A personal injury claim is filed after an individual is injured in an accident because of the negligence of another. The purpose of the claim is to seek justice and recover a full and fair settlement for the losses the injured person has suffered as a result of the accident. But dealing with the details of a claim – including gathering, filing, and filling out paperwork – can be extremely overwhelming while you are trying to recover and stressed about paying bills. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with the forms required to file a successful personal injury claim, as well as all relevant deadlines. So, what documents are filed for personal injury attorney claim?
The documents that must be collected for personal injury claims are vital for helping a personal injury lawyer make your case. If you were injured in an accident, hold onto any related documents, including the police report and medical bills. Bring them with you to your consultation. Should you choose to work together, your lawyer will help you gather any missing, relevant documents.
What Documents are Filed for Personal Injury Attorney Claim?
There are several types of documents required for a successful personal injury claim. Here are the 10 most common kinds of paperwork or records that need to be gathered:
- Accident Reports
If law enforcement was called to the scene of the accident, there should be a police report that can be used as a piece of unbiased evidence to support your claim. The report may also have a list of witnesses that your lawyer can pursue for eye witness accounts of the accident.
- Witness Statements
The best time to take witness statements is at the scene of the accident when memories about the incident are fresh. Make sure to hold on to these statements for your lawyer because they are useful for confirming your side and providing more details about the accident that can be used to support your claim.
- Incident Reports
If your injury took place at a business or just outside a business, there is a possibility that HR or customer service filed an incident report that could be used to support your side of the accident.
- Photos of the Scene/Security Footage
Take as many photos as you can of the vehicles or stationary objects involved in the accident, as well as any debris created by the accident, including skid marks. Ask witnesses if they captured the accident on video or have pictures to share with you. Contact any nearby businesses to ask if they have security footage of the incident.
- Medical Records
Hold on to all medical records related to your accident, starting with the initial exam or emergency room visit after your accident. Any records of follow-up appointments and treatment plans should also be kept, including surgical, specialist, physical therapy, and rehab reports.
- Treatment Journal
It is a good idea to keep a treatment journal of all treatments you are undergoing for your accident-related injuries. Also describe the recovery process, including the pain you are experiencing and how the injuries have impacted your daily life. This is a good way to help prove the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident.
- Insurance Information
Give your car insurance provider information to your attorney (if applicable), including their contact information and your policy number. You will also want to share insurance information you retrieved from the at-fault driver at the scene of the accident.
- Bills
Gather any bills or invoices you acquired as a result of your injury, including medical bills, insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs), and gas and travel receipts related to seeking care. If you are or were temporarily unable to take care of your house or yourself because of the accident, keep receipts for services you had to pay for such as lawn care, house cleaning, and personal care such as bathing.
- W-2 Forms
If you were employed at the time of the accident and had to take time off to recover, it’s very important to show proof of your lost wages. The best way to do this is to gather past pay stubs, W-2s, bonus reports, and unemployment filings.
- Related Past Reports
As part of the investigation, your attorney should look for any relevant reports from the past that can back up your claim of negligence. For instance, if you were hurt at a property that had multiple prior complaints or code violations, that documented history could support your personal injury claim.
Seek the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
