The Importance of Keeping Accurate Records in A Personal Injury Case
The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident and injury can be rife with confusion and fear. But this is the time to stay calm, focus on your recovery, and get legal help to protect your rights. Until your personal injury case for damages is settled, it’s crucial to maintain all medical and financial records, documentation, and evidence that can help prove the liability of the defendants.
Detailed and accurate record-keeping can often make or break a personal injury case for compensation. The specific paperwork and records you require can vary depending on the facts surrounding your claim. It’s prudent to hire the services of a seasoned personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help ensure all records and documentation are preserved, and a strong case for damages can be pursued.
Need for Accurate Documentation in an Alabama Personal Injury Claim
Your legal team will need medical records, police reports, income statements, and other documentation for building a solid case and presenting it. The records you maintain will be useful as evidence to provide a complete picture. Your attorney will be able to carefully craft an evidence-backed negotiation strategy as well as get prepared with strong documentation and evidence if your case goes to trial.
In the absence of proper evidence and records, your personal injury claim may have little value. The claimant (the injured victim) is responsible under tort law to prove the defendant’s negligence. The burden of proof will automatically lie with you and your attorney. Records and documentary evidence are crucial to proving that the at-fault party acted negligently and caused subsequent damages.
You can back up your assertions by using the right documents as evidence. It goes without saying that the quality of documents is more important than the quantity of evidence. These are a few reasons why you should consider maintaining accurate records regarding the accident:
- Legal claim: If you decide to file for compensation, you can build a solid claim by using well-documented evidence.
- Insurance claim: Insurers require detailed paperwork to process claims. This is especially true where medical records are concerned. You may not receive a fair settlement offer without proper documentation.
- Protect your legal rights: Your attorney will be better placed to protect your legal rights if they can use records as evidence to back up your claim of negligence.
It is not enough to simply gather and keep the records safe. You would also need to compile it skillfully. An outstanding personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve by creating a solid legal strategy.
Useful Records in Personal Injury Claims
Police report
You should try and obtain police reports since they contain information regarding the facts and events of the accident. You should keep this report safe until the conclusion of the case. In many cases, the police report contains contact information of eyewitnesses, unbiased account of events, and other vital details.
Photographs and videos
The best form of evidence is gathered at the accident scene. You should try and take as many photographs and videos as possible. Depending on the type of accident, you should take pictures of your injuries, the other party, and existing circumstances that may have led to the accident. For instance, a broken traffic light for a car accident claim, or a wet floor in a premises liability claim should be photographed and filed away for negotiations.
Medical records
You don’t have a personal injury claim if you were not injured. Medical records can be rightfully termed the most essential piece of evidence. You should keep the following types of medical records on hand:
- Ambulance bills, emergency service records, and emergency room charges.
- X-ray, CAT scans, MRI scans, pathology results, and other diagnostic records.
- Lists of medications and prescriptions.
- Long-term treatment history.
- Records from mental health specialists.
- Records from chiropractors and physical therapists.
- Records or any other medical expense.
Medical records should be organized in chronological order and kept till the case resolves.
Income and employment records
Lost wages because of missed work while recovering and reduced earning capacity form a large part of any personal injury settlement. You should save the following records:
- Bank statements.
- Statements from small business income.
- W2 forms and pay stubs.
- Profit and loss statements.
- Employment history.
Why Do You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney?
There are several cogs that need to fit perfectly to make a personal injury claim successful. You would need to prove the other party owed you a duty of care and breached that duty of care, which led to calculable damages and injury. An attorney can provide invaluable guidance and take the necessary steps in helping you identify the necessary evidence.
They can also help you present the evidence in court in an effective manner. Having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side can get you the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will make sure that all pieces of evidence, including paperwork and documentation are sorted, organized, investigated, and submitted as per the court procedures and rules.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from Our Seasoned Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or someone you love was injured in a personal injury accident, the attorneys at the Smith Law Firm can help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve. To schedule your free and confidential consultation with us, give us a call at 334-702-1744 or write to us online.
