If you’ve been involved in a highway accident in Pittsfield, you’re likely dealing with a range of emotions, medical bills, and uncertainty about what’s next. But what we do can make a significant difference in your case.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, our team of highway accident lawyers in Pittsfield can provide you with the guidance and support you need. Working with a dedicated car accident lawyer in Pittsfield can help you secure the compensation you need for your injuries and damages.
Common Causes of Highway Accidents
One of the most common causes of highway accidents in Pittsfield is distracted driving. When you take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel, you increase your risk of being involved in a serious accident.
Another common cause is poor weather. Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, making it difficult to control your vehicle. If you’re involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
It’s important to seek the help of an experienced Pittsfield personal injury lawyer to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Highway Accidents
Victims of highway accidents often suffer a wide range of devastating injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic, life-altering trauma. As you go through the aftermath of a highway accident, it’s important to understand the types of injuries you may be dealing with.
Whiplash injuries, for instance, are common in highway crashes, causing strain on your neck and back muscles. You may also experience traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional impairments.
The Importance of Gathering Evidence After a Pittsfield Accident
When you’re involved in a highway accident, it’s important that you take immediate action to gather evidence, as this will play a significant role in building a strong case.
Preserving Crash Scene Evidence
The clock starts ticking immediately after a crash, so you should act fast to preserve crash scene evidence. You’ll want to employ effective preservation techniques to guarantee that significant evidence isn’t lost or destroyed.
Start by documenting the scene with photos and videos, capturing details like skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Collect physical evidence like broken glass, tire fragments, or other debris.
If possible, get the contact information of witnesses and take statements from them. It’s also important to secure any available video footage from nearby cameras or dashcams.
Documenting Injuries and Damages
As you focus on recovery, you must document your injuries and damages, since this evidence will play a significant role in building a strong case.
This process involves thorough injury documentation and damage assessment to increase the chances that you’re adequately compensated for your losses. To do this effectively, be sure to:
- Take clear, well-lit photos of your injuries from multiple angles
- Keep a daily pain journal to track your symptoms and progress
- Save receipts for medical expenses, including copays and prescriptions
Our Highway Accident Lawyer in Pittsfield Can Deal With Insurance Companies
When you’re involved in a highway crash, you’re not just dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma, but also with legal and administrative processes. Here are some important considerations:
- Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters, as they may try to use your statements against you.
- Don’t accept initial settlement offers, as they’re often lower than what you are entitled to.
- Be prepared to provide detailed documentation of your injuries, expenses, and lost wages.
- Anticipate opposing party tactics, such as blaming you for the accident or downplaying your injuries.
- Consider hiring a highway accident lawyer in Pittsfield to help you through the complicated legal landscape and fight for your rights.
Our team will give you the Stone Cold Guarantee® throughout the entire legal process so that you can recover.
Calculating Damages and Seeking Fair Compensation in Pittsfield
When seeking fair compensation for your highway accident, you’ll need to calculate the damages you’ve incurred.
Assigning Liability Costs
Assigning liability costs in a highway accident case involves calculating the damages you’ve incurred and seeking fair compensation from the responsible parties.
To do this, you’ll need to conduct a thorough liability determination and fault assessment to identify the parties responsible for the accident. We can help you:
- Identify the at-fault parties, including drivers, vehicle owners, and other liable entities
- Determine the percentage of fault for each party involved
- Calculate the total damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage
- Evaluate the insurance coverage available to compensate for your losses
- Negotiate with the insurance companies to reach a fair settlement or prepare for trial if necessary
Calculating Pain and Suffering
You’ve gathered evidence, identified the at-fault parties, and calculated the total damages. Now it’s time to put a price tag on your pain and suffering. This is often the most difficult aspect of calculating damages, as it’s hard to quantify the emotional distress and physical discomfort you’ve endured.
A pain assessment will help you and your Pittsfield highway accident lawyer determine a fair amount for your non-economic losses. This includes compensation for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lost Wages Recovery
After calculating your pain and suffering, it’s important to factor in the financial toll of your accident, including lost wages. When you’re unable to work due to injuries sustained in a highway accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can be a significant component of your compensation claims.
Here’s what to do:
- Document your lost wages by keeping a record of missed workdays, reduced hours, and any changes in your pay rate.
- Gather evidence of your pre-accident income, such as pay stubs and W-2 forms.
- Calculate the total amount of lost wages, including any overtime or bonuses you would have earned.
- Consider the impact of lost wages on your long-term earning potential.
Contact Our Highway Accident Lawyer in Pittsfield
You’ve been through a traumatic experience, and now it’s time to focus on recovery. A skilled highway accident lawyer, like those at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, will handle the legal process, increasing the chances that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee, so you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us.
Not Trusting What You’re Being Told?
Better Phone Stone
(800) 577-5188
