We hope it’s a destiny you’ll avoid during your life just because of the amount of stress and trauma you’ll go through, and often not due to the injury itself. The aftermath of a personal injury often takes more of a toll on your overall well-being than the accident itself. How come? Well, you’ll have to go through a standard procedure, made up of dozens of small steps to finally claim your rights. The paperwork is burdensome and can be exhausting.
So, in the text below, we’ll discuss in a simple yet cohesive way what you’ll need when it comes to proper documentation in the case of an injury claim. Read on!
Medical Records
First and foremost, without further ado, please get medical attention regarding the injury. For your own well-being, having someone with the proper knowledge look at the injury and make an assessment of its severity can really be a life changer. And medical records are crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the medical treatment you have received.
You should collect all medical records, including emergency room reports, diagnostic test results, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions. All of this is only possible if you seek medical help immediately after the accident.
Incident Report
An incident report is an official document that describes the details of the accident or incident that led to your injury. This report is typically filed by the entity responsible for the location or activity where the accident took place. It contains vital information about the date, time, location, and circumstances of the incident, as well as any witnesses’ statements.
You should request a copy of the incident report as soon as possible. It’s something you’ll need to do to build a strong case, especially when the accident happened due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you’ll have to lawyer up and make sure the other party is not eager to dispute your claim.
In such cases, a personal injury lawyer might be the best option available, as they usually have years of experience handling such delicate matters. Just ask around and look for someone reliable with a good, upstanding reputation. Law firms with a high success rate are probably the best place to start searching.
Police Reports
If the injury occurred in a car accident, you should collect the police report that was filed at the scene. The police report will include details about the accident, such as the vehicles involved, the location, and any injuries sustained. The report may also include information about any citations issued and the officer’s opinion about the cause of the accident. This implies calling the police after the accident, something we strongly advise and encourage you to do.
Not only are the police records valuable documents in the later development of your case, but you’ll also save yourself from any possible lawsuits as the police will make a correct estimation of the “fault” and all accident factors that contributed to the injury.
Witness Statements
Witness statements can be a valuable asset in your injury claim. Collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident or incident occur. These witnesses may be able to provide important details about the event and support your version of events. Contact information such as name, phone number, and email address should be collected.
Sometimes, witnesses are not that eager to take a stand, especially in court, so make sure to be patient and a bit persuasive regarding the matter. But, for minor cases, basic reports will do the job; just make sure they are signed by the person, and you’re good to go.
Insurance Information
Collect the insurance information of all parties involved in the accident, including the responsible party and any witnesses. Insurance companies have a tendency to use any means at their disposal to make a claim that will save them money.
That’s also why you’ll need to hire a lawyer, something we’ve already mentioned. Lawyers have a certain “way” with insurance companies as they know their strategies and tactics by heart. Just let them do the talking, and you’ll be off the hook for most of the time.
Pay Stubs and Tax Returns
If your injury has caused you to miss work, you will need to provide evidence of your lost wages. Collect your pay stubs and tax returns to show how much income you have lost due to your injury. Remember, you’re entitled to these privileges as the injury has made you incapable of attending and performing work in your usual capacity. So, you’ll need the evidence as a backup once you’ve made a personal injury claim. Why waste a few good salaries on nothing when you can have them?
Communication Records
It’s important to record all the important information regarding the case. Anything from emails, phone calls, addresses, names, and whatever else can be relevant to the whole issue should be kept and cataloged somewhere. Make sure to keep it safe, as communication records are evidence your lawyer can use and evidence that just might turn the tide in your favor if you’re looking at some problems regarding the case.
Bills and Receipts
Collect all bills and receipts related to your injury, including medical bills, prescription costs, and any other expenses you have incurred due to your injury. These documents will help you determine the total cost of your injury and the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Believe us, it amounts to a staggering number after you’ve taken all the costs into account. So, don’t throw away any of it, depending on the success of your case, you could get almost everything compensated up to the smallest medical bill.
It’s a long journey; it takes time, and it can become, at some point, just too much. But, keeping track of everything, holding on to the evidence, and making sure all the records are in place can drastically change the final outcome. Maximize your compensation, and make sure to pursue every right you have. You’ve been through a lot, and you’ve suffered more than enough. We hope you’ll find these tips more than useful. Best of luck!