When you get hurt in an accident, the last thing on your mind is probably what you need to do to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s critical that you or your loved ones understand what documents you need to organize. Often, the success of your claim and the amount of compensation you recover rests on having the right documentation. Read on to learn more about the five most critical documents you should have when filing a personal injury case.
5 Documents You Need For Your Personal Injury Case
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- Any reports made on the scene: Law enforcement will be called for the majority of road accidents to survey the scene, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and write up an official report. These reports are public record, so you can get a copy. You should also get copies of any accident reconstruction reports if applicable. The attorneys at Terry M. Rosenblum & Associates will use these documents to file a claim for you.
- Victim and witness statements: Get contact information and statements from any witnesses at the scene of the accident as soon as possible following the incident to solidify your version of events. Witnesses often bear important information about the accident, such as who is involved and the cause of the accident. Relevant information may be more clearly remembered by witnesses, since you may be traumatized or may not have seen everything. If you are a victim of an accident, give a statement on your version of events.
- Medical records: Medical records help prove the extent of your injuries and associated pain and suffering and financial losses. You will need to demonstrate your medical condition before and after the accident, and your personal injury attorney can help obtain copies of your medical records during this difficult time. Besides any medical reports, have records of all medical prescriptions, bills, and treatments you received, along with discharge information and receipts from the clinic or hospital you were treated at.
- Proof of lost wages: Any time you are forced to spend away from work due to your accident needs to be documented if you want to be fully reimbursed. Certain accidents may cause long-term or potentially permanent loss of ability to work, or reduce your ability to work. Some documents to keep track of include:
- Doctor’s letters with dates
- Letters from your employer
- Documentation that demonstrates pre-accident earnings with your employer
- Photos and video of the accident: You should always gather video or photo evidence from the scene of the accident as soon as you are able to. It can be hard to recall necessary details right after an accident, so going back to the scene and getting pictures or footage may be extremely helpful. While the extent of your injuries may prevent you from gathering evidence at the scene, luckily smartphones make recording extremely easy and many witnesses may have also gathered useful evidence.
Contact Us Today
The proper documentation is essential to establish proof for your case and get you the compensation you’re entitled to. Call Terry M. Rosenblum & Associates to consult with a top personal injury attorney today.