Whether you reside in a no-fault or at-fault state, your documentation will be the key to helping you get fair compensation in the aftermath of an accident. This entails more than the basics, such as driving licenses, with comprehensive records being ideal for your personal injury case. So what are some essentials to have on hand? Your personal injury lawyer will be your go-to in helping you determine the proper documentation
Medical Records
Your medical records will act as the first form of evidence in your case. For this, ensure that you provide documents detailing the type of treatment received and the cost of future medical services needed to help you recuperate. In addition to this, records detailing your previous state of health will also come in handy during your settlement. This will help you showcase the resulting changes after your accident, allowing your personal injury lawyers to assess the accurate cost of your injuries.
Personal Testimonials and Statements From Family
Personal records detailing your recovery will be essential when dealing with a personal injury case. Notes and journals will, for instance, come in handy here, with well-written records of pain and suffering, building a solid argument for identifying the appropriate compensation for future treatment. Records from close family and friends will also be helpful, allowing you to strengthen your claim.
Receipts for Accident-Related Losses
Non-medical losses resulting from your injuries will also be vital in helping you get a fair settlement, with receipts such as car repairs going a long way in your case. Other receipts to keep track of include at-home care, tax returns, and rental cars. Significant injuries may also result in loss of income, with termination letters also coming in handy for this.
Police Reports
Police reports will often detail the cause of the accident, the damage and injuries incurred, and the liable parties. Such records will be vital in helping you form a solid case for fair compensation, making it worth your while. The reports could also lead to other law investigating agencies if the accident resulted in significant damage. These follow-up reports could also provide secondary data for use in your claim.
Witness Statements
Statements by witnesses present during the accident may also detail findings that may be amiss in the police reports, making them other essential data sources. Agencies such as state or federal highway administration will likely have the witness statements in their records, with the location of the accident determining the agency overseeing data collection.
Malpractice Reports
Reports from medical experts will also come in handy if you encounter any malpractice during your treatment that may have led to unnecessary care costs. With this in mind, liaise with your current medical team to present such records before the court to ascertain your malpractice claim.
Service History Reports
A vehicle’s service history report could help you unveil important information about the state of the car in question, acting as a guide into your claim. Request for repair documents from the technicians and vehicle service experts. This will likely help establish if the car’s problem areas played a part in the accident.
Insurance Coverage
Numerous insurance policies provide coverage when the driver at fault is not insured, with such a contract allowing you to get compensation when such an incident occurs. Avail your insurance documents to your attorney to review the terms in your policy if the other party has no or minimal assets to cover your losses.
Your personal injury attorney will be your go-to in helping you determine the proper documentation tailored to your case, allowing you to stick to the state and federal requirements when dealing with compensation claims. Even with this, ensure you have the documents mentioned above to increase your chances of a fair trial.