Which is why they advise car accident victims to keep detailed records regarding their injuries, losses and expenses. This can be very hard to do, since car crash victims are emotionally drained, if not physically impaired. Besides, there are doctor visits, police reports, car repairs and school/job rescheduling requirements to deal with. This is where friends and relatives can sometimes help. What you need to keep in mind is that these records will be invaluable in helping you negotiate a just settlement with insurance companies.

For all car accident settlements, patients (or their attorneys) are required to gather evidence, present it to the insurance company, and negotiate a resolution. Remember that when you record your expenses and damages, never omit any items, for this will lower the value of your claim. Conversely, never exaggerate your losses, for you'll undermine your credibility, and possibly raise doubts as to your claim's legitimacy.

Finally, if you are injured in a car accident, there are specific things you should know--before you speak to an insurance claims adjuster or sign any forms or papers. Some of the best Riverside car crash lawyers offer no charge, no pressure consultations to inform you of your rights and guide you in the right direction.

For more reminders, read "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Personal Injury Claim" by California personal injury attorney John Bisnar. The book is free to accident victims--just go to www.BestAttorneyBooks.com to get a copy sent to you, or you can buy one at www.Amazon.com. Please contact our California car accident lawyers by calling 800-561-4887.

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