Evidence You Should Collect When Making a Claim Based on Personal Injury
If you are injured in an unexpected accident, it can be overwhelming. You may be unsure of what you need to do to protect your rights. You may even be uncertain of what your rights are after an accident. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. A personal injury attorney can help you gather the documents and evidence you need to prove your claim.
At Siegel & Coonerty, we have decades of collective experience helping individuals who have been injured in accidents obtain the compensation they deserve. We work tirelessly for our clients, only resolving a case once our sense of justice has been satisfied. If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, contact our office at (212) 532-0532 to schedule a free consultation.
If you are injured, you might be asked to collect these documents for your case:
Medical and Treatment Records
The extent of your injuries plays a large role in the compensation you receive. In order to prove those injuries, you will need to provide medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment. Keeping copies of any examinations, doctor’s notes, and medical reports can help ensure that you receive the recovery you need to cover all of your injury-related losses.
Employment Records
Damages in a personal injury claim may also include compensation for your lost wages or loss of future earning capacity. You will have to prove your income through paystubs, W2 forms, or other documents that indicate what you were making at the time of your accident.
Police Report or Accident Report
Proving liability can be challenging without an investigation into what caused the accident. If law enforcement is called to the scene, they will generally prepare a police report or accident report. While not definitive, the report may help to determine who was responsible for your injuries.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness testimony can be critical in personal injury cases where fault is questioned. If you are able, obtain the contact information for all parties involved in the accident and any witnesses that may be able to provide information about what happened before, during, and after the incident.
Photos and Videos of the Scene
Photos and videos can make compelling pieces of evidence in personal injury cases. If you can, take photographs and videos at the scene. Document as much as possible and provide the information to your attorney.
Photos and videos that may be helpful in your case:
- Photos and videos you take
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of road and weather conditions
- Photos of property or vehicle damage
If you are unable to take photos or videos at the time of your accident, you may be able to return to the scene at a later time. However, waiting too long may result in evidence being destroyed.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Records
If you were involved in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for any property damage you sustained. Keep a record of any repairs that you have completed on your vehicle. Your attorney may also ask you to provide maintenance records to show that your car was in safe working condition prior to the accident.
Injury Journal
A lawyer may ask you to keep an injury journal that details the impact that the accident had on you and your family. You can describe how the accident is affecting your mental and physical health and any other notes about the incident.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident, contact our office at (212) 532-0532 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We have recovered millions on behalf of our clients. Call now to get started.
