When you’re injured in an accident, it can leave you confused and overwhelmed. Such incidents may affect your ability to work and disrupt your daily life. The last thing you need is the stress of bills piling up while you try to recover.
Whether you’re involved in a car accident, a workplace incident, a dog bite attack, or another situation that’s the fault of another party, you may have a personal injury claim that allows you to seek compensation for related costs and losses.
However, you need to provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim, and this starts with gathering critical documents.
Police and Accident/Incident Reports
The state of Texas requires drivers to report accidents that result in an injury, death, or $1,000 or more of damage. The police report serves as an official record of the incident.
It includes evidence gathered at the scene, including information about involved parties, witness statements, and officer observations. It may not specifically state who is at fault, but the information included may indicate fault, which could help you negotiate with insurance adjusters.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos from the accident scene can provide some of the best evidence to support your version of events in a personal injury claim. Images and videos may help document the scene after the fact, including property damage and visible injuries, as well as factors like environmental conditions.
In some cases, you may retrieve video of the accident unfolding from dash cams, witnesses, or nearby building security cameras. These forms of evidence go a long way toward building a strong case for compensation.
Witness Statements
It’s essential to gather contact information for everyone at the scene of an accident, including drivers, passengers, and others involved, as well as witnesses.
While those involved in the accident may fudge the truth to favor their own interests, witness statements provide an independent account of the incident that can help corroborate your version of events.
Medical Records and Bills
In addition to providing evidence supporting your version of events, you’ll need to prove damages to negotiate for a fair settlement in your personal injury claim. Medical records document the type and severity of injuries, any treatment you’ve received, and anticipated care you’ll need long term.
Medical bills track out-of-pocket costs that should be reimbursed through a settlement. Whether you’ve suffered whiplash, broken bones, or a traumatic brain injury, you must prove injuries, costs, and estimated ongoing expenses associated with the accident.
Proof of Earnings
If you’ve been in a car accident or suffered a workplace injury because of the negligence of others, you may find yourself unable to work. Even so, an insurance company might try every trick in the book to delay or deny your claim, hoping you’ll accept a lowball settlement or simply give up.
With ample evidence on your side, you can not only negotiate for coverage of medical bills but also lost wages or diminished earning capacity related to your injury.
Expert Testimony
Personal injury lawyers often try to negotiate a fair settlement as quickly as possible so you can get the compensation you need to get on with your life. However, an experienced attorney will also prepare to go to trial.
This preparation could include seeking testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or other experts to provide support for your claim.
Damage Repair Estimates
In addition to medical expenses, you may face other out-of-pocket costs related to an accident, including property damage. You should get your vehicle or other damaged property assessed as soon as possible so you can provide documentation of the financial impact as part of your compensation claim.
Additional Personal Documentation
Not all damages can be shown through medical records and missed work. When seeking compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, you may also want to keep a personal journal documenting non-tangible harm like pain, restrictions to normal daily activities, impact on personal relationships, and emotional struggles, for example.
FAQ
What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Texas?
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas is two years from the date of the incident resulting in injury.
What Kinds of Damages Am I Eligible for in a Texas Personal Injury Case?
You may be eligible to seek economic damages for out-of-pocket costs like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages.
How Much Can I Recover in Damages?
Settlements vary by case and may depend on factors like the type and severity of injuries, who is at fault, and the evidence presented.
How Long Will My Case Take to Settle?
Every case is different. Depending on the complexity of your case and the strength of your evidence, you may reach a settlement in as little as a few months, or it could take more than a year.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Your lawyer will try to negotiate a fair settlement as quickly as possible, but it may be necessary to go to court if insurance providers refuse to settle.
You Don’t Have to Face a Personal Injury Case Alone
In the aftermath of a serious injury, you may not know how to fight for the compensation you deserve. A qualified personal injury lawyer can provide the legal advice, support, and representation you need to make informed decisions about your future.
Ramsey Law Group has over 25 years of proven success in cases like yours. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.