8 Records From Car Crashes to Have When Meeting Your Lawyer

The chances of winning a car accident case highly depend on having the proper documents and a professional lawyer. You see, about 95% of car accident cases settle out of court. Out of the 5% that do end up in trial, about 57% favor the plaintiff.

Now, if you want to get the best settlement or even win in court, you’ll have a better chance if you have sufficient documents. The proper records from car crashes will help your lawyer navigate your case and possibly get you adequate compensation.

Keep reading through our car crash record checklist and make sure these records reach your lawyer before the case.

What Makes Records From Car Accidents So Important?

The settlement you get after a car accident will highly hinge on two things. The first is your ability to prove fault for the accident, while the second is to show the extent of your damages and losses. Having the right records for car crashes will strengthen your position.

You see, it would be one thing for you to claim you have undergone lengthy and painful medical procedures that have cost you thousands of dollars. However, it would be quite another thing to have supporting documents. The other side won’t have much to argue with when you present proof detailing all medical and billing records.

This is not just for your medical expenses. For every damage, loss, and injury you have accumulated as a result of the accident, you need to have supporting documents. Whether it’s lost income, vehicle damages, or time missed at work, you need to present proof.

1. The Police Report

If there was a police officer at the car accident scene, they must have written down a police report. A police report is one of the most critical records for car crashes you need to give your lawyer. A report usually includes information that can be crucial to your car crash injury lawsuit and insurance claim.

It’ll help determine whether traffic laws were violated and have statements from involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses. It’ll also show the potential causes and circumstances of the accidents and the observations of the officer on site. Getting a copy of your police report is quite easy as all you have to do is contact the law enforcement agency at the accident site.

You’ll have to provide some information, including the date and location of your accident, which includes the street address or intersection. You’ll need to provide the names of the drivers involved and the name or badge number of the officer who prepared the report.

2. Medical Records

If you sustained physical injuries in the car accident, then you’ll have medical records to show for it. Even if you just got a check-up for precautionary reasons, you still need those medical records. Make sure you get all medical and billing information related to your diagnosis and treatments from the hospital.

Your medical records should include everything from the diagnosis made to recommended treatments. Include all received treatments, prescribed medications, surgeries, therapies, and all opinions and conclusions by your health practitioner. If you were treated in a large hospital, you might have to contact the records and billing department.

This process could take a few days or weeks, so make arrangements early to ensure your lawyer has all the documents on hand before the case. Your car accident lawyer will use medical records to prove how much physical and psychological damage you experienced after the accident. This will be proof that you actually need compensation.

3. Vehicle Damages

If a car was damaged during the accident, you need compensation to have it fixed. Now, for you to know how much to sue for, you need to know how much the repairs will cost. In some cases, you may need to know the actual cash value of your vehicle before the accident.

Depending on your car insurance policy, you may have to allow the insurance companies to handle all the damage estimates. However, it may be possible for you to get a few estimates from several auto mechanics.

4. Proof of Income

If you have missed work as a result of the accident, showing proof of income will help you recover any lost income. You need to show evidence of all your claim losses. Look at your pay stubs, direct deposit records, and other financial documents to show exactly how much you have missed.

5. Statements From Witnesses

Witnesses are vital for your car accident case, so if you took any statements from witnesses, ensure you give them to your lawyer. The lawyer from The Major Law Firm wants to see descriptions of what happened from as many perspectives as possible. The more witnesses you talk to, the better because they’ll have different versions of the story.

If you gathered their contact information at the accident scene, you should also give that information to your lawyer. Contact information could include their phone numbers, license numbers, email addresses, our dresses, or any other information the witnesses provided.

6. Photos and Videos

Photos and videos are some of the most essential records from car crashes you can present to your attorney. If you were not too injured and had the opportunity to take photographs and videos of the accident scene, they’ll go a long way into helping your case.

If you were not, try to remember if there was anyone taking photos and videos and contact them for copies. Your car accident lawyer may also be able to contact them on your behalf and get the copies.

7. Citations and Other Tickets

In case you got any citations or a speeding ticket, the new attorney definitely needs to know about this. The other party may try to argue that this ticket or citation proves that you’re at fault. This makes it important for your lawyer to know about this beforehand, so they prepare for it and know how to handle it.

8. Insurance Policy Documents

Your car accident lawyer should get a copy of your insurance policy. They need to see your coverage and the possibilities of recovery once you file a lawsuit. They’ll also want to know whether you have paid the premiums, so have your credit card records or get a receipt from the insurance company.

Vital Records From Car Crashes: What Your Lawyer Needs to Win Your Case

If you’re about to see a car accident lawyer, these are some of the most critical records from car crashes you need to have. These records will help them investigate your case thoroughly and get you the compensation you deserve.

Beyond that, if you need more valuable content, please check out our blog section.