Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. Though they can be traumatic, the incidents that follow the accident might be more stressful.
Repairing the vehicle, taking time off the job and fighting the pain of injury can be a lot to take in at once. A personal injury claim can fetch you the necessary financial support.
While filing a personal injury case is the only way to get the compensation you deserve, it is crucial to consider if you’re ready to take this step. Continue reading to be sure you don’t miss out on anything before filing a lawsuit.
Checklist for Personal Injury Claims
Documenting the incident and its aftermath is crucial. This evidence can be in any form, for instance, police reports, photographs, videos and medical reports. Additionally, if someone witnessed the accident requesting them to give a statement would be helpful.
1. Police Report
Serious accidents involve law enforcement. If, in your case, the police were involved, you can request them to provide you with a copy of the report.
These documents can provide valuable insights into the incident because you will have legal proof to support your case.
2. Pay Stubs
When filing a case such as personal injury, it is essential to document your recent pay stubs. If you missed work due to injury and are struggling financially, this can prove how much compensation you deserve.
The earnings should be calculated correctly to get compensation. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you in working out all the details.
3. Detailed Medical Record
Maintain a detailed medical record from the beginning. You can start by documenting your injuries, just after the incident. Then, you can collect documents for medical treatments, bills and expenses related to the injury.
Documents related to transportation bills for medical treatments or medicines can also add up to a significant figure, so don’t miss these out.
4. Evidence
Photographs, videos or surveillance footage can provide solid evidence. Photos of the scene, injuries or property damage will help you describe the incident to the officials clearly.
Apart from photographs, the footage obtained from the security cameras can provide an accurate account of what happened. However, it is possible only if the accident occurred in a public place with a camera.
5. Witnesses
Having someone on your side who saw the accident take place can benefit you. You can request witnesses to give statements; their testimonies will support your version of the event.
In serious cases, experts can provide testimonies on the incidents. For instance, medical experts can explain the long-term effects of the injury or the officers can analyze how the accident took place.
6. Assess Liability
Before taking the matter to court, understand who is at fault for your injuries. In some cases, more than one party can be responsible for your injury.
Identifying which party should be held responsible is a major step in building a strong case. For instance, slipping on a grocery store’s floor because someone spilled water can be blamed on two different parties; the staff and the store owner who may be vicariously liable.
7. Communication Record
If there was any exchange of words regarding the incident via text, email or social media, try to save the screenshots. This can help you prove the timelines and provide context.
Conclusion
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is a big step, but the outcome depends entirely on the considerations taken before moving forward.
By following this checklist, you can better calculate whether or not you’re ready to file a lawsuit. You can also seek justice for medical malpractice in NYC. Remember, filing a lawsuit can be challenging due to the various legal processes and complex systems, so seeking help from professionals is essential.
Ultimately, if you believe you have a strong case and deserve compensation for your injuries, you must file a lawsuit.
Also Read: The Impact of Car Accidents: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Recourse
