Discussing your personal injury case with a personal injury lawyer can provide much-needed clarity during the trying days that invariably follow a serious accident. Even though you could show up empty-handed and still derive a great deal of value from this one-on-one consultation, it is almost always in your best interest to come prepared.
You might be able to make the most of this opportunity if you take the time to prepare for your case review by gathering a few items to bring with you to the meeting. In this article, we will look at some of the different types of evidence that you might want to share with others.
1. Surveillance Camera Video Files
Advanced technology is now more affordable than ever, and motorists are reaping the benefits with high-tech dashcams. These small devices are always recording while you’re on the road, so if you’re involved in an accident, this footage could prove your liability.
Even if your vehicle is not equipped with a camera, another driver may have recorded the collision. Alternatively, if there were surveillance cameras near the accident scene, they may have captured useful footage that can be used to support your case. During the initial consultation, if you possess such videos, you should share them with your personal injury lawyer.
2. Eyewitness Contact Details
If the accident occurred in a highly trafficked area, there is a good chance that someone saw what happened. Eyewitnesses can often help to corroborate your version of the events, so your personal injury lawyer may want to interview them to determine whether their deposition could benefit your case. Eyewitnesses can also be helpful in determining whether your version of the events is accurate. You need to make a note of the names and contact information of anyone who is observing the proceeding and then give this information to your personal injury lawyer.
3. Financial Documents
If you have been keeping track of lost wages by collecting pay stubs or if you have been compiling invoices for your medical expenses and repair costs, you should make copies of such documents to give to your personal injury lawyer. Since you will only be able to recover compensation for losses that you can demonstrate in a case involving personal injury, these documents may play an extremely important role in assisting you in securing a fair settlement.
4. Personal Injury Journal Entries
Keeping a personal injury journal to record your progress as you recover from an injury could be beneficial to your legal case. For instance, keeping a record of your pain levels could be of assistance to your personal injury lawyer in constructing a case for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Alternately, keeping detailed logs of how, your injuries limit you can help demonstrate losses such as lost income, diminished enjoyment of life, and the need for replacement services. Your legal representative will be able to advise you on the categories of data that should be included in your journal.
Conclusion
Whether you were injured on the road or on another person’s property, filing a claim may allow you to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Our personal injury lawyers at Garcia and Phan have decades of experience representing accident victims across the state. To request a free case evaluation, please call (714) 586-8298.