Collecting Evidence in San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Cases
The investigation process for a catastrophic injury claim can take time—in many cases, more time than you may have anticipated. Because of the high value of many of those claims, insurance companies will often look for evidence that will allow them to deny liability or decrease the compensation they have to pay out. Working with a catastrophic injury lawyer, however, can make it easier for you to establish liability for your accident and lay out the full compensation you deserve.
Investigating the Cause of the Accident
When collecting evidence in catastrophic injury cases, insurance companies and lawyers in San Antonio will often start with a look at what likely caused the accident. They may look at a variety of factors, including:
- Witness statements from the accident, including the injured person’s description of what happened
- Any video footage of the accident, including security camera footage or dash cam footage
- Police reports or other reports created about the accident
- Photos of the accident or the accident scene
In addition, a lawyer may take a close look at the history of the liable party or their facility and whether they had a previous history of causing accidents or previous knowledge that could have indicated accident risk.
Expert Witnesses
Often, both lawyers and insurance companies will bring in expert witnesses to assess the evidence from the accident and provide more information about what likely caused it. Expert witnesses can include anything from medical professionals to contractors, depending on how the accident occurred and any contributing factors. Expert witness testimony can help establish liability, show what care another person in the same situation should have exercised, or provide more information about the likely impact of the accident on the injured person.
Examining Medical Needs and Injuries
Catastrophic injury claims often include high-value damages, including the cost of medical care related to the injuries sustained in the accident. In many cases, insurance companies may try to argue that the injured individual did not sustain the severe injuries they claim, which could mean the insurance company does not have to pay out the full compensation requested. Investigations may include:
- A review of medical bills
- Looking at medical records
- Asking for statements from medical care providers who treated the injury
- Seeking a medical evaluation from a third party
- Consulting medical experts
- Employment records that show how much work the injured person had to miss
- Statements from employers or coworkers about how the injury has impacted the person’s ability to work
Working with a lawyer as insurance companies seek evidence of injury following a catastrophic accident can make it easier for the injured person in San Antonio to navigate that part of the investigation. Lawyers can provide advice about what to share with the insurance company and how the injured person can best protect their right to compensation throughout the evaluation.
Talk to an Attorney for Help Collecting Evidence in San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Claims
When you suffer catastrophic injuries, you need someone on your side who will help fight for your right to compensation. Not only can a lawyer help with collecting evidence in San Antonio catastrophic injury claims, but they can also guide you through your interactions with the insurance company and provide more information about the compensation you should reasonably expect. Contact Felix Gonzalez Law Firm today for help with your catastrophic injury claim.
