If you’re wondering why you have to spend time and money collecting documents to show attorneys, your work is not in vain. In many courts of law, documents act as evidence that can help facilitate your case and reach the outcome you hoped for.
If you have suffered motor vehicle accident injuries, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork and documents. From insurance claims to doctor’s letters, how can you navigate it all?
You may even feel confused about which documents are necessary and where to find the paperwork. Read on to learn the eight most crucial documents you need to gather and present to your attorney.
1. Medical Records
Medical records are foundational to your personal injury case because they reveal any fractures, illnesses, or issues you sustained as a result of the accident. Without proper medical records, it will be difficult or nearly impossible to make insurance claims and present a case. For example, if you sustained a back injury directly after a motor vehicle accident, your doctor will note this in the medical record.
If you have vehicle accident injuries, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention and document any ailments on record. Failure to do so could result in challenges in your case or claim.
For example, if you have a random back spasm or pain months after an accident, your attorney and the court may find this challenge to connect back in time. Always collect and show medical records in a timely manner.
2. Photos
Photos are important documents to send to your attorney because they represent the reality of damages and the accident scene in real-time. If you were injured in an accident, the police or other parties may snap photos of damages. You should do the same.
It is important that you document your own photos. This protects you against the threat of lost photos or altered photos that could show false damages.
3. Videos
Videos may be more challenging to acquire than photos, but they could provide useful for your case. For example, if you are able, video the car damages and the overview of the accident scene.
Or, you may be able to acquire an outside video from a nearby store or business. If that establishment had security cameras that detailed the accident scene, you can request and receive the footage.
4. Calculating Your Losses
If you suffered an injury as a result of your accident, you may collect lost employment wages. If your injury makes it impossible or difficult to work, you could open a worker’s compensation claim. This is a process your attorney will guide you through.
But in order to entertain these cases, you need to prove documentation of your work. And you may also need to calculate your lost wages as a result of your accident.
For example, if you went to the hospital or need to take unpaid workdays to seek medical attention, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Check out this siteto learn more about potential loss and how an attorney can help you in the case of a personal injury.
5. Statements
Statements from witnesses are important documents that can be evidence in your case. For example, your insurance company may contact you and request a statement. Or when you file a claim the company will require a statement to cover the details of the accident.
You can legally request a copy of that statement. Statements from witnesses will also be important for your case. While the policy or insurance will take this information, your attorney will be able to access it and review it with you.
6. Insurance Policy
In the United States, drivers must have valid auto insurance for vehicles. Proof of your insurance is an important document that your attorney will require. You may need to show when the vehicle was insured.
And in the case that the vehicle was insured by someone other than the driver, the policy should demonstrate the person in the accident had a right to drive that vehicle. Insurance policy paperwork is fairly straightforward and easy to collect.
But beware that if you suffered an accident or personal injury without insurance, fines and more serious legal issues may incur. A professional personal injury attorney can walk you through the process.
7. Any Details From The Accident Scene
There are two sides to a story. And then, there’s the truth. Your attorney is on your side and wants to know your truth about the details from the accident scene!
Talk to your attorney about what happened and paint a picture as vividly as you remember. These details will translate into personal statements and you may have to recite them in court. So, it is important that what you state is factual and that you remember as many details as possible.
Details can help gain clarity around your case and determine the probable liabilities and damages. For example, you may record a rainy or dangerous driving condition that the police report failed to identify. Or you may have noticed the driver texting and driving while the accident occurred.
Tips to Remember
After sustaining an accident or injury, the last thing on your mind may be recalling facts and figures. But as soon as you feel well again, consider journaling the details. This way you won’t forget the important moments your attorney could ask about.
8. Tickets
If you received a ticket at the scene of an accident or while driving, don’t throw out your receipt or payments. Your attorney may ask for a copy and use this material in your case.
Those Are The Documents to Show Attorneys To Help Your Case
If you have suffered a personal injury and wondered what documents to show attorneys, you now have clarity. These basic and important documents can be gathered easily and efficiently. And, you may even end up more prepared than you imagined.
That’s a great way to impress your attorney. The key to collecting your documents is to gather evidence from the scene of the accident and keep the paperwork that comes after. Photos are videos are always important to keep and show when necessary.
For example, don’t throw away tickets and remember to collect statements. Afterward, medical records or insurance policy copies will be valuable. If you found these legal tips interesting, then check out our other legal stories.