How The Orlow Firm Does Investigations of Accidents for Our Clients

Gathering and Preserving Key Evidence

A successful accident claim hinges on the strength and completeness of the evidence supporting it. At The Orlow Firm, our methodical approach to gathering and preserving key evidence is exhaustive. We understand that every piece of information, no matter how small, can play a pivotal role in establishing liability and proving the full extent of your damages. Our team leaves no stone unturned, meticulously collecting and safeguarding the facts that build a powerful case on your behalf.

• On-Scene Investigations (if applicable and timely) – When possible and beneficial to your case, our team acts quickly to conduct an on-scene investigation. This is especially crucial in the immediate aftermath of an accident before the scene can be altered or cleared. We’re looking for perishable evidence that might otherwise disappear, such as skid marks, debris fields, fluid spills, or damage to surrounding property. These physical indicators can provide invaluable insights into vehicle speeds, points of impact, and the sequence of events.
• Photographing and Video Recording the Accident Scene – Visual evidence is incredibly powerful. We meticulously photograph and video record the accident scene from multiple angles and distances. This includes close-ups of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, signals, relevant landmarks, and any visible injuries. High-quality visual documentation provides an objective and undeniable record of the scene’s condition immediately following the accident, helping to illustrate the circumstances and impact to insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, or a jury.
• Securing Surveillance Footage – In today’s world, cameras are everywhere. We actively work to secure surveillance footage from traffic cameras, nearby businesses, residential security systems, or even dash cams. This video evidence can often provide an unbiased account of the accident itself, showing how it unfolded, who was at fault, and the actions of all parties involved. Time is often of the essence here, as many surveillance systems automatically overwrite footage after a short period.
• Identifying and Interviewing Witnesses – Witnesses often provide crucial, objective perspectives on what occurred. Our team goes beyond the initial police report to identify potential witnesses who may have seen the accident but didn’t speak to authorities at the scene. We then conduct thorough interviews, gathering detailed statements about what they observed before, during, and after the incident. Their accounts can corroborate your version of events, identify negligent actions, or reveal critical details overlooked by others.
• Obtaining Police Reports and Official Documentation – The police report is often one of the first official documents generated after an accident, and it contains vital initial information. We promptly obtain and meticulously review this report, along with any other official documentation, such as incident reports from property owners or employer accident reports. These documents provide a framework for our investigation and often contain initial assessments of the scene, vehicle information, and witness contact details.
• Collecting Medical Records and Billing Statements – Proving the extent of your injuries and the financial burden they’ve imposed is critical. We meticulously collect all relevant medical records and billing statements from every healthcare provider you’ve seen, from emergency services and hospitals to specialists, therapists, and pharmacies. This comprehensive collection allows us to fully document the nature of your injuries, the course of your treatment, and the financial impact on your life.
• Reviewing Vehicle Damage Reports and Repair Estimates – For accidents involving vehicles, vehicle damage reports and repair estimates offer valuable insights into the force of impact and can corroborate the severity of the collision. We review these documents to understand the full extent of property damage, which can sometimes provide clues about the mechanics of the accident itself and the potential for corresponding personal injuries.
• Analyzing Employment Records (for lost wages claims) – If your injuries have caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn a living, analyzing employment records becomes a key part of our investigation. We gather documentation of your past earnings, work history, and any records demonstrating time lost due to the accident. This evidence is crucial for calculating and substantiating claims for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

By diligently gathering and preserving each of these pieces of evidence, The Orlow Firm builds a robust and undeniable case, leaving no room for doubt about the facts of your accident and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Do you have questions about the evidence in your accident case? Call The Orlow Firm today at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.

Leveraging Expert Resources for In-Depth Analysis

While our in-house investigative team is incredibly thorough, complex accident cases often require specialized knowledge and technical insights that go beyond the scope of a standard investigation. At The Orlow Firm, we recognize that to truly understand the nuances of an accident and accurately quantify its impact, we need to bring in the best. That’s why we frequently leverage a network of highly credentialed expert resources across various fields. These specialists provide critical analysis, generate detailed reports, and can offer powerful testimony, significantly strengthening your claim.

