3 types of documents to collect after your car accident

 Posted on April 28, 2017 in Blog

After a car accident, you might consider submitting an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you are contemplating these options, being properly prepared is instrumental to your success. You must have an effective argument based on your injuries and concrete proof of property damage.

You are probably in a flurry of stress and confusion after your car crash, so below is a guide for what critical documentation you should collect to support your assertions. By following these tips, you can bolster your claims and improve your chances of getting compensation you deserve.

1. Medical records

Whether you have serious injuries or had a health care provider evaluate you as a precaution, make sure you get copies of medical information including records and bills. Collect this information from any medical professional you saw related to your accident, whether it was immediate emergency care or ongoing physical therapy. Keep track of any medications prescribed too.

2. Vehicle damage valuations

If the collision damaged your car, you may be able to have repairs covered through the insurance claim or lawsuit. Figuring out this exact number can be confusing. You need to find out what your repairs will cost and the value of your car before the accident occurred. Typically, the insurance company or multiple auto body shops provide estimates of the damage. You can start valuing your pre-accident car by checking the Kelley Blue Book.

3. Proof of income

If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you should document any time you lost at work because of the collision. You need to show how much income you lost by providing paycheck stubs, tip records or direct deposit records.

Keeping detailed records is key to getting the best results from any claims or lawsuits. By documenting your medical expenses, vehicle repair costs and lost income, you have a good basis for arguing how much you are eligible to receive. For more detailed guidance, contact a personal injury lawyer.