It is rather alarming to know that every year, in the United States of America, more than 6 million automobile accidents occur. While 6-8% of them end in fatalities, 35% of the accidents lead to non-fatal wounds, and 74% of the collisions lead to property damage.
Despite the large number of people ending up in car crashes, there are not many who know how to build a solid case with accurate proof properly. If you want to file a case, make sure you’re working with a car accident attorney. When you fix your first meeting with the lawyer, what are the documents you should carry? Here is a checklist.
Official police report from the accident scene
After a car accident, the police are immediately called to the scene regardless of whether there are fatal injuries. During such a situation, the police have to draft an official report that includes the intricate details of the accident. The report also includes the initial impression of the reason behind the accident. This information is crucial and you should carry this to your attorney.
Tickets or citations
There are a few situations when the officer might issue a ticket or citation. If the driver was drunk while driving, speeding, driving while texting, or running through a traffic signal, the police might issue a ticket. These reckless behaviors might help you prove the negligence of the driver that led to the crash. Carry this citation to your attorney as this will prove that you weren’t responsible for the accident.
Pay stubs
Your car accident injury may hamper your ability to go to work or even move. Due to the upshots of the accident, you might have to take a short or a long leave from work so that you can recover at home. Keep a tab on your lost wages and carry your pay stubs to the lawyer to prove your loss of pay.
Medical Reports
There are more than 50 million people who sustain critical injuries after an auto accident. Some injuries among them lead to long-term disabilities. Ensure visiting a medical professional immediately so that your injuries don’t worsen. Keep a tab on your medical appointments, assessments, medications, and treatments due to the accident.
Auto insurance policy
Your car insurance policy is among the foremost documents that you need to provide your lawyer. The document details the levels of coverage that you choose, including medical coverage, liability coverage, and property coverage. The details of your car insurance policy include exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits.
Gathering your vital documents is one of the most necessary parts of an auto accident case. If you don’t want to make costly errors during the claim process, it is better to seek legal advice from a PI attorney. Make sure the attorney is experienced in handling cases of auto accidents as this is the only way you can ensure the best results. Don’t forget to check the fee structure of the lawyer.