5 Vital Documents When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
While you deserve compensation for injuries caused by another person's negligence, you must prove that the other party is at fault and that you suffered losses due to the injury. Damages for an injury include medical expenses, loss of income, loss of enjoyment, and pain and suffering.
Since insurance companies are businesses, most send adjusters who look for ways to lower your settlement amount. Lack of evidence opens a door for the adjusters to give counterclaims. Therefore, you need enough evidence to get a maximum settlement.
Below are some crucial documents for an injury case.
1. Police or Incident Report
The police officers who respond to a request for assistance at an accident scene write an incident report. This document provides details like the vehicles and people involved, the location of the accident, and a report of the possible cause.
Due to the information on this document, you can use it to prove that the other driver was at fault as well as to find key witnesses. You can get a copy of the police report from the local law enforcement officer's traffic department.
On the other hand, if your injuries are not a result of a car accident, like workplace-related and slip-and-fall accidents, the person in charge of the premises should write an incident report. Like a police report, an incident report includes details of the accident, providing clues on finding the additional evidence you need.
2. Witness Statements
Since a witness's statement is another person's story, you can use it to justify your claim if it matches your story. You can build a strong case if you find several witness statements that prove that the other party was at fault.
Also, look for expert witnesses to confirm that you sustained injuries and support your pain and suffering claims. Most insurance companies won't want to proceed to trial if you have an airtight case.
3. Photo Evidence
The photographs you take at an accident scene can help you recreate the story better than words. Therefore, the insurance adjusters, the judge, and any other party involved can understand the magnitude of the accident. You can also take photos of your injuries, like cuts and broken bones, to support your claim.
4. Medical Records
Since you must prove that your injury is real, you need medical documents as evidence. Medical documents also help prove that you experienced pain and suffering and suffered financial losses in the form of medical bills.
You can only build a strong injury case with crucial medical records like examination results, receipts for paid medical expenses, drug prescriptions, and notes from your doctor visits.
5. Proof of Lost Wages
If you lost some wages due to the time you spent out of work, you should provide the documents required to calculate the amount lost. Also, if you lost your ability to work, the documents can help the court determine your lost future wages.
Such documents include:
- Your pay stubs from before and after your accident
- Documents showing when you were admitted to the hospital and when you left
- A letter from your employer explaining why you didn't get your full salary
No matter the severity of injuries in an accident, you need the right documents and enough evidence to receive maximum compensation. So, if you have an injury case, make sure that you have the documents above to ensure success. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you find all the required documents.
At Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, LLC, we have a team of experienced personal injury attorneys dedicated to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.