Car Accident Documentation You Need
Having car accident documentation is important following a collision whether you are pursuing a personal injury claim or dealing with the insurance company. After all, it has to be proven that the other driver or entity was at fault in order to make a claim. You also need documentation of your medical expenses and time lost at work. Without either of those things, you may not be able to claim fair compensation for your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer’s job is to prove fault in an accident and help you compile the medical and other expenses. The lawyer will also ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations runs out.
Accident Documentation
Compiling your car accident documentation starts as soon as the accident occurs. Having a checklist can be helpful, so nothing is forgotten.
Obtaining the Police Report
In an accident with injuries, the police will arrive to investigate the scene and file a report. Make sure to get the name of the officer and their badge number. Some police will give you a copy of that report at the scene of the accident. If not, you can contact the proper authorities to request a copy. The police report should contain the following information:
- Names, addresses, statements and other information on all drivers of the other vehicles
- The date the accident occurred and its location
- Passenger and witness information and statements
- Whether any traffic infractions occurred that could have caused the accident
- The officer’s observations
- Thoughts on why and how the accident happened
Compiling a List of Expenses
Many expenses related to your motor vehicle accident injuries can be included in your claim for fair compensation. The most important are probably medical costs. However, many people with serious injuries also lose wages because they cannot go to work. Expenses of this type can include:
- The cost of transporting you to the hospital, including any services that were performed
- Treatment in the emergency room
- Hospitalization, including physicians’ fees, tests, medications given and other costs
- Follow-up treatment and doctor’s appointments
- Prescriptions from the pharmacy
- Rehabilitation treatments and physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to and from doctors’ visits
Car Accident Documentation for Work
Many times, people end up hospitalized or cannot go to work following a traffic accident. When placing a claim for damages, they are allowed to include lost wages and other losses from their place of employment. This is also recoverable if they are self-employed. Your proof should be detailed and can include pay stubs, records of direct deposit, bonuses, tips and the like.
Help From an Experienced Lawyer
Compiling the documents and expenses from your accident can be tedious, and it’s easy to overlook things. A personal injury lawyer can help by negotiating for you with the insurance company. They can conduct their own investigation and challenge a police report that seems inaccurate by using accident reconstruction and expert witnesses. The goal of a personal injury lawyer is to get you the financial compensation you deserve and need. There is no bill for this help until you win your case.
Sacramento car accident injury lawyer Ed Smith discusses the initial interview with a client:
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. To obtain fair compensation for your accident injuries, you need the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice. Reach me also at (800) 404-5400, my toll-free number, or by using the form online.
Since 1982, I’ve assisted my clients in winning the compensation they need for their wrongful deaths, serious injuries and in all varieties of car accidents.
Two of the organizations that I am honored to belong to are:
- Million Dollar Forum: Membership is limited to trial lawyers who have won in excess of $1 million for a previous client.
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel: The members in this group represent those who provide the highest standard of legal excellence.
You can find out more about cases my law firm has handled and read comments by my clients and peers at:
Photo Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd08VIUZrWs&feature=youtu.be; https://www.pexels.com/photo/auto-automobile-blur-buildings-532001/
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