To build a strong personal injury case, compelling evidence is critical. When you hire an attorney, they will investigate your case and collect as much evidence in support of your claim as possible. However, any evidence you can provide will move things along significantly and help you recover the compensation you require as soon as possible.
The more evidence your lawyer has to work with, the greater chance you will have of recovering damages after an accident. At Rand Spear, we can use all the evidence we collect to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today by phone, through our online contact form, or by using the chat tool on this site and schedule a free case review with a member of our team.
Evidence that Can Help Your Personal Injury Case
There is a variety of information that can be used when building your personal injury case. Some of the evidence that can be useful includes:
- Information about any injuries you incurred as a result of your accident
- Photographs of any physical injuries
- The type of accident that caused your injury
- Photographic and video records of your accident
- The location where your injury occurred
- The date and time your accident occurred
- Photographs of the accident scene taken as soon after the accident as possible
- The names and contact details of any other parties directly involved in your accident
- The names and contact details of any witnesses to your accident
- An official accident report filed by the police
- An official accident report filed by other emergency workers who attended the scene
- A copy of your medical records
- The name of the hospital where you went for treatment
- The names of any medical staff who treated your injuries
- A follow-up examination with an independent medical expert to verify your injuries
- The date and time that any follow-up medical treatment was received
- Details and receipts for any medical treatment you received due to your injuries
- Details and receipts for any other expenses you incurred because of your accident
- Notes about any appointments you had because of your accident
- Notes about your physical and mental state after your accident
- Notes about any assistance you require for things you are unable to do because of your injury
- Diagrams of the scene where you suffered your accident showing how the accident occurred
The above list is not exhaustive. Any other evidence you can provide to your lawyer will help them build a strong case on your behalf.
Strong Evidence Plays a Significant Role During Settlement Negotiations
The more evidence you have when entering into settlement negotiations, the more money you are likely to recover. Showing the at-fault party that you have sufficient evidence to back up your claim will give you leverage during negotiations. After all, the more likely you are to win your case should you go to court, the more the other party will attempt to avoid a trial.
Hiring a Lawyer Soon After Your Accident Will Help in the Collection of Evidence
If you wait to get started on your case, evidence can become lost or corrupt. Furthermore, any witness testimony you intend to use will become less reliable the further removed from the date of your accident. The sooner your attorney can get started on your case, the better your position will be.
Your attorney will know exactly what to look for when gathering evidence and can help direct you on the actions you can take to best help your case. They will make sure all evidence is preserved and use the information they gather effectively.
What the Evidence Must Show to Prove Negligence
When attempting to prove that another party owes you compensation for your injuries because of their negligent actions, there are four elements of negligence you will need to collect evidence to establish.
Duty of Care
The first thing you need to show is that the liable party owed you a duty of care. The evidence needed to establish the existence of a duty of care will vary depending on the details of your case.
If you suffered an injury due to medical malpractice, evidence showing that the liable party was a member of your treatment team is enough to establish the existence of a duty of care. Similarly, if you were hurt in a car accident, showing that the liable party was behind the wheel and driving in your area at the time of the crash will suffice.
Breached Duty of Care
Next, you need to prove that the at-fault party breached their duty of care. Whatever type of accident caused your injury, presenting evidence showing that the at-fault party acted in a manner that a reasonable person would not have in their situation and thus created an unsafe environment will work to establish a breached duty of care.
Damages
You also need to prove that you suffered damages. Your medical records are the most effective evidence for proving the existence of damages after an accident. Additionally, expert testimony can go a long way to convincing a jury that you suffered harm.
Causation
The final step is to tie everything together. You will need to provide evidence that shows how the liable party breaching their duty of care was the direct cause of the damages you suffered.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
The best way to ensure you have the evidence needed to win your case is by hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will investigate your case, gather evidence, and inform you of any information they need you to provide. At Rand Spear, we can review your case and determine what evidence will be most important in proving your claim.
Contact us today through our website or by giving us a call and schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form