Basically, a personal injury case requires documents to prove negligence. It is necessary to show you suffered an injury due to another party’s intentional actions or negligence.
Documentary evidence plays an important role in personal injury claims. The injured person should understand that these documents will support them in claiming compensation for their injuries and losses. It is not easy to deal with a personal injury claim alone. So it is important to reach out to an experienced law firm like Cory Watson Attorneys.
If you are involved in an accident that causes you injury and damages, you need to gather evidence to support your personal injury claim. However, not all documents are equally relevant or useful for your case. You need to know what types of documents can help you prove your case before you start collecting them.
It is advisable to hire a personal injury lawyers who can help you with your case and protect your rights.
In this article, we have discussed the four types of documents you should have while pursuing a personal injury case. They are:
- Medical Records
- Medical Bills and Other Expenses
- Lost Wage Reports
- Police Reports
Medical Records
Medical records are the first thing that your personal injury attorney will request from you. Documentation related to your medical care and treatment is the best evidence in your personal injury case. Therefore, you should request a copy of your medical records, such as
- Documentation of your emergency medical services
- Hospital stays
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy
Your medical records show the severity and nature of your injury, the treatment you received, and the impact on your health and wellness. By providing these records to your attorney, they will understand the extent of your injuries and your present condition.
Your personal injury attorney will use these medical records to prove that you have suffered an injury as a result of the accident. This will help you get fair compensation. These medical records will also be useful to the attorney in presenting a strong case on your behalf.
Medical Bills and Other Expenses
It is important to keep all your medical bills and other expense reports related to your personal injury. They show the financial impact of the accident on your life and the extent of your losses. You must keep track of all the expenses you have incurred or will incur because of your injury. You need to keep all the medical invoices, receipts, and statements that show these medical expenses. This could include
- Prescription medicine
- Wages paid to caregivers
- Hotel rooms used when traveling for treatment
- Any equipment required to treat your injuries
These documents are vital for proving your damages and supporting your personal injury claim. You must collect and provide documents as and when requested by your personal injury attorney.
Police Reports
A police report is a written record of the circumstances and facts of the accident, prepared by the police officer. It is a crucial piece of evidence in your personal injury case. That’s why it’s important to report the accident to the police. It can help you prove who was negligent in the accident and what damage you sustained.
Generally, a police report includes information such as:
- The time, date, and location of the accident
- Names, addresses, and contact details of the drivers, witnesses, pedestrians, and passengers
- Injuries sustained by you in the accident
- Damages caused to the vehicles or property in the accident
- The statements given by the witness and the parties involved
- The evidence collected by the police, such as videos, photos, debris, or skin marks
- The actions taken by the police, such as arresting suspects, issuing citations, or calling for medical assistance
It is essential to report the accident to the police as soon as possible. You can request a copy of the police report by reaching out to the police department or law enforcement office.
Lost Wage Reports
After an accident, most victims won’t be able to go to work. It is important to record the number of hours and the income you missed after the accident. You should also ask your employer to provide you with a lost wage report that shows your regular pay rate, hours worked, and any benefits or bonuses you missed.
This lost wage report will help you calculate your lost income and support your personal injury claim. You should submit this lost wage report, along with your medical records and other documents, to the insurance firm.
Here is a list of the things that should be included in your lost wage report:
- A slip or disability note from your treating physician that shows that you are unable to work or have work restrictions because of your injury
- W-2 forms and pay stubs that show your income and earnings before and after the accident
- A wage verification letter or form from your employer that confirms your employment status, job designation, salary, and missed workdays
- If you are a business owner, self-employed, or work on commission, then you should provide more detailed documentation of your lost income in the form of
- Bank statements
- Contracts
- Invoices
- Profit and loss statements
Your attorney will use your lost wages report to support your personal injury claim and negotiate fair compensation for you. They will show the report to the insurance company or the court and explain how your injury affected your ability to work and earn. This will prove that you suffered a financial loss as a result of the accident and that you deserve to be compensated for it.
A NYC personal injury lawyer shares: our role is not only to seek compensation for the immediate damages but also to address the long-term financial repercussions of an accident.
Final Thoughts
The success of your personal injury claim heavily depends on the documents you provide to prove your case. By providing these four types of documentation, you can also improve your chances of getting fair compensation for your injury and damages.
However, dealing with a personal injury case can be complex and challenging, especially if you are facing a powerful insurance company or a negligent party. It is advisable to hire a personal injury attorney who can help you with your case and protect your rights.