• Accident Reconstruction Specialists: In vehicle accidents where the cause isn’t immediately clear, or there’s conflicting information, we often enlist accident reconstruction specialists. These experts use scientific principles, physics, and advanced technology to re-create the accident sequence, analyze vehicle dynamics, impact forces, and driver behavior. Their findings can pinpoint the precise cause of the accident and definitively establish fault, often based on data from vehicle black boxes, skid marks, and crush damage.

• Medical Experts (Doctors, Therapists, Rehabilitation Specialists): Understanding the full extent of your injuries—and their long-term implications—is paramount. We consult with a range of medical experts, including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, pain management specialists, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists. These professionals can provide detailed medical opinions on the severity of your injuries, the necessity of past and future treatments, your prognosis, and the potential for permanent disability, ensuring that your compensation accurately reflects your medical needs.

• Economic Impact Analysts: When an accident results in significant financial losses, such as lost wages, diminished earning capacity, or future medical costs, we work with economic impact analysts. These experts are skilled at calculating the full scope of financial damages, projecting future lost income, benefits, and the cost of ongoing care. Their detailed reports provide a clear, quantifiable basis for the economic portion of your claim.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Experts: For clients whose injuries affect their ability to return to their previous job or any gainful employment, vocational rehabilitation experts become invaluable. They assess your residual functional capacity, identify suitable alternative occupations, and determine the cost of retraining or educational programs. Their analysis helps us claim compensation for lost earning potential over your lifetime.

• Forensic Engineers (for product liability or structural issues): In cases involving defective products, faulty machinery, or structural failures that contributed to an accident, we may engage forensic engineers. These specialists can examine the product or structure, identify design flaws, manufacturing defects, or maintenance failures, and determine how these issues led to your injury. Their expertise is crucial in holding manufacturers or property owners accountable.

By integrating the insights of these top-tier experts into our investigation, The Orlow Firm can present an unassailable case, backed by irrefutable scientific and professional analysis. This not only maximizes your chances of a favorable settlement but also ensures that if your case goes to trial, we have the expert testimony needed to prevail.

Have questions about how expert analysis can strengthen your accident claim? Contact The Orlow Firm for a free consultation. Call us today at (646) 647-3398.

Establishing Liability: Proving Who Was At Fault

A successful personal injury claim isn’t just about showing you were injured; it’s fundamentally about establishing liability – proving who was at fault for causing your accident and, therefore, your injuries. This is often the most contentious part of any claim, as insurance companies and opposing parties will aggressively try to minimize their responsibility or shift blame. At The Orlow Firm, our meticulous investigation feeds directly into this crucial phase, allowing us to build a compelling case that clearly identifies all negligent parties.

Analyzing Traffic Laws and Regulations

Many accidents occur due to a violation of established rules. We thoroughly analyze traffic laws and regulations, as well as any other relevant statutes or industry standards, that apply to your specific accident. For instance, in a car accident, did the other driver run a red light, exceed the speed limit, or make an illegal turn? In a slip and fall, did a property owner violate building codes or safety regulations? By identifying these infractions, we can demonstrate how a party’s failure to adhere to the law directly contributed to your accident. This legal framework forms a powerful basis for proving negligence.

Identifying All Responsible Parties

It’s not always just one person or entity to blame. Our investigation aims to identify all responsible parties who may have contributed to your accident. This could include:

• Drivers: In vehicle collisions, the most obvious liable party.
• Property Owners: For premises liability cases (like slip and falls), if unsafe conditions led to your injury.
• Employers: If the accident occurred due to an employer’s negligence or while an employee was acting within the scope of their employment.
• Product Manufacturers: If a defective product caused or contributed to your injuries.
• Governmental Entities: In some cases, poorly maintained roads or malfunctioning traffic signals might involve a municipal or state entity.

