In order to receive compensation for your injuries, you must prove the other driver’s negligence in causing your car accident and the extent of your injuries. You do that by collecting evidence that supports your claim. This will strengthen your case and give you leverage when negotiating a settlement with the negligent driver’s insurance company. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is vital if you want to obtain the evidence you need.
What Types of Evidence Could You Need for Your Auto Wreck Claim?
An experienced attorney who has successfully handled many car accident cases will understand the types of evidence you will need and where to get it. He will collect this information through investigating the facts surrounding your accident and your injuries. If he is unable to settle your claim, he will also obtain information through the formal discovery process completed in the court process after he files a lawsuit on your behalf. Some of the evidence that could be helpful includes:
- Medical records. Medical records document the treatments you received, future medical care you will need, and the final prognosis on your recovery. Your attorney can obtain these records, review them, and provide the relevant ones to the negligent driver’s insurance company.
- Medical and property damage bills. Medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, and other bills can establish the amount of some of your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Photographs and videos. Photographs and videos of the accident can show how it happened very vividly and the damage that the crash caused. In addition, pictures of your injuries can be powerful evidence that you would want to use if your case went to trial.
- Wage documentation. Paystubs and income tax returns can be helpful to prove how much income you lost while off work recovering. Other important documentation not to forget involves the vacation and sick time, promotions, perks, and any other benefits of your job that you lost due to your injuries.
- Insurance policy. Your attorney will need a copy of any insurance policy you could file a claim under to determine how much liability insurance coverage the negligent driver and other parties have.
- Witness testimony. Your attorney will want to interview witnesses to the crash while they still remember the details of it and before they move away and cannot be located.
- Expert witnesses. Depending on the disputes in your case, your attorney may decide to hire expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstruction expert, medical expert, physical therapist, or economic expert.
If a negligent driver caused you or a family member to be injured, let the legal team at Tavss Fletcher collect the evidence you will need and negotiate your settlement for you. To get started on your case, fill out our online form to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and get your questions answered.
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