If you are hurt in a car accident in Washington or elsewhere, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and other damages. However, this assumes that a reckless driver struck you. Reckless driving comes in many forms, and there are several ways that you can attempt to prove that the defendant in your case acted irresponsibly.
Examples of reckless driving
Examples of reckless driving include driving too fast for road conditions and operating a vehicle while impaired or using a cellphone. Reckless driving may also involve yelling at other motorists or engaging in other acts of road rage. Toxicology reports, witness statements or other evidence may be used to help prove that a reckless driver caused the car accident.
Steps to obtain evidence
There are many different ways that you can obtain evidence for your case. For instance, you can take photos or record video footage of the accident scene immediately after the wreck takes place. You can ask other people who saw the crash to give a statement or forward any footage that they may have of the wreck. It may also be necessary to contact the police department to obtain a report or for assistance obtaining insurance and other information from the other driver involved in the accident. Finally, you can contact your doctor for medical records related to your case.
Potential damages
If a reckless driver injures you, you could receive compensation for medical bills, repairing your vehicle or lost wages. You may also receive financial help if you need to refurbish your car or house to make them easier to use after being hurt in a car wreck.
A motor vehicle accident case will typically be settled outside of court. However, you do have three years to file a lawsuit if settlement talks don’t yield a positive result. In some cases, threatening to take the matter to court will get the defendant or the defendant’s insurance company to negotiate in good faith.