10 Documents You Need if You’re Hurt in a Car Wreck
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’ll need evidence to support your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Here are the Top 10 documents to gather:
- Police Report—most accident reports are usually available within a few days of an accident, and contain vital information you’ll need.
- Tickets—if the other driver was issued a ticket, this helps to show who was at fault.
- Information Exchanged—drivers usually exchange contact information and information about their insurance companies.
- Photographs—use your smart phone to take photos of damage and injuries. If you don’t have a chance at the scene, ask your auto repair shop to take photos before making any repairs.
- Witness Statements—these may be contained in the police report. You can also record your own, using your smart phone.
- Car Insurance Policy—your lawyer will need to review this if you have to make a claim on your own insurance (if the other party was uninsured).
- Premium Payment Receipt—a cancelled check or other documentation showing your policy is up-to-date on payment.
- Vehicle Damage Estimates—get two to three vehicle repair estimates, and also find out the current cash value of your car (from a source like Kelley Blue Book)
- Medical Bills and Records—get copies of all records regarding treatment for any injuries stemming from the accident, from all providers and for all phases of treatment, from the initial trip to a hospital or doctor’s office to the final treatment and any followup appointments or prescribed medications.
- Proof of Missed Pay—if you missed work due to the accident, keep pay stubs or other records that will allow you to receive compensation for lost wages.
If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck, just bring these 10 documents to The Cochran Firm Mid-South for a free consultation. Or call 901-523-1222 to find out how we can help you win your case.
