Between 4 million and 5 million people are injured in car accidents every year in the United States. Depending on the severity, this can mean serious hospital and rehabilitation costs. It often means lost wages from time away from work, as well as personal pain and suffering.
If the accident was the result of negligence, it is up to the individual to seek compensation. This means proving wrongdoing in a court of law.
Even the best car accident lawyer Houston has to offer needs to fully understand the circumstances of your case, including every detail about the incident. This means documentation of what happened and proof of the injuries you have suffered.
Below are the main documents you should bring to a meeting with a prospective personal injury lawyer. This article explains their significance and how they can make a difference in the success of your case.
Police Report
One of the main things you will need when meeting with a car accident lawyer in Houston is a police report. Regardless of who was at fault, all car accidents warrant a report of what the officer observed, including any citations that were issued. To get a copy of the report, contact the local law enforcement agency.
Keep in mind that Texas law allows for “contributory negligence.” This means you can still sue for damages even if you were partially (less than 50 percent) at fault in the crash. A citation will help the attorney determine your level of culpability in the incident.
Medical Reports and Bills
If you have medical reports, including surgeries or other operations resulting from the car accident injury, bring those as well. These will help the attorney understand the impact of the car accident.
If you do not have proof of all procedures at the outset, do not worry. Make a list of treatments you have undergone since the crash, including rehabilitation services.
Medical bills will tell the story of how much your injuries have cost. This includes everything from the cost of diagnostic assessments to treatments and all medications you have had to take.
Proof of Income
If your injuries resulted in you being out of work, your attorney will need to have a way of calculating the amount of lost wages or salary. This can include earning potential (if your injuries or rehabilitation are ongoing).
A basic paystub or direct deposit record in your checking account is all they will need to get started.
Vehicle Repair Expenses
It is important to keep receipts for any car repairs you have had to make as a result of the accident. In most circumstances, insurance covers these expenses, but proof of repairs could still be relevant to a lawsuit.
They can illustrate the level of negligence on the part of the other driver or (in some cases) a car or parts manufacturer.
Miscellaneous Documents
Beyond the standard documents listed above, there are other pieces of useful evidence you can present to an attorney to help bolster your personal injury case. These include photos and videos taken at the accident site. Such pics can relay a lot of information about what happened and the extent of the damage.
If you have access to any statements from witnesses, include them as well. Contact information for the individual could prove useful down the road.
Find a Houston Car Accident Attorney
We hope you found this car accident document checklist helpful. Now that you know what documentation to bring to a meeting with a car accident lawyer in Houston, you can be fully prepared.
At The Cox Pradia Law Firm, we specialize in personal injury law. We will leverage our extensive legal knowledge and experience to help you get justice and compensation for your car accident claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.