In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you may not know what you’re supposed to do. You can be in a state of shock with adrenaline coursing through your veins, and you may also be suffering from severe injuries.
As a result, gathering records and evidence is one of the last things on your mind. However, when the time comes to file a personal injury claim to get compensation for your damages, the following records can be worth having.
A Police Report
In Texas, a police officer must file a police report about an accident if damages equaled more than $1,000 or someone was injured or killed. Typically, these incident or accident reports are filed at the scene of the accident or afterward.
They contain information such as any traffic law violations, the date and location of the accident, the name and badge number of the attending officer, and statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Most car accident lawyers will request this information to strengthen your case, and it’s available from the law enforcement agency that visited the scene or took your report.
Medical Records
As soon as you start receiving medical treatment for your injuries, begin gathering your medical records. Whether you were simply having your bandage changed or you were purchasing a prescription, all of this information can be important for establishing a fair compensation figure.
As you may require a wide range of treatment types at various facilities, keep a note of every place you attend for healthcare services or products. These are some of the following costs that can be calculated into a settlement:
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital admission
- Primary doctor treatment
- Pharmacy prescriptions and medication
- Chiropractic care
- Specialist care
- Physical therapy
Vehicle Records
You could easily tell your car accident attorney that you drive a vehicle worth $20,000 and that it sustained $10,000 in damages. However, your word isn’t good enough in the eyes of the defendant. Make sure you have proof of both your vehicle’s value and the estimated cost of damage.
Ask for two or three mechanic and body shop quotes to get an idea of how much your vehicle would cost to repair, and refer to your insurance company for its value. This information can be valuable for ascertaining what the fair repayment value would be from the at-fault party.
Proof of Income
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require time off work to recover from your injuries and attend related appointments. Your lawyer will request proof of income to make sure your loss of income and future loss of earnings are calculated correctly.
Typically, this can be shown through any direct deposit records you have, paycheck stubs, and even tip records. Essentially, any financial documents that show your earnings may be strong enough evidence to prove your current and future losses.
Journal Entries
Even though medical records, police records, proof of income, and vehicle damage can be how you create the most robust car accident case, it can be hard to show how much an accident has impacted your life in these records alone.
Therefore, if you are in a position to do so, keep a journal of your daily life and relevant experiences relating to your accident. For example, you may no longer be able to shower by yourself due to a traumatic brain injury or walk to the mailbox unassisted. These can be life-changing facts that improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact J. Alexander Law For Help
Car accidents can cause a great deal of stress, particularly as you’re trying to manage your injuries while making sure you’re putting together a strong case. J. Alexander Law is a personal injury firm that cares. Contact us today for help. By taking advantage of a FREE case review, you can find out how to get the outcome you deserve.