By identifying every party whose negligence played a role, we maximize the potential sources of compensation for your injuries.

Building a Compelling Narrative of Negligence

Ultimately, proving liability involves building a compelling narrative of negligence. This means connecting all the evidence we’ve gathered – witness statements, police reports, expert analyses, medical records, and photos – into a clear, cohesive story that demonstrates how another party’s careless actions (or inactions) directly led to your harm. We meticulously show that:

• The responsible party owed you a duty of care (e.g., to drive safely, to maintain a safe property).
• They breached that duty (e.g., by driving recklessly, by failing to fix a hazard).
• This breach directly caused your accident and injuries.
• You suffered damages as a result.

This comprehensive approach allows us to present an unassailable case for fault, whether we’re negotiating with insurance companies or arguing your case in court.

Are you ready to establish liability and seek justice for your accident? Contact The Orlow Firm today for a free consultation. Call us at (646) 647-3398.

Quantifying Damages: Accurately Assessing Your Losses

Beyond proving who was at fault, a critical part of securing fair compensation is accurately quantifying your damages. This means meticulously assessing every single loss you’ve suffered because of the accident—not just the obvious ones. Insurance companies will always try to minimize these figures, so a thorough, evidence-backed calculation of your damages is absolutely essential. At The Orlow Firm, we leave no stone unturned, ensuring that every impact the accident has had on your life is accounted for and included in your claim.

• Calculating Medical Expenses (Past, Present, and Future): Your medical bills are often the most immediate and significant cost after an accident. We diligently gather all your past medical expenses, from emergency room visits and ambulance rides to hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests. But our assessment doesn’t stop there. We work with your doctors and medical experts to project your present and future medical needs, including ongoing treatments, therapies, rehabilitation, potential future surgeries, and long-term care, ensuring these crucial costs are fully integrated into your claim.

• Estimating Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: Accidents can take a serious toll on your financial stability. We thoroughly document all your lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries, recovery, and appointments. Furthermore, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income you did before, we work with vocational and economic experts to calculate your diminished earning capacity. This accounts for the future income you’ll lose over your lifetime due to your accident-related limitations.

• Valuing Pain and Suffering: While harder to quantify, pain and suffering are very real and compensable damages. This includes the physical pain you’ve endured, the discomfort of your injuries, and the suffering through treatments and recovery. We gather evidence like medical records, your personal testimony, and, if necessary, expert medical opinions to demonstrate the severity and impact of your pain on your daily life.

• Assessing Emotional Distress: Accidents often lead to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear, sleeplessness, and other psychological impacts. These non-economic damages can profoundly affect your quality of life. We work to document this distress through medical records, therapy notes, and personal accounts, ensuring these crucial aspects of your suffering are recognized and valued.

• Accounting for Property Damage: If your property was damaged in the accident—whether it’s your vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or other personal belongings—we make sure to account for all property damage. This includes the cost of repairs, replacement value, or any diminution in value of your property.

• Considering Future Care and Rehabilitation Needs: Some injuries require long-term support. We meticulously calculate the costs associated with future care and rehabilitation needs, such as ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, specialized equipment, home modifications, or even in-home care. Our goal is to ensure you receive the resources needed for a full recovery and a good quality of life moving forward.

By comprehensively quantifying each of these damage categories, The Orlow Firm builds a robust and undeniable demand for compensation that truly reflects the full scope of your losses, leaving no aspect of your suffering unaddressed.

Concerned about how to calculate your accident-related losses? Call The Orlow Firm today at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.

Strategic Use of Investigation Findings in Negotiations and Litigation

At The Orlow Firm, the comprehensive investigation we conduct is not just about gathering facts; it’s about strategically deploying those facts to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Every piece of evidence, every expert opinion, and every calculated damage figure serves a specific purpose in our efforts to seek the maximum compensation you may be entitled to. Our thoroughness in investigation directly translates into strength at the negotiation table and in the courtroom.

