Every outcome of a personal injury case depends upon three specific components. One must prove the incident happened, what actions (or lack of actions) caused the accident, and the existence and severity of any resulting injury. Financial losses, and emotional trauma caused by another’s negligent behavior or disregard for the safety of others may be compensable. Proving these three components relies on detailed documentation of all things related to your case. Don’t navigate the legal system without the assistance of a Miami personal injury law firm.
Documentation is the Cornerstone of a Personal Injury Claim
In any personal injury case, definitive proof of injury or property damage is the cornerstone of the claim. Timing is crucial when it comes to preserving and protecting compelling evidence. Surveillance cameras may be overwritten, roadway debris is frequently removed, witnesses may be hard to find, and memories fade over time. Official documents, photographs, and medical records can be the deciding factor in a plaintiff’s claim for compensation.
The written word is a powerful form of communication. A personal journal, or diary, detailing the progress of medical treatments, and referencing the impact of the accident on your family can help the insurance claims adjusters or the judge and jury understand the full scope of your injury. Proper and timely documentation strengthens your case. Additional valuable documentation may include:
- Medical bills
- Any correspondence from the Insurance company
- Workplace correspondence and payroll records
- Details of missed time from work
- A recording of the 911 emergency call
Gathering Official Reports
A police report is a powerful piece of documentation containing information that can help a personal injury law firm in Miami develop a compelling claim for monetary compensation. Such a report can be useful in negotiations with an insurance company, and may contain the following:
- The time and location of the incident
- The weather and roadway conditions at the time of the accident
- A drawing or diagram of the accident
- The names of all parties involved
- Insurance information for all persons involved
- Statements from all persons involved
- Witness contact information
- A description of the scene
- If any citations were issued
- Description of the property damage
Photographs Are Definitive
People remember only a portion of what they see. Although sometimes hard to look at, accident scene snapshots can clearly show the moments following impact. Some examples of the types of pictures that could be helpful to a personal injury law firm in Miami include:
- A full-body image showing the victim’s position
- Photos of apparent injuries
- Photos of the immediate area, including the locations of all vehicles, lighting, and surveillance cameras
- Pictures taken from various angles can help place things in perspective
- Pictures of the victim’s clothing
Medical Records and Reports
Medical records and reports can help validate your injuries and provide a prognosis for the length of treatment and recovery. It is vital that you keep all scheduled doctor’s appointments and follow through with any treatments they are prescribed. Having a written record of every treatment and appointment will help build a solid case for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Some records an attorney may ask for include the following:
- First responder reports
- Emergency room treatments
- Surgical reports
- Hospital charges
- Diagnostic studies
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy records
Let Aigen Injury Law Help You with Your Personal Injury Case
When all is said and done, proper and timely documentation can impact the bottom line of a personal injury case. A personal injury lawyer can be a solid resource for seeking out fair and just compensation after a personal injury. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Request that certain pieces of evidence by preserved for trial
- Review and evaluate police reports, medical records, and witness testimony
- Arrange for accident reconstruction and expert witnesses
- Explore all possible sources of compensation
- Handle all correspondence and negotiations with insurance companies
- Gather payroll records to determine the financial impact of the accident
- Determine the value of lost wages due to taking time off work for appointments related to the accident
- Explain and protect a client’s legal rights
A personal injury lawyer should have answers to basic questions like:
- Do insurance companies automatically compensate pain and suffering after an accident?
- After a car accident, how do I pay the doctor’s bills?
We understand how to show the insurance company the emotional, physical, and financial issues that the victim’s entire family will face following a severe accident. We can illustrate how life has changed for the injured party, and build a claim that includes compensation for things such as:
- Pain and suffering
- The possibility of not being able to return to a chosen profession
- The loss of enjoyment in life
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm in Miami, Florida
With the help of an experienced personal injury law firm, Miami residents can get answers to any questions they have about their injury case. Aigen Injury Law is here to help. We will walk you through what’s important, what to document, and help you gather those reports you need. We offer a no-cost case evaluation. Contact us today.