There are around 6 million car crashes each year, they happen all over the world and have a wide variety of results. Even though there are varying degrees, everyone involved in a car accident can agree that it’s never an enjoyable process.
Unfortunately, the discomfort doesn’t always end immediately afterward either. Occasionally there is a need to go to court following your accident to either defend yourself or get the payment you need from those at fault. Either way, you’ll need an auto injury attorney with you to help get you the ruling you’re looking for.
In order for your attorney to get the best result possible, you’ll need to provide them with all the information you can. Here’s a list of the top seven documents your attorney will need to help get you started.
1. Pictures of the Scene
For most auto accident cases, it’s absolutely necessary to recreate the accident for those hearing the case. It’s not really possible to decide who was at fault or not without having a clear understanding of what actually took place.
The best way to create that clear understanding is to show actual photos of the scene and the aftermath of the accident.
Pictures of all of the vehicles involved, their placement on the road, and any personal injuries can help tell the story more accurately. It’s also very helpful to get photos of the road and the surrounding areas to help round out the whole story and give context to the accident.
2. Police Statements
When police are called to an accident scene, one of their biggest responsibilities (after making sure everyone is safe and is getting the medical attention they need) is to fully document the scene and the accident.
They’ll take statements from everyone involved, collect evidence, and take photos of their own. These go in an official file along with any other information the cop finds necessary to document. While collecting all of this information the cop will also determine who was at fault and if you were following safe driving precautions.
All of this information together helps to portray an accurate view of what happened in an official way.
3. Damage Reports
Another aspect of the accident that the police on the scene will take note of is the damage done to the vehicles. They’ll include those notes in their official report, so you’re attorney will have access to those when you get them.
But you may also need to have a more technical breakdown of the damage to your vehicle from your mechanic or repair shop. These places have a more professional, intricate knowledge of cars and can describe the damage in better detail and be much more specific. They may also find damage that wasn’t evident at the scene.
These reports continue to help paint the full picture of the accident for those making decisions about the case.
4. Statements from Witnesses
In an auto injury case, all of the parties actually involved in the accident will be required to share their account of what happened. But it will also be helpful to share any accounts from eyewitnesses who were not involved as well.
This kind of witness statements should be taken as soon after the crash as possible and proper protocol should be taken to ensure that the witness is seen as credible. When this is done properly a witness statement can be a game-changer for showing the most accurate portrayal of the accident.
5. Medical Documents
One of the major reasons that people choose to go to court after an auto accident is to get the help they need to pay for medical treatment. Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may be looking to get help paying for those medical expenses.
When you can show the medical documents from your treatments after the accident, you have full proof of the extent of your injuries.
It also is the only way for the court to determine who is responsible to pay and how much they are responsible for. These documents will include explanations of treatments as well as billing statements.
6. Exchanged Information
It’s common practice after an accident to exchange information with the other drivers involved as a part of the cleaning up process.
This information usually includes contact information, insurance coverage and policy numbers, and noting any damage done. It may also include a list of types of injuries you think you’ve sustained.
There are no set rules for what you do or don’t have to exchange, so every auto accident is different in this regard. It’s helpful to let your attorney know what was exchanged and give them everything you received as well. This information is just another piece of the puzzle they need to put the whole picture together.
7. Issued Tickets
Not every auto accident results in a ticket being issued but if there were any citations your attorney needs to know about them. This is true regardless of if you believe you deserved the ticket or not.
When your attorney knows where the police stood at the time of the accident and who they felt was doing something wrong, they can develop a strategy around that information. If you leave tickets or warnings out of the equation, you could be setting your attorney up to be blindsided by the other side of the argument.
It’s best to give them as much information as possible upfront.
Be Prepared to Meet With Your Auto Injury Attorney
An auto injury case is something most people hope to avoid throughout their life. But when you have the right auto injury attorney on your side, you’re more likely to get what you’re looking for.
Giving your attorney all of the necessary documents upfront allows them to get right to work on your case to be as ready as possible for the court date. They can spend their time making sure they’ve got the right strategy instead of wasting it hunting down all of the correct records.
If you’re in need of an auto injury attorney, contact us today to find the right fit!
Posted in: Car Accidents