• Preparing a Strong Demand Package: The first major step in seeking compensation is typically submitting a demand package to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Our meticulously gathered investigation findings are the bedrock of this package. We compile all evidence—police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, lost wage documentation, and expert reports—into a clear, compelling narrative. This package clearly outlines liability and quantifies your damages, presenting an undeniable argument for why the insurance company should pay the full value of your claim. A strong, evidence-backed demand package sets the tone for negotiations and often prompts the insurance company to take your claim seriously from the outset.

• Supporting Mediation and Settlement Negotiations: Many personal injury cases resolve through out-of-court negotiations or mediation. During these critical discussions, our comprehensive investigation gives us a distinct advantage. We can confidently counter lowball offers and refute baseless defenses with concrete evidence. If an adjuster or opposing counsel claims your injuries aren’t severe, we present detailed medical records and expert prognoses. If they dispute liability, we have accident reconstruction reports and witness testimonies to back up our claims. Our ability to present a well-documented and fully supported case pressures the opposing side to negotiate fairly, knowing we are prepared to litigate if necessary.

• Building a Formidable Case for Trial: While we strive to settle cases efficiently, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our in-depth investigation ensures we have a formidable case to present to a judge and jury. Every piece of evidence is organized, admissible, and ready to be used to prove negligence and damages. Expert witnesses are prepared to testify based on their thorough analyses. This level of preparation is crucial for success in litigation, demonstrating to the court that your claim is not only valid but overwhelmingly supported by facts. The strength of our trial preparation, built on a robust investigation, often serves as a powerful incentive for the opposing side to settle before a verdict is rendered.

Our strategic use of investigative findings is what truly sets The Orlow Firm apart. We transform raw data into a powerful legal strategy, ensuring every effort contributes to securing the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Ready to see how our strategic approach can benefit your case? Contact The Orlow Firm for a free consultation. Call us today at (646) 647-3398.

The Orlow Firm Difference: Our Commitment to Comprehensive Investigation

At The Orlow Firm, we understand that you have choices when it comes to legal representation after an accident. What sets us apart is not just our legal acumen, but our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive investigation. We believe that true advocacy goes beyond just filling out forms; it means digging deep, meticulously uncovering every relevant fact, and building an unassailable case on your behalf. This dedication is fundamental to how we operate and how we maximize your chances of success.

• Our Dedicated Team of Investigators and Legal Professionals: We don’t rely solely on police reports or your initial statements. Our firm boasts a dedicated team of investigators and legal professionals who work synergistically from day one. This includes experienced paralegals, legal assistants, and sometimes even in-house or contracted investigators who are trained to identify and secure crucial evidence. This collaborative approach ensures that no detail is overlooked and that your case benefits from multiple perspectives and specialized expertise throughout the investigative process.

• Our Commitment to Leaving No Stone Unturned: This isn’t just a catchy phrase for us; it’s our guiding principle. We pride ourselves on leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for you. From detailed scene analysis and witness canvassing to expert consultations and comprehensive document review, we exhaust every avenue to gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This relentless pursuit of facts ensures that we have the strongest possible foundation to counter opposing arguments and accurately assess the full scope of your damages.

• How Our Thoroughness Maximizes Your Chances of Success: The direct correlation between a thorough investigation and a successful outcome cannot be overstated. When we present your case—whether to an insurance adjuster, in mediation, or to a jury—it is backed by irrefutable evidence and expert analysis. This thoroughness maximizes your chances of success by:

  • Establishing clear liability: Making it difficult for the at-fault party to deny responsibility.
  • Accurately valuing your losses: Ensuring all your economic and non-economic damages are fully accounted for.
  • Strengthening your bargaining position: Compelling insurance companies to offer fair settlements rather than face a well-prepared trial.
  • Increasing confidence in litigation: Providing the robust evidence needed to prevail in court if a settlement isn’t possible.

Choosing The Orlow Firm means choosing a partner who understands that the strength of your case begins with the depth of its investigation. We are not just your lawyers; we are your tireless advocates, committed to uncovering the truth and seeking the justice you may be entitled to.

