Getting in a car accident is scary. In the moment, you’re making sure that you and any passengers aren’t hurt too badly and that you get the care you need.
At the same time, if you’re able to gather some important information, you should. We’ve put together a list of the documents your attorney may want to see from the accident. Try to get as much of it as possible while you’re on the scene.
Before you head to a meeting with your lawyer in Brandon, Florida, be sure you have the following 6 car accident documents with you.
1. Medical Records and Receipts
Any medical costs you incurred are important for your lawyer to know about. Keep all your receipts and bills, even if they seem insignificant. This includes over-the-counter treatments like an ankle brace.
Attorneys show medical records in court to prove how much physical and psychological damage there was as a result of the accident. They need to see all the information you have, including the medical records of diagnosis and treatment, not just the money you paid.
2. Statements from Witnesses
In a car accident case, you’ll want to bring your witness statements to your attorney’s office. They want to see descriptions of what happened from as many points of view as possible.
You should also give them any contact information you gathered at the scene, including phone numbers, addresses, Driver’s License numbers, email addresses, and any other information.
3. Most Important Car Accident Documents: Photos and Videos
Your lawyer needs to see any photos or videos from the accident. Hopefully you have some, but if you don’t that’s okay. Try to remember if anyone else at the scene was taking photos or videos. Your attorney in Brandon, Florida may be able to get copies of those photos if you know who has them.
4. Insurance Policy Documents
Get a copy of your insurance policy and take it with you when you see your attorney. They’ll want to see the coverage you have and the possibilities of recovery.
Along with your policy, bring proof you’ve paid the premiums. Your credit card records or a receipt from the insurance company will work.
It’s important that your attorney know if you’re not up to date on your payments. The insurance company may try to argue that you aren’t entitled to the compensation.
5. Police Records
Be sure to get a copy of the police report and any records that go with it. You can get the report if you have the officer’s name and the names of the drivers involved.
Basic driving etiquette dictates that you be polite to law enforcement officers. Ask for the officer’s card or badge number after you speak with them at the scene.
6. Citations and Tickets
Did you get any citations from the accident near Brandon, Florida? If you received a speeding ticket or any other citation, your attorney should know about it. Sometimes in court the other party will try to argue that the citation proves fault. However, if your attorney knows about it ahead of time they can prepare for that eventuality.
Preparing Well
If you aren’t sure what to bring with you to a meeting with your attorney, the car accident documents above should help you know where to start. Collect these important pieces of information to give your attorney all the help you can.
Reed & Reed Attorneys At Law have a personal touch. If you’re ready to talk to someone about your car accident case, contact us today!
