When making a case for a personal injury claim, it’s important to be as thorough as possible. You need to be able to prove that your injury was the result of another person’s negligence, which often means there are many lines of evidence that may need to be considered. Among the evidence you’ll need for your personal injury lawsuit are the following items.
Physical Items
Physical evidence needs to be collected as early as possible because it tends to deteriorate over time. For instance, in a slip-and-fall accident, environmental conditions such as spills or unnatural accumulations of ice will very quickly vanish if not photographed promptly.
Some types of evidence endure longer, such as damaged property. If an accident caused significant damage to your vehicle, clothing, personal items, etc. then those damaged items would be instrumental in demonstrating the severity of your injuries.
Photographs
Photographs of the site of the accident should be taken as promptly as possible in order to adequately showcase the conditions under which the accident occurred. For instance, photos of an automobile accident will show the damage to the vehicles, road conditions, debris, and so forth, all of which can be helpful in constructing a clear picture of how the accident occurred.
In addition, photographic evidence of your injury itself, while perhaps gruesome in some cases, can lend extra power to your case.
Eyewitness Accounts
Those who saw the accident occur further help your case. After an accident, be sure to get the names and contact information of those present. Also, get a basic idea of what they saw to happen so you can be certain to have witnesses who will give an accurate accounting of the incident.
Police Reports
In vehicle accidents, police will be on the scene. Their reports can be highly valuable since they add a great deal of authority to your case and can pin down specific negligent acts (speeding, running a light, etc.).
Medical Records
When it comes to demonstrating the severity and causes of your injury, medical records play a key role. In addition, they’ll detail the expenses incurred by the accident, which is crucial when determining how much your case is worth.
These records should be dated as closely to your accident as possible since any sign of delay can weaken your case. As such, it’s important to see a doctor promptly after your injury occurs.
Expert Witnesses
Certain cases, such as medical malpractice or complex industrial accidents, may not get by on hard evidence alone. These may require some specific education on how an accident would have occurred and what role negligence would have played. An expert witness educates the jury and judge on how your accident occurred and helps solidify your claim.
Personal Records
Finally, your own personal records should be thorough. For instance, a journal can illustrate how you experienced the symptoms of your injury and what impact it had on your personal life. Keeping a daily journal can be instrumental in constructing an accurate timeline of what happened during and after your accident.
If you have been injured as the result of another person’s negligence, you need solid evidence as well as strong legal representation. Hart David Carson LLP can provide you with the legal support and resources you need to recover damages.