About six million auto accidents occur across the US every year. Nearly 30% of accidents cause non-fatal injuries, with another 6% ending in fatalities. Meanwhile, 72% of crashes cause property damage.
Despite how many people end up in a car accident, most people don’t know how to build a car accident case with the proper evidence. If you want to file a car accident case, make sure you have this car accident document checklist handy.
Gathering this evidence will help you prove another driver’s negligence caused the crash. With help from your car accident lawyer, you can fight for compensation.
Make your case by gathering the documents in this checklist today!
The Official Police Report
The next time you’re in a car accident, take a breath. It’s normal to feel shaken, upset, or angry. Try to remain calm to ensure you don’t jeopardize your car accident case.
What you say or do immediately after the crash might impact your ability to fight for compensation.
After moving to a safe area near the crash site, make sure to contact the police right away.
In some states, you’re legally obligated to call the police after an accident. Make sure you don’t leave the scene without speaking to the police first. In some situations, you might get charged with a hit-and-run if you leave without filing an official police report.
Before the police arrive on scene, write down your recollection of what happened. Stick to the facts. Don’t embellish or assign blame.
Avoid apologizing, too, which is often seen as an admission of guilt.
The official police report is one of the most important items to obtain on your car accident document checklist. The police will write down an official record of what happened, including:
- All parties involved in the crash
- Each person’s account of what happened
- If anyone witnessed the accident
- If there were any traffic rule violations
Before leaving the scene of the crash, get the officer’s name and badge number. Ask if they can provide you with a copy of the official police report. If the report isn’t complete, make sure to contact them again later.
Your car accident lawyer will need this document when building your case.
Citations or Tickets
In some situations, the officer who arrives at the scene of the crash might need to issue a citation or ticket. For example, maybe a driver was speeding, drunk driving, texting and driving, or ran through a red light.
Any of these risky behaviors could have contributed to the car accident. These behaviors might also help you prove the driver’s negligence caused the crash.
The officer will note any traffic violations as part of their official police report. Then, they’ll issue a traffic ticket to the driver.
This citation might help you prove you weren’t at fault for the accident when you’re negotiating with the insurance company.
Talk to your car accident lawyer if anyone received a ticket after the crash. They might use the violation to build your lawsuit.
If you received a ticket after the accident, don’t worry. It doesn’t necessarily mean you were responsible for the accident. However, it could have an impact on your case.
Let your lawyer know to determine the best course of action moving forward.
Medical Reports
As many as 50 million people suffer from a non-fatal car accident injury after a crash. Some injuries can cause long-term disabilities.
Remember, how you react after your accident can impact your car accident cash. Make sure to visit a medical professional right away. Otherwise, you might not realize the extent of your injuries until days after the crash.
For example, adrenaline can mask your pain. You could develop whiplash or another musculoskeletal issue.
Keep track of your medical assessments, appointments, treatments, medications, and other fees due to the crash. Your lawyer can use this evidence to prove the extent of your injuries.
They can argue the accident impacted your mobility, well-being, and quality of life.
Pay Stubs
Your car accident injury might impact your ability to work or move. You might have to take on a smaller role at work. Perhaps you need time to recover at home.
Make sure to keep track of your lost wages. Provide your car accident lawyer with your pay stubs before the accident, too.
They’ll use this evidence to determine how much you lost in wages after the crash.
Driver Information
Make sure to gather evidence before leaving the scene of the accident. For example, you’ll need to ask for the driver’s contact information. Get their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license information
- Driver’s plate number
- Car make, model, and year
- Insurance information
Avoid small talk with the other driver. You don’t want to say anything that might impact your case.
Witness Information
Did someone witness your car accident? Add witness information to your car accident document checklist. Ask the witness if they’re willing to provide their contact information.
Your car accident lawyer can reach out to the witness to get an official statement about what happened. Their statement might support your side of the story.
Photo or Video Footage
Before leaving the scene of the crash, get photos and videos of what happened. First, get footage of each vehicle involved in the crash. Gather footage of your injuries as well.
Otherwise, note any landmarks, street signs, and obstructions nearby.
Policy Payments
Make sure to provide your lawyer with a copy of your car insurance policy.
If you don’t have a copy of the policy, let your lawyer know. They can request a copy from the insurance company on your behalf.
Vehicle Damage Estimates
Gather an estimate from three different repair shops before having your car repaired. Your insurance claim might cover a portion of the costs.
Your lawyer will use these estimates to determine your losses.
Make Your Case: Complete Your Car Accident Document Checklist Today
Don’t rush to leave the scene of a car crash in the event you’re in an accident. Instead, remember this car accident document checklist. Your car accident lawyers will need these documents when building your case.
With their help, you can fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Ready to file a claim with a lawyer you can trust? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
Posted in: Car Accidents