Your lawyer will look into the specifics of your case, collect proof, and go over your medical documents in great detail. They will compile your out-of-pocket expenses and document your injury and losses.
Your car accident injury lawyers will look for traffic or security camera footage and eyewitness statements. They will examine photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
Police Accident Report
The police report is one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a vehicle accident case. The police will typically file a report for any car accidents that result in injuries or property damage. The police report will contain a detailed crash account, including the witness statements and physical evidence at the scene. It will also include the police officer’s opinions on what caused the crash and who may be at fault.
Often, the police assign fault to one of the drivers based on their initial observations at the scene. While this initial assessment of fault can significantly impact the final settlement for your claim, it is only sometimes accurate. It can be challenged with additional evidence, such as photos and videos.
Medical Records
Medical records are an essential part of any personal injury case. By showcasing the severity of your injuries and their lasting impact on your life, they help to prove the full extent of your damages. Accurate records also provide a direct link between your accident and your injuries, showing how the negligence of another party caused you to suffer. In the case of a severe injury, insurance companies may seek to discredit your claim by casting doubt on whether you had a pre-existing condition that could have contributed to your injuries.
While insurers may ask you to sign a medical release form to access your medical records, do not agree without speaking to an attorney. You have the right to protect your privacy, and you should only permit them to access records related to your accident. If you agree to give them blanket access to your entire medical history, they may try to use it against you in court.
Witness Statements
Getting witness statements from your spouse, family members, friends, co-workers, and anyone else who saw the accident can help your lawyers shine the brightest light on your case. Witness statements are essential to show insurance companies that your injury is actual and can’t be disputed.
A witness statement objectively describes the event a witness witnessed in their own words. They can be used to prove your case in court and negotiate an appropriate settlement.
All witnesses must be treated with courtesy and respect. It would help if you spoke to them privately so they feel comfortable. During their interview, you need to ask them what they observed at the time of the accident and make a record of it. You must also record that they provided this information of their own free will.
Video Recording
Video recording is often a crucial piece of car accident evidence. It allows a judge or jury to see what happened during the crash and can help corroborate eyewitness testimonies. Moreover, video proof of extensive damage to vehicles and property can prompt insurance adjusters to accept more severe injury claims.
The primary sources of such footage are traffic cameras, surveillance cameras in nearby businesses and residences, and dash cameras mounted on cars. The latter is a powerful tool in proving fault since it shows the exact moment the vehicle crashed into something.
These recordings are usually authenticated with timestamps and metadata to prove when and where the event occurred. However, not all such recordings are admissible in court. For example, cell phone videos are usually deemed unreliable. That’s why a personal injury lawyer can help you get access to video recordings by filing a lawsuit and obtaining a subpoena. This is a complicated process that only an experienced attorney should handle.
