Having thorough documentation helps you build a strong case for compensation following an accident.
If you have been involved in a traffic accident, you may be facing serious, debilitating injuries that will require significant medical care at substantial expense. The good news is that you have a legal recourse for recovering compensation for your injuries and expenses from the party or parties liable for the accident.
To protect your right to seek compensation, the first thing you must do is retain a skilled car accident attorney such as Fernando D. Vargas. Your attorney will help you build your case. To give them the best possible basis for a successful argument, you need to secure the following 5 records to be used as evidence in your case.
1. Police Report
Proving fault for the accident is obviously a key step in building your case. A police report, if available, can be a very helpful record to have for this purpose. The police report should include a description of the accident from the officer’s point of view, including statements from involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses as well as official determinations as to whether any traffic laws were violated.
2. Medical Records
To prove that you were injured in the accident, you will need to produce relevant medical records from the doctor or hospital that evaluated, diagnosed, and treated you. Your attorney may enlist the help of medical experts to interpret your records for the court and help them understand the extent of your injuries and their impact on your future quality of life. This will help you to seek compensation not only for past medical expenses, but also for future expenses and for pain and suffering.
3. Income Records
If your injury caused you to miss work, or perhaps even rendered you permanently disabled, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages or lost earning potential. To secure evidence for this type of compensation, you need to secure copies of records proving that you were employed and showing how much you earned. Possible records to use include pay stubs, direct deposit records, and tax returns.
4. Vehicle Damage Estimates
If your vehicle was involved in the accident, you may also wish to include a claim for damages to your vehicle. If your vehicle was totaled, Kelley Blue Book can provide a good baseline of the value you have lost. If your vehicle needs repairs, you can seek estimates from auto shops to determine the amount of compensation you should receive.
5. Car Accident Diary
One final type of record that can prove very useful to your car accident attorney is a diary or journal where you have recorded your experience on a day to day basis following the accident. This will help ensure the court understands the full impact of the accident on your life, especially your mental and emotional state.
