Personal injury cases require evidence. The more evidence there is to support your claim, the more likely you will obtain the compensation you deserve. Evidence cuts down on the “he-said-she-said” arguments and helps judges and juries understand the events that resulted in your injuries.
But evidence can disappear. The broken railing that caused your fall is easily fixed. Witness’ memories fade. Damaged cars get moved and repaired. One of the best ways to sustain evidence is by doing what you can to preserve it from the scene of the accident.
In this post, we’ll highlight a few pieces of evidence injury victims can get ahold of to help build a strong personal injury claim.
Photographs and Video Evidence
Whether you experienced hurt in a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or on the job, few things are as powerful as visual evidence. For example, if you fall due to a staircase being in poor condition, a security camera video would be of great help. Photographs of the staircase taken immediately afterward are also valuable.
It would be easy for the landlord to quickly repair the stairs after the injury. Without video or photographs, the landlord could deny liability in this case. It wouldn’t be impossible to prove, but it would certainly be more difficult.
Photos are extremely helpful in auto accidents as well. While these accidents are rarely caught on tape, still photos can help traffic reconstruction experts show how the accident occurred. Juries and judges will be able to visualize the accident, gaining valuable clarity.
Witness Statements
When visual evidence is lacking, the testimonies of witnesses play a central role in building a personal injury case. In fact, statements from expert witnesses and ordinary people are important in almost every case, even when videos and photographs exist.
Tracking down witnesses requires a major effort in many personal injury cases. Remember, much of this work is your lawyer’s responsibility. Your only responsibility is your healing.
Documentation of Injuries
Falls and other mishaps that don’t inflict more than a bruise are not cause for personal injury cases. To receive compensation for pain and suffering after your accident, you must be able to prove you sustained injuries. Documentation includes physician, psychologist or other professional statements regarding your health.
A broken leg, a deep laceration, or a lost limb are obvious injuries. However, there are a variety of other injuries that are less obvious such as whiplash that can damage your health. Although it is one of the most frequent injuries in car and truck accidents, it can be challenging to prove.
To receive compensation, you not only need the testimony of a physician, but you will also need x-rays, CT scans, or other documented forms of medical evidence.
Police Report
Once an accident occurs, the police can create a report that is very valuable as evidence in your case. A police report lays out the details of the scene, includes witness statements and contact information and summarizes the officer’s findings. Police reports are highly reputable, impartial, and they carry weight in court.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Have an Accident-Related Injury
If you or a loved one has an injury from a car accident, work accident or from a defective product or medical device, contact a dedicated personal injury attorney for experienced help. Give Ted B. Lyon and Associates a call today at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966.
