When you are involved in an accident that was another person's fault, you may need to file a personal injury claim to receive compensation from the at-fault party.
If you do find yourself as the victim of an accident and injury and need financial compensation for your losses, there are certain types of documentation that you need to protect your accident claim.
The four most important personal injury documents that accident victims need in order to ensure a fair settlement include the following:
Table Of Contents
1. Police Report
The Police report is one of the most pertinent documents needed when it comes to filing an accident claim.
If you are involved in a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of personal injury accident, calling law enforcement and having them document the accident scene is absolutely crucial to your accident claim.
The reason that the police report is so vital to your case is that it is the main piece of evidence regarding the details of your accident.
This type of evidence contains information regarding the details of what happened, who was at fault for the accident, who received a citation, and when the accident occurred.
Furthermore, a police officer will also be able to contact an emergency medical response team so that any injuries are addressed as soon as possible and documented at the time of the accident.
2. Medical Records
If you have been in an accident, it is vital that you keep track of all of your medical records.
In most cases, the majority of the value of your settlement will come from the extent of your injuries and the cost of your medical bills.
By keeping proper documentation, you ensure that every injury is accounted for and treated so that you are eligible to receive fair compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
In order to keep accurate medical records, you must first see a doctor.
It is always recommended that you seek immediate medical care as soon as possible after being involved in an accident.
When you are evaluated, make sure that the doctor documents every injury. This means that each ache and pain is examined and noted in the medical reports.
After speaking with the doctor, it is of further value to ensure that proper medical testing, such as X-rays and MRIs, is completed.
Having an in-depth examination is the best way to make sure all injuries are accounted for so that you receive proper treatment and have the best chance at a full recovery.
Once medical professionals thoroughly examine and diagnose you, you will most likely be placed in a rehabilitation program.
You will also want to keep track of every expense and appointment related to your continued therapy program.
By keeping relevant documents from the time of the accident until you complete your treatment, you can help ensure that all of your medical expenses will be included in your accident-related expenses.
3. Expense Receipts
You will incur expenses from the second your accident occurs until the end of your physical recovery and lawsuit.
For some victims, the expenses may continue for the rest of their lives. Some injuries that occur in personal injury accidents can cause life-long debilitating conditions that will continue to affect the injured victim.
Victims should never be left with bills for an event caused by someone else's negligence.
Personal injury documentation is very important to ensure you are reimbursed and compensated for all your losses.
Some expenses that you may have that can be included in your settlement offer are:
- Travel expenses, which include cab fares, Uber, gas, rental car, etc.
- Property Damage, including repair or replacement costs for vehicle damage
- Cost of Parking or other avoidable expenses
- Medical Equipment for your home or vehicle
- Any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
The more pieces of evidence you track, the better it is for your accident claim.
Your personal injury lawyer will be able to review all of your expenses and other types of documents to determine if there is anything that cannot be included in your lawsuit.
With accurate records and witness statements, your experienced attorney will be able to handle all settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
They will make sure all personal injury evidence and financial documents are presented so that you can receive maximum compensation from the responsible party.
4. Lost Wages/Wage Verification Form
When you are involved in an accident that leaves you injured, there is a good chance that you may miss some time from work.
Thankfully, any of your lost wages can be included in your settlement amount as long as they are properly documented.
Lost wages can include the time that you miss from work and throughout the rehabilitation process. This can include the length of your hospital stay, recovery time, and the rehabilitation process and future doctors appointments.
Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, lost wages can also include your potential future income.
For example, if you are unable to perform your job after the accident, the number of wages you could have earned in the future had the accident not happened can be included in your settlement.
In serious accident injury cases, where wrongful death occurs, a value can be given to what their potential lifetime earnings could have been and added to the financial settlement that the surviving family receives.
Accurate records are needed to ensure that your loss of income and future lost wages are included in your settlement.
The documents relevant to proving these losses and assigning them an accurate amount come from physical evidence, such as accident reconstruction reports, expert witnesses, photographic evidence, hospital bills, and accident reports.
From your doctor, you need to have accurate records that indicate your injuries, the amount of time for recovery, and whether or not you can perform your job duties.
Then, your employer can provide a Wage Verification form showing how much you would have earned had you not been forced to miss work.
Getting documentation from your employer and doctor regarding lost income is important to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.
Accident injury victims must keep track of the crucial details of their case to protect themselves legally and get a fair financial settlement.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you are in an accident and need legal representation, help gathering your documents, organizing a case, and getting a financial settlement, you should contact an experienced Personal Injury Attorney.
Personal Injury Lawyers specialize in helping those who have been hurt in accidents recover the financial losses that have resulted from the incident.
If you would like to speak with an accident attorney and learn if you have a case, please click on the link below and get connected with an attorney in your area.
