Are you a victim of an accident? Then you will need to keep all the documentation related to the injury for any personal injury compensation claims. Sometimes, there’s so much documentation required for the claim that it can be hard to keep up. While the type of documentation largely depends on the type of claim, one thing is for sure – these documents can make or break your case. Here are some of the documents you may need for a personal injury claim.
- Police and Fire Department Reports
If you called the police or fire department to the accident scene, they most definitely made a report. You need to get a copy of this report. These reports can act as evidence for your case. You also need to be in touch with the officers who handled your case and the ones who responded to the scene. This is because they gathered witness information which is critical for your case. You can use this information to pursue new leads which may create more evidence for your case.
- Incident Reports
Incidents reports are a key component of your personal injury compensation claims. The people who were present at the time of the accident are required to file an incident report. This report helps to give your lawyer and yourself an overview of how the accident occurred. It can also be a guide to new places to gather evidence from.
- Pictures of The Scene of The Accident
Images related to the scene and the accident are very important to the case. Ensure you take pictures of the scene, your Injuries, vehicle or equipment. Each photo will play a role in your case and they also make you see parts of the accident you may have overlooked or forgot. Ensure you periodically take images of your injuries as they heal.
- The Treatment Journal
For a personal injury claim to be upheld, you need to prove that the injuries affected how you operate on a day to day basis. Therefore, it is important to keep a recovery journal. This helps you to keep track of your recovery process and medical appointments. This journal can be used by your personal injury lawyer to explain your Injuries, your recovery process, and the suffering you have had to endure to the court.
- Reports of Previous Similar Accidents or Complaints
It is possible that your accident is not the first to occur the way it did. If you suffered the injuries at your place of work or a business premise, there is a chance there have been others before. You can check with the police or fire department for previous reports made on the same premise. With such reports of previous complaints or accidents, you can prove that negligence was involved.
- Insurance Information and Incurred Bills
If an insurance company is involved in your case, ensure all correspondence is kept safe and is available. This also applies to instances where you are working with your own insurance companies.
You will also incur bills during your recovery process, ensure you keep copies of your bills safely. On top of medical bills, any extra costs that arise due to your injury case can be of benefit too.