Ready to experience The Orlow Firm difference? Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at (646) 647-3398.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accident Investigations

1. Why is a thorough investigation so important in a personal injury case? A thorough investigation is the bedrock of a strong personal injury claim. It allows us to:

   • Accurately establish who was at fault (liability).
   • Identify all potential sources of compensation.
   • Document the full extent of your injuries and all related damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
   • Preserve crucial evidence that might otherwise disappear.
   • Counter arguments from insurance companies attempting to minimize your claim. Without a comprehensive investigation, you risk receiving less than the full compensation you may be entitled to.

2. When should I contact The Orlow Firm after an accident? It is crucial to contact us as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner you reach out, the quicker our team can begin collecting and preserving critical evidence, such as perishable physical evidence at the scene, surveillance footage that might be overwritten, and fresh witness testimonies. Prompt action can significantly strengthen your case.

3. What kind of evidence does The Orlow Firm typically collect during an investigation? Our investigation is comprehensive and may include:

   • On-scene analysis (photos, videos, measurements).
   • Securing surveillance footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.
   • Identifying and interviewing witnesses.
   • Obtaining police reports and other official documentation.
   • Gathering all medical records and billing statements related to your injuries.
   • Reviewing vehicle damage reports and repair estimates.
   • Analyzing employment records for lost wage claims.
   • Collecting any other relevant documents or communications.

4. Do you work with outside experts during the investigation? Absolutely. For complex cases or to provide in-depth analysis, we frequently collaborate with a network of highly qualified experts, including:

   • Accident reconstruction specialists.
   • Medical experts (doctors, therapists, specialists).
   • Economic impact analysts to calculate long-term financial losses.
   • Vocational rehabilitation experts.
   • Forensic engineers, particularly in cases involving product defects or structural issues. These experts provide critical insights and can offer powerful testimony to strengthen your claim.

5. What if I don’t know who was at fault for my accident? That’s precisely why our investigative services are so valuable. Even if liability seems unclear to you, our team will meticulously investigate all aspects of the accident to identify all responsible parties. We analyze traffic laws, review evidence, and use expert insights to pinpoint who was negligent and therefore liable for your injuries.

6. How does your investigation help maximize my compensation? Our thorough investigation maximizes your compensation by:

   • Providing irrefutable evidence to prove fault and counter defense arguments.
   • Accurately quantifying all your losses, both economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic (pain and suffering, emotional distress).
   • Building a compelling case that puts pressure on insurance companies to settle fairly.
   • Preparing a formidable case for trial, if necessary, demonstrating our readiness to fight for the full value of your claim.

7. What should I do at the accident scene to help your investigation later? If you are able and it is safe to do so, immediately after an accident, you should:

   • Call 911 (police and ambulance).
   • Exchange information with other involved parties (name, insurance, contact).
   • Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries from various angles.
   • Get contact information for any witnesses.
   • Do not admit fault or apologize.
   • Seek immediate medical attention.
   • Then, contact The Orlow Firm as soon as possible.

8. Is there a cost for the initial consultation to discuss my accident? No, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident and evaluate your potential claim. You won’t pay any fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Ready to Discuss Your Case? Contact The Orlow Firm Today

The aftermath of an accident can be a challenging and uncertain time. While you focus on your recovery, let The Orlow Firm take on the burden of thoroughly investigating your accident and building a strong case on your behalf. Our commitment to a comprehensive investigation is not just a promise; it’s the foundation of our strategy to maximize your compensation and ensure you pursue the justice you may be entitled to.

Don’t navigate this complex legal process alone. Understanding your rights and the value of your claim starts with a detailed discussion of your specific situation.

Don’t Wait – Secure Your Future: Connect with The Orlow Firm

Every hour that passes after an accident can impact the strength of your potential claim. Crucial evidence can disappear, and memories can fade. Let our proactive investigative team begin working immediately to protect your rights and gather the facts.

Your free, no-obligation consultation is just a phone call away. Reach out to The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398.