In 2019, there were more than 400,000 traffic crashes in Florida alone.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, then you may be entitled to compensation.
Your chances of a successful claim depend on your lawyer having all the necessary information available to them.
Read on as we take a look at seven important documents that car accident lawyers will want to see.
1. Medical Records
If you’ve suffered an injury in the car accident, then your medical records will be vital to the outcome of your claim.
These records will offer proof of the injuries you have sustained and their impact upon you. They may also give an indication of the cost of the treatment you have received which is important information for your claim. Without the appropriate medical records, it will be hard for your lawyer to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you took any photographs of your injuries, you should also bring those with you.
2. Police Report
One of the most important things to do in the aftermath of a car accident is to call the police. Not only is this important in terms of dealing with the crash site and any injured parties, but it also means that there will be an official police report of the incident.
This will often be a vital piece of evidence in your case. It will contain a description of the accident as the police believe it to have occurred and may well note who they believe is responsible for the accident happening. The police are also likely to have spoken to witnesses and their accounts may be included in the police report.
Your lawyer will want to see the police report at your first meeting so make sure you bring it with you.
3. Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, then you should make sure to get their contact details.
You can then contact them and ask them if they would be willing to provide a written account of what they saw. These witness statements can also be an important part of your claim. If you can get multiple witnesses this will certainly not harm your case. There may also be some witness statements included in the police report.
Be sure to bring the contact details for the witnesses with you. Your lawyers may want to speak to any witnesses to clarify some details.
4. Photographs
You should try to take as many photographs as possible immediately after the accident occurs, provided that you are in a fit state, and that it is safe to do so.
The police will also take photographs of the scene, but the more evidence you have, the better chance you have of getting a positive outcome. Take photos of what you believe caused the accident, the damage to your vehicle and other vehicles involved, and photos of your injuries if you have sustained any.
Make sure you keep the originals on your phone as these will have timestamps.
5. Insurance Details
First off, you should bring your own insurance details with you.
You may also have the insurance details of the other parties involved if you have exchanged insurance information with them. This is another document that your lawyer will definitely want to see.
You should also bring your health insurance details with you too. That way you will everything that your lawyer might need to hand.
6. Pay Stubs
If your injury has caused you to miss work, then you’ll need to bring some pay stubs with you.
These pay stubs can be used as evidence if you have missed any payments due to being unable to work. They will also allow your lawyer to calculate your total lost earnings based on your salary.
If you have incurred any other costs due to the accident, you should make sure that you bring copies of your receipts to the meeting too.
7. Written Account
The final thing that you should bring with you to your first meeting with your car accident lawyers is a written account of the accident.
You may feel like you can give a clear verbal account of what happened, but it’s all too easy to miss an important detail that could be vital in your case.
By writing down exactly what happened before, during, and after the accident, you can be sure that you don’t miss anything out. Get it all down on paper, then leave it overnight. Take another look the next day with fresh eyes to see if there is anything you have missed out.
It’s vitally important that your account is honest and as accurate as possible. Any inconsistencies may harm your case.
Once you’re certain that your written account contains everything that it should, make sure to bring it with you to your first meeting with your lawyers.
Are You Looking for Car Accident Lawyers?
If you’re looking for experienced car accident lawyers who understand Florida car accident law, then you’re in the right place.
From our head office in Brandon, we help clients in Tampa, New Tampa, Plant City, and throughout East Hillsborough County and the state of Florida. Whether your case involves negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or going to court and having a jury decide the matter at trial, we’re here to help you get the full value of your claim.
If you have any questions or need legal advice following a car accident, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.