March 21, 2024
Documents Are Part of An Injury Case
Proper documentation is important to a successful case. Each case is different and the type of documents involved depends on your type of case.
Every case requires a certain amount of documentation. There are filings such as a complaint, discovery demands and responses, motions, and subpoenas. In addition, a file will also include medical reports, statements, investigation materials, photographs, surveillance, data recorders, insurance policies, and more.
Proper documentation is important to a successful case. Each case is different and the type of documents involved depends on your type of case. In general, these documents are a part of most personal injury cases that plaintiffs need to be aware of:
- Medical Records: Records document your treatment for injuries caused by the accident. M
- Insurance Policies & Police Reports: Your insurance policy should be given to your lawyer. If you were involved in an automobile or bike accident, you should obtain the police report filed. Police reports contain helpful information including the names of involved parties, date and time, location, and insurance information. A report may help determine who is at fault for an accident.
- Scene Photographs of the incident and injuries: Photos and videos provide visual evidence of the accident. Provide these to your personal injury attorney.
- Injury Diary: It is difficult to remember the details of your pain and suffering endured after your injury. So much can happen between the date the accident and trial. Keep a journal about your experience including your limitations, pain, doctor visits, complaints, medications, and any other events that are important.
- Work/Employment: It is common to miss work because of limited mobility, medical treatments, and recovery time. You may lose money needed to pay your bills. You can reclaim the lost wages through no-fault insurance if a doctor provides a disability note and your employer verifies your wages. Keep pay stubs and W-2s and give them to your attorney.
- Repairs: If your car was damaged, you may need your property to be repaired. These repairs can be expensive You may be able to have the costs of repair covered by the responsible party’s insurance provider. So gather copies of repair estimates to show how the accident affected you.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness testimony can play a key factor in proving what happened. If you have information about the people who may have witnessed your accident and/or their statements, give it to your personal injury lawyer.
- Surveillance and Car Data: Area cameras provide important information about a crash. It must be preserved immediately otherwise it may be erased. Just as important is the information in the data recorder in the vehicles involved. The information can be downloaded and used to learn aspects of the movement of the vehicles involved leading up to impact.