7 Documents from Car Accidents to Have When Meeting Your Lawyer

In 2018, 2,800 people were killed and 400,000 people were injured in distracted driving accidents in the U.S.

Perhaps you or someone you love were affected. If so, you deserve justice. Meeting with a lawyer is among the first steps toward justice.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation. To craft a strong case, though, your lawyer needs information. Much of this information can be found in documents from car accidents.

Read on so that you’re prepared with all the documents your lawyer needs.

Meeting with Your Lawyer: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Your first meeting is an opportunity for your lawyer to learn about your case. You can expect to recount details of the accident. You’ll also answer your lawyer’s questions.

At the same time, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, and your lawyer will help you establish reasonable expectations for the case.

Having access to key documents from car accidents makes these conversations most productive for you and your lawyer.

The following are the most important.

1. Police Report

A police report is among the most comprehensive records of the accident you can offer your lawyer. It describes the scene and circumstances of the accident. It also notes traffic violations. These records are especially important if you’re involved in an accident with a distracted driver. Finally, police reports include statements from both parties and statements from witnesses.

If you don’t already have a copy of the report, your lawyer can obtain one using the case number you provide.

2. Photos and Videos

Besides a written narrative, the police report is likely to include photos and videos of the accident scene. It’s wise to take your own pictures or videos as well. If you did, bring them with you to your first meeting with your lawyer.

3. Information Exchanged at the Scene

You and the other driver should have exchanged at least the following information after the accident:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver’s license number and license plate number
• Insurance company and policy number

Having as much information as possible about the other party helps your lawyer build your case. 

4. Estimates of Vehicle Damage

If your car was damaged by another driver, you are entitled to compensation. Your insurance company will often estimate the cost of repairs. However, you should also ask two or three mechanics to prepare estimates.

Bring these estimates with you to your first meeting with your lawyer. If your car was totaled, the vehicle’s title is also helpful.

5. Medical Records

Following an accident, you also deserve compensation for any injuries you suffered. This compensation can include reimbursement for medical bills and lost wages. It can also include damages for pain and suffering, including emotional distress.

To seek damages for car accident injuries, your lawyer needs to show medical records. These can include:

• Hospital admissions records
• Records of care you received from emergency services, specialists, or primary care doctors
• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy
• Prescriptions

6. Pay Records

To secure reimbursement for lost wages, your lawyer will need to estimate the impact the accident had on your income.

Your recent paystubs show the income you have already lost. Meanwhile, recent tax returns can document how much you’re likely to lose if you remain out of work.

7. Insurance Records

Even if you weren’t at fault, your lawyer will need to work with your car and medical insurance companies. If the accident involved fatalities, your lawyer will also need information on the deceased’s life insurance policies.

Documents from Car Accidents Make Your Case

Experienced lawyers use documents from car accidents to craft strong cases. If you were involved in a car accident, sharing the right information with your lawyer increases the chances that your case will be successful.

As you deal with this and other obstacles on the road of life, count on our blog for the best advice. 

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