8 Documents To Show Your Attorney After a Car Accident

An accident scene is likely to be hectic. You have to balance moving your car out of traffic, checking for injuries, and exchanging information with the other driver. But there are some things you should take care of after a motor vehicle accident. This includes making sure you have the documents you need for your car accident claim.

For more information about your legal options, talk to an experienced car accident attorney for legal advice. This evidence that you can provide to your attorney can prove crucial in whether you recover the compensation you deserve.

In a car accident lawsuit, it is generally easier to prove that the other party was at fault when there is strong evidence, like photos of the accident scene and property damage. Your personal injury lawyer can use the evidence to show the other driver’s insurance company that you deserve a fair settlement or they risk a possible lawsuit. The more supporting evidence available to use, the better your case.

After a car accident, accident victims who are seeking financial compensation can use photos, videos, and documents to support their case. There is other evidence that will come up after you file the lawsuit, including depositions and interrogatories. When preparing to meet with a personal injury attorney for the first time, however, these are eight types of documents you should show them.

Police Reports and Records

If the police arrive at the scene, they will create a report. The police report should contain information about the parties involved, contact information, and witness statements about what happened. It can be a way to establish that another party was at fault for causing the accident, giving your attorney leverage in settlement negotiations or if the car accident case goes to trial against the at-fault driver.

Tickets/Citations Related to the Accident

In some cases, one or more drivers involved in the accident violated traffic laws. This could include drivers who were:

• Driving drunk
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Driving in an unsafe manner

Traffic tickets may be used against a driver who was injured in a car accident because it blurs the lines of liability. However, it is still a piece of information you should share with your attorney, who will understand the effect it will have on your case.

Copies or Photos of Your Insurance Policy

In most states, minimum insurance coverage is mandatory for drivers. Your insurance policy contains information about your insurance coverage limits and what is covered in an accident. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may provide for medical treatment.

Evidence of Premium Payments

If the insurance adjuster says you weren’t covered or that your insurance lapsed, you may be able to use evidence of payments to the insurance company. It may also be possible to show bank statements with the date that you made the last payment amount. You could also use a credit card statement as proof of payment.

Information Exchanged at the Accident Scene

One of the most critical steps to take after calling the police is to exchange information at the scene. Typically, drivers will exchange insurance information, as well as their names, addresses, driver’s license, and phone numbers. Whatever information is exchanged, you should keep it in a secure place and share it with your attorney.

Statements to the Insurance Company

Drivers have to report any accident claims to their insurance company. Your insurance representative may ask a lot of questions about the accident and have you submit a report. Keep a copy of any statements or report you make to the insurance company. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, you can refer them to your attorney.

Medical Costs and Records

Keep all medical bills related to your accident, even if it seems like a minor injury. Keep your receipts for medical expenses, especially out-of-pocket expenses or things paid for through a Health Savings Account (HSA), such as medications, crutches, or bandages.

Medical records will show whether you sought medical attention after a crash and what the doctor found. They may also show whether you had underlying medical issues before the crash. If these got worse after the car crash, it may influence your personal injury claim.

Paycheck Records

Your attorney can use your recent pay stubs as evidence of a loss of income if you are unable to work because of your injuries. You may also be able to get compensation for loss of earning potential. Recent tax returns and other financial documents can also help determine how much you could lose if you are unable to return to work.

When To Provide Documents to an Attorney

Meet with a car accident lawyer and ask any questions you have to make sure you are getting the right attorney for your case. You can ask your lawyer about their experience with personal injury cases and how much you might get in a settlement offer. After you decide to have the attorney represent you in a lawsuit, give them all the supporting evidence you have.

Under your state’s statute of limitations, there is a limited time to file a civil lawsuit. Gather evidence related to the details of your case and contact an auto accident attorney as soon as you can to make sure your case is filed in time. Even if you think a piece of evidence isn’t that helpful or may hurt your case, give it to your attorney anyway. The more information you provide them, the better prepared they can be when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.