Legal Help: Getting Hurt on the Street

After an injury in an auto accident, you will likely need to pursue an insurance company or go to court to recoup your damages. This will require extensive evidence in order to accurately prove your case. The following are some things you and your attorney need to consider:

Document Your Physical Injuries

Whether your accident was major or minor, you need to make sure you are seen by a medical professional to document your injuries. Do not try to deal with your injuries on your own. Not only will you not have the medical evidence you need for your claim, but also you will likely feel more pain the days after your accident. In smaller accidents, it can take up to a day before you actually begin to feel any pain. Some injuries may not be noticeable on the outside, and you will need tests and exams to prove that you were hurt. You must do this, no matter how insignificant you think your injuries may be.

Any visible injuries should be both evaluated and photographed for your evidence portfolio. Documents all marks that are on your body, including cuts, scrapes, bruises, swelling, or anything else that can be attributed to your accident.

Gather All Physical Evidence From The Scene

In addition to medical evidence, physical evidence is among the most important component of a personal injury claim, particularly if there is a question as to who is at fault. Your evidence can range from damaged property, bloody clothing, or photographs of your vehicle.

Photos are some of the best pieces of evidence you can have in a personal injury case. For instance, if someone hit you after running a stop sign, provide a photo of the sign if the offender claims they could not see it. If the sign is in plain sight, that photo can be a damaging piece of evidence.

After you are involved in a car accident, make sure that you act as quickly as possible so that you can be compensated for your injuries. If you want to do it yourself, you can make a claim with the insurance agency of the person who is at fault. However, you will likely get some pushback from them, leading to a very small claim. It is best to work with an attorney after you are in an accident. The process can get very overwhelming and lengthy. An attorney can navigate the entire process for you and possibly yield a better result.