In fact, even if your case appears to be cut and dry, there are a number of things that you need to do. You also need certain evidence.
Make sure that you have all the items on this personal injury case checklist:
Medical Bills
To prove that you have incurred expenses in the form of medical bills–and wish to be compensated for these expenses as such–you will need evidence. Copies of all of your medical expenses and bills are a must.
Medical Records
Proving the extent of your injuries is one of the most basic elements of a personal injury claim. Get copies of all of your medical records, including those dating back before the injury. These prove that your injury wasn’t the result of a preexisting condition.
Police Reports
Police reports are very important, especially if you were in an accident involving a motor vehicle. Reports from the police serve as a type of evidence that can be called upon to substantiate what happened, who was involved, the extent of injuries, who was at fault, and more.
Eyewitness Testimony
If there were any eyewitnesses who saw your accident happen, their statements can be invaluable to your claim.
Experts’ Opinions
You will likely need to hire experts who can provide insight into how your accident happened and fault, the extent of your injuries, and the value of your damages. Forensic experts, accident reconstruction experts, financial professionals, and medical experts are common expert types.
Pay Stubs
Pay stubs are useful in proving your income prior to your accident, as well as a decrease in income post-accident. You may also need to submit prior years’ tax returns as proof of income and income loss.
Photographs
Photographs can tell a lot about the extent of harm you suffered and how an accident happened. If you took photos at the accident scene, or any photos of your injuries along the line of recovery, share them with your lawyer.
Your Personal Injury Case Checklist – Have You Talked to a Lawyer?
In addition to having all of the above organized and ready to submit as part of your claim, you should also consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can be one of your most valuable assets as you pursue damages for the harm you’ve suffered.
For a free consultation with the personal injury lawyers at the offices of Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., please send us a message directly or call our office anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.