10 Must-Have Evidence for a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you have been in a car accident and are considering filing a lawsuit, it is an overwhelming experience. Knowing what evidence you need to get can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. Evidence, in most car accident cases, plays a great role in proving liability, damages, and recovery.
Common Car Accident Evidence You Need
Here are the evidence for a car accident lawsuit.
Police Report
Generally, police reports are among the main documents in an auto accident case. They give a formal account of how the accident happened and may give some idea as to whose facts are accurate.
One can get a copy of the report by phoning or contacting them through their website in case of an accident. The report may date the time, place, and statements of those concerned and other witnesses. At times it carries the opinion of the officer as to who was at fault, which again can be challenged in a court of law.
Photographic Evidence
Photos can, for the record, capture the damages to the vehicles, any injuries sustained, as well as the scene of the accident. This might help with proving the nature and extent of damages and the conditions that surrounded the accident.
If you can, try to photograph:
- Damages to all vehicles involved
- Any injuries that you or others have endured
- The accident scene should be documented down to the minute detail, including road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks or debris.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness testimony may provide an unbiased account of how the accident happened and who may be responsible. Get contact details from the witnesses. If at all possible, ask for written or recorded statements.
Make sure the statements are detailed and cover what the witness observed and heard. Witnesses may be used to validate your account of the incident and provide context to the conditions surrounding the accident.
Medical Records
Medical records will be required as proof of injury and its impact on your life.
What should be included:
- Initial diagnosis and course of treatment
- Follow-up appointments continued treatment
- Bills and records of medical costs
- Any reports of long-term impact or permanent disability
Have your doctor or hospital provide you with copies. Make sure the records are complete and as detailed as possible.
Expert Opinions
Experts can provide expert opinions on most diverse aspects of your accident-from the damage to the vehicle to accident reconstruction to medical assessments.
Types of experts you should seek assistance from:
- First, an accident reconstruction expert will be able to recreate your accident and then illustrate precisely how it happened.
- Second, medical experts can be called upon to testify regarding the extent of your injuries.
- Third, forensic experts analyze the evidence presented, such as the condition of the vehicles and the road.
- Last but not least, your car accident lawyer will be in a position to help you find and retain the expert best-suited for your case.
Insurance Information Significance
Getting the insurance policy details and communication may be very important and may, in one way or another, be used in determining coverage and liability.
What you need to collect:
- Your insurance policy details
- Correspondence with your insurance company
- Details about the other party’s insurance
The insurance information might give further details on coverage and whether the claimant argues against payments or liability.
Medical Bills and Lost Wages Documentation
You have to first establish economic losses before you present your car accident claim for damages. You must document all medical expenses you have incurred in the different treatments due to the accident. Your pay stubs or employer statements explaining how much income you have lost because of your injuries are also required.
Maintenance and Repair Records
Records regarding vehicle maintenance and repairs can be useful in establishing conditions that may have pre-existed the accident. You include schedules of routine maintenance and receipts. Also, repair work should be considered on the vehicle before and after the accident. This may show if a defect in a vehicle caused an accident or if the vehicle was well.
Personal Statements and Diaries
It will help the court to understand how much pain you have suffered and your recovery process by describing how the car accidents have affected your life in terms of feelings. Include entries about daily feelings of pain and suffering. Also, personal statements can be considered regarding the impacts of the injury on your day-to-day activities; this may provide some background as to how much non-economic damage there is, like pain and suffering.
Driving History
Why it’s important: Driving histories for all parties can indicate whether any party had any previous violations or habits of bad driving. You can request both traffic tickets and accident histories from the DMV or applicable state agencies.
Once you have gathered all the evidence, it is now time that you organize it. You must work with your car accident lawyer to compile and present your evidence in a clear and convincing way. Well-organized evidence can make all the difference in your lawsuit by proving liability. This shows the extent of your damages and the fact that you are receiving a fair settlement.
Conclusion
Gathering the right evidence is important in your successful car accident case. Evidence is constructed piece by piece, from police reports and photographic evidence to expert testimonies. In this way, your case will be more likely to be solid if the evidence is gathered in an orderly manner.
Always consult with a legal professional like a car accident lawyer so that you are on the right track.