If you have been hurt in an accident and are thinking about filing a personal injury claim, you will need solid evidence. Without proving that your injuries were a result of the accident and who was at fault, it becomes difficult to pursue the claim.
The stronger your evidence, the better the chances of getting fair compensation. For legal advice on your claim, don’t hesitate to visit Greenslade Cronk, LLP. They can help you gather evidence and receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are the main types of evidence that can help support your personal injury (PI) claim.
Medical Records and Documentation
Seeing a doctor after your injuries should be at the top of your to-do list. This is important for your health and also keeps a paper trail of your injuries. Medical records show exactly the type of injuries you suffered, the treatments that were required, and how your condition progressed over time.
Ensure that you keep copies of everything from
- Emergency room reports
- X-rays
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy plans
- Doctor’s notes
This documentation will help to link your injuries to the accident and show how serious they were.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos taken at the scene of the accident can show what happened, who is at fault, and how much damage was done to the car. Additionally, take pictures of your injuries and the whole scene, including the surroundings.
If you are not able to take photos right after the accident, ask someone you trust to do so. Alternatively, you can check the nearby businesses or traffic cameras that may have recorded the accident. Dashcam footage or even bystander videos can be very helpful.
Witness Statements
If anyone saw your accident, their account of what they saw could support your version of events. Witness statements provide a non-biased account showing who was responsible, especially if the other party doesn’t want to accept claims.
Make sure you get the names and contact information of any witnesses right away. If possible, ask them for a written or recorded statement. In some cases, expert witnesses may also be used. For example, a doctor can explain your injuries, or a specialist can reconstruct how the accident happened.
Police Reports and Official Documents
After a car accident, a police officer will likely come to the scene and file a report. This police report can include valuable information such as who the officer believes was at fault, whether any tickets were issued, and statements from the parties involved.
If your injury happened at work or in a public place, there may also be an incident report. Be sure to get copies of these documents, as they add credibility to your case. Also, accident reports are taken more seriously by insurance companies and courts.
Financial Evidence
This is what can put a value on your claim. In your claim, you must prove how much the accident cost you. Apart from medical bills, there are lost wages and other expenses. If you missed work because of your injury, save your pay stubs or ask your employer to provide a letter confirming your lost income. All this financial evidence will help in showing the full impact the accident has had on your life.
Journal or Personal Notes
Victims are often encouraged to keep a personal injury journal. Writing down your pain levels, emotional struggles you persevered through during recovery, and missed activities.
The general day-to-day impact of your injuries can help in painting the full picture of how your injury has affected your life. These notes can support claims for pain and suffering, which can be hard to prove with medical bills alone.
Conclusion
When it comes to personal injury claims, evidence is everything. The more you have, the better your chances of getting compensation. Remember to start gathering evidence as soon as possible.
