The time after a collision can be chaotic, even without significant injury or damage to the car. When a severe injury is added to the equation, the time following the accident can be overwhelming and frightening. However, it is vital to take action and document every aspect of your injury and the accident to secure evidence for your personal injury claim. Insurers often require evidence that proves the extent of your injuries and the part you played in the accident.
If you do not have sufficient proof that you suffered an injury that justifies the damages you are pursuing, it may affect the outcome of your claim. Additionally, Arizona is a comparative negligence state meaning that if you are even slightly to blame for the accident, the court may reduce the damages you receive by the percentage of blame the court decides. The best way to prove you are not to blame for the accident is to have the necessary evidence and a skilled personal injury lawyer at your side.
It’s vital to effectively document your injury and the conditions that may have caused the accident to have evidence to build a strong personal injury claim.
Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, many conditions have delayed symptoms that could appear days or weeks after the accident. Promptly seeking medical attention may identify possible unknown injuries or convey the seriousness of an injury you believed to be minor. Additionally, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident provides evidence of your intention to treat your injuries. If you neglect to visit a healthcare provider following the accident, you may have no definite way to prove to an insurer that your injury was directly caused by the car accident.
If you are safely able to, you should take videos and photos of the accident scene. It’s helpful to carefully document the accident scene where you acquired your injury along with:
Be sure to store and save each photo and video carefully. It’s beneficial to make copies of every document and take note of the date and time they were taken. If you are unable to document the accident because of health risks, begin documenting your injuries as soon as you can.
After your initial visit, ask the physician or health care provider treating you for copies of your medical records that detail the medical care you received after the accident. Each medical form provides a valuable piece of evidence that your attorney can use to prove the severity of your injuries and justify the value of your claim. Your medical file should contain the following forms:
Medical expenses are an essential part of the compensation you may receive through a personal injury claim. Any piece of information you can provide can significantly strengthen your claim. Additionally, keeping a journal of your injuries and your recovery process can be a helpful piece of evidence that documents the severity of your injuries.
A car accident can be traumatic and costly, leaving people at a loss of what to do next. If someone’s negligence caused your accident, you might be able to file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for any damages you sustained as a result. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C., we have specialist attorneys who understand the complex nature of personal injury claims. We are proud to have decades of experience helping injured victims receive the compensation they deserve. You can schedule a consultation by calling (928) 778-2660 or filling out our contact form.