Even if, in hindsight, it is obvious who was responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, any personal injury claim you pursue is only as strong as the evidence you provide. Regardless of how severe your injuries are, you will have to present a considerable amount of documentation in order to recover full financial compensation for your damages.
The issue of what documents are required in a personal injury case will depend on the type of accident and vary slightly from victim to victim. Keeping that in mind, listed below is a basic summary of what you should have on hand. Any documentation you are able to provide will also help the Virginia personal injury attorneys from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp protect your rights and give you the best possible chance at a successful resolution to your case.
Medical Records
In order to receive civil restitution following a negligence-based accident, you will have to prove the nature and severity of your injuries. You will also have to supply documentation that shows what medical care you have received and will continue to receive in the future before you have fully recovered or maximum medical improvement is reached.
Every single report and file that any healthcare provider created while treating, diagnosing, or examining you for a personal injury should be included in your settlement demand or lawsuit. This can include records from before the accident in order to show how it altered your physical condition for the worse.
Receipts and Bills for All Financial Damages
After you have demonstrated that you were injured during the accident, you need to furnish objective proof that confirms the exact dollar amount of your accident-related damages. Be ready to show bills and receipts for all of your medical care and treatments, vehicle replacement or repairs, rental car expenses, in-home care, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and even tax returns and pay stubs that highlight the impact your injury has had on your finances.
Insurance
Although it will not apply to every single case, if you have any form of insurance coverage that might provide you with financial compensation after your accident, you should have your policy documents reviewed by a personal injury lawyer. Taking advantage of every form of coverage available to you could be essential to maximizing your economic recovery. This is especially true if the person liable for your accident is lacking in personal assets or does not have insurance to cover your damages.
Police Reports and Reports From Other Sources
Valid, reliable documents pertaining to how your accident took place can be crucial when it comes to building a strong personal injury case. For instance, a police crash report that was filed after a car accident could prove that one of the drivers involved committed a driving infraction that was the proximate cause of your accident. Against the backdrop of a medical malpractice case, testimony from medical experts is vital to proving that a healthcare professional violated the applicable standard of care.
Personal Statements and Records
It is to your advantage to keep personal records as you recover from a personal injury. They will help to document the negative influence that the emotional trauma and physical pain have had on you, your life, and your family. Similar documentation provided by close friends and family members can also be advantageous in this regard.
Do You Need Help Gathering Documentation for a Virginia Personal Injury Case?
One of the reputable Virginia personal injury attorneys from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can discuss what documents will be the most beneficial to your case during a private consultation. We understand the stress and anxiety that come with trying to keep ahead of medical bills, calls from insurance adjustors, and lost income while you are trying to recover. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (833) 997-1774 or filling out our online form.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
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