People who’ve been in car accidents are usually entitled to compensation. However, sufficient evidence is needed for you to claim a sum that covers all of your damages. A car accident injury lawyer can help you gather this evidence, and they’ll use it to help you make a successful claim.
What Kind of Evidence Do I Need for a Successful Claim?
1. Medical Records
You can be awarded compensation to cover treatment for your injuries after a car accident. Proof of your injuries will help you claim compensation, as sometimes insurance companies may attempt to say your injuries were pre-existing. You’ll likely have to undergo a medical assessment to show the full extent of your injuries and any disabilities that you’ve been left with.
2. Medical Bills
You can receive compensation for any sum you had to pay out when recovering from your injuries. Proof of how much you’ve paid or are being asked to pay is necessary to show the insurance company how much your treatment costs. An estimate of future medical bills will also be necessary if you’re going to need ongoing medical treatment. If the treatment you require will be lifelong, then you need an estimate of how much this is going to cost, too.
If you don’t have a regular doctor to assess your injuries and determine/estimate how much treatment will cost, don’t worry. Many lawyers are willing to help you find one.
3. Repair Costs
The liable driver’s insurance company usually pays for your vehicle’s repair costs. Ask your repair company to give you an estimate of how much fixing your vehicle is likely going to cost. If your vehicle is too badly damaged to repair, then you need an expert to weigh in on how much your vehicle was worth at the time of the accident. That way, the insurance company can pay out the value of your vehicle.
4. Photos of the Accident and Your Vehicle
Photos showing the damage done to your vehicle are necessary to use as evidence in your case. Ideally, the photos of the damage done will be at the accident site. The police will have taken photographs of the accident site, so your attorney can ask for copies of the images. If you took any photo or video evidence yourself, then share it with your attorney.
5. Witness Statements
Statements from witnesses will help prove who was liable for the accident. This kind of evidence is especially important in cases where the other driver or their insurance company is denying liability
6. Traffic Cam Footage
If there were any traffic cameras in the area of your accident, then these would be incredibly helpful for proving liability. Dashcam footage from your vehicle is also helpful. Share any footage you have if at all possible.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Win After a Car Accident?
1. Medical Reimbursement
As stated earlier, you can be reimbursed for all medical treatment. If you had to add any medical equipment to your home after being left with a disability, then the cost of this is included in what you should get in compensation.
2. Lost Pay
You can be reimbursed for income you’ve lost while taking time off work to recover from your accident. If you had to leave your job and won’t be able to work again for years or potentially for the rest of your life, then you can receive a sum to reimburse you for your lost earning potential.
3. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover things such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of quality of life, and more. It’s a sum intended to ease the emotional burden of what you’ve been through. No amount of money can ever make up for things you can lose during a car accident, but compensation can help you get your life back together afterward.
4. Legal Fees
Sometimes the liable driver has to pay your legal fees. As car accidents fall under personal injury law, your attorney is likely charging a contingency fee. This means they’ll take a percentage of your final settlement. If your final settlement is $100,000 and your attorney charges a 50% fee, then after your attorney’s fees, you’ll only win $50,000. If the liable party must pay your attorney’s fees, they’ll pay an additional $50,000 so you can win the full $100,000 settlement.
There are numerous types of evidence you need to help prove your car accident claim. The evidence helps prove liability, how much you’re entitled to in economic (financial) damages, and more. Help your attorney in any way they need when gathering evidence to help win your case.
Interesting Related Article: “What are the Consequences of Car Accidents Besides Injury?“