Proving Injury Severity: Essential Evidence for Your Personal Injury Case

In personal injury law, evidence is crucial, and having sufficient evidence, like medical records, bills, accident reconstruction, records of property damage, and other evidence, is essential to establish liability, quantity your damages, and get you the compensation victims deserve in personal injury cases.

Types of Evidence Used to Prove Damages in Personal Injury Claims

Certain types of evidence have a higher impact than others. The keys to any personal injury case are liability – who is responsible – and damages – what are they responsible for? Establishing liability involves proving that the other party’s negligence caused the accident. On the other hand, demonstrating damages involves presenting concrete evidence of the injuries and losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.Physical evidence is typically the most important in personal injury cases. Photographs from the scene of the accident can be instrumental in proving the circumstances under which the accident occurred and therefore who is at fault for what.A police report can provide an unbiased account of a car accident, while medical records are proof the accident was serious enough to make you seek medical treatment and medical documentation can prove the precise extent of your injuries and help personal injury attorneys demonstrate the pain and suffering you’ve gone through. Medical bills, meanwhile, specifically quantify the compensatory damages for which you are seeking compensation.

What Evidence Do You Need for a Personal Injury Case?

Medical Records

Treatment records are arguably the most important evidence in a personal injury case, providing a detailed account of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received from your healthcare provider. Medical notes can not only demonstrate your physical injuries but also shed light on your emotional state and make it easier to estimate any need for ongoing medical care.

Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration Documents, and Similar Documentation

Documentation related to the vehicles of both the injured person and the other party can be a valuable part of your evidence portfolio in a personal injury claim. Be sure to get driver’s license details, vehicle registration details, and the insurance information of everyone involved in an automobile accident. All of this will help during the legal proceedings as your lawyer helps you establish liability.

Evidence of Wages

Furthermore, in a personal injury case, proof of lost wages is essential. If your injuries forced you to take time off work, documentation from your employer detailing the time lost and wages missed can contribute to your claim for lost income.If you can prove and establish fault with the other party, and provide sufficient evidence, you may be entitled to financial compensation not only for all your lost wages as well as potential overtime, raises, promotions, and other missed opportunities. Only a qualified lawyer can help you make the most of the evidence you have and thus maximize your compensation.

Witness Testimony

Witness testimony can also be invaluable. Individuals present at the scene of the accident can provide statements that affirm your account of the event and back up the physical evidence being presented. A qualified attorney knows how to make the most of witness statements and may even be able to convince reluctant witnesses to come forward.In some cases, expert testimony might also be necessary. For example, an accident reconstruction expert can testify about how the accident happened based on the available physical evidence. Again, an attorney has access to experts in many fields and can call on them to come help you prove your case.

Surveillance and Dashcam Footage

In our tech-driven world, the chances of an accident being caught on video are higher than ever. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or street intersections may have recorded the incident, serving as unbiased observers.If you or other drivers involved in the accident had dashcams, this footage might be pivotal in your personal injury claim. This kind of visual evidence can reinforce your account of the event, clarify discrepancies, and help your experienced attorney to establish liability.

Estimates of Future Medical Expenses

Sometimes, injuries sustained in an accident necessitate ongoing treatment. In such cases, your future medical expenses become a key point in your claim.Expert medical professionals may be needed to provide their opinion on the anticipated costs of future medical care, therapies, and any necessary medical equipment. This testimony is crucial evidence in proving the severity of your injury. They will review the medical records after your car crash, consider the doctor’s notes, and help estimate the extent and costs of future medical treatment, so you can recover compensation to pay for it.

Leveraging the Impact of Medical Evidence in Personal Injury Cases

Medical evidence forms the backbone of any personal injury claim. It substantiates the injuries sustained and provides a basis for calculating the medical expenses related to your injuries. Remember, after an accident, seeking medical attention should be your top priority, not just for your health, but also for your case.The key information in your medical records that can make a difference in a personal injury claim include the initial diagnosis, the prescribed medical treatment, and notes on your progress and recovery.Further medical evidence, like X-rays, CT scans, test results, and doctors’ notes, can validate your injuries and aid in proving their severity. Your medical records also document the extent of your physical therapy, if required, and shed light on any future medical expenses.

The Statute of Limitations on Injury Claims in Missouri

In Missouri, the law sets a time limit on filing personal injury claims. This limit generally gives you five years from the date of an auto accident to file a lawsuit. If you are making a wrongful death claim, that must be filed within three years of the accident.Failing to file within this period will likely result in the court refusing to hear your case. Thus, it’s important to begin gathering evidence and start your claim process as soon as possible.An experienced personal injury lawyer from our practice can work with you to ensure that you understand each and every deadline, so you receive fair compensation.

Insurance Companies and Your Private Medical Records

In Missouri, insurance companies have specific rights and limitations regarding access to your medical records.These companies may request access to your medical records to assess the validity of your claim and the extent of your injuries. However, they should only receive information pertinent to your case.Part of your lawyer’s job is to make sure the insurance company only has access to the records they actually need and don’t go snooping around in your personal, private records looking for evidence to use against your case.

Work With a Personal Injury Attorney

The role of a personal injury attorney extends beyond just providing legal advice. They can help you identify the evidence you need, gather it, assess its value, and formulate a strategy to use it to recover damages.Experienced personal injury lawyers can also guide you through the complex web of legal requirements and processes, from meeting the deadlines of the statute of limitations in Missouri to meeting all the individual court deadlines you will face and helping you understand your rights regarding your medical records.If you have been in an accident, contact us at Brian C. Gutierrez at 979-271-5338 to schedule a free consultation with one of our legal experts. We are committed to helping you gather the evidence you need and ensuring nothing comes between you and full compensation.