Car Accident Documents to Have When Meeting Your Lawyer

Thanks to California’s strict driving laws and incentives to drive safely, most driving-related fatalities have decreased in the past few years. However, non-fatal accidents still occur every single day, many of them leaving the victims with long-term injuries.

If you were recently injured in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is hire a car accident lawyer. Without legal representation, your chances of getting the compensation you deserve diminish drastically.

Additionally, you will need to provide your attorney with as much information and evidence as possible. Here are the car accident documents you’ll need to prepare for your case and bring to your car accident lawyer ASAP.

The Police Report and Other Car Accident Documents

Regardless of the severity of the accident (or what the other drivers have to say), it’s important that you call the police after getting into a car accident. A police report is one of the main documents your lawyer can use to recreate the scene of the accident. In fact, police reports are one of the most crucial tools for establishing liability from an objective party. 

In addition, you should also provide any information about the other drivers that you were given. This includes names, insurance information, and contact information. Finally, show your lawyer any photos or videos you took of the accident scene.

Your Insurance Policy

Having an updated insurance policy is important for any driver, especially one recovering from a car accident. Make sure that you provide your lawyer with a copy of the insurance policy. If you can’t find one, ask your insurance provider for a duplicate copy. These car accident documents cannot be overlooked, so be sure to obtain a copy.

Even when you are not at fault for a car accident, your own insurance company may get involved. It is important for your lawyer to know what kind of liability coverage you have. You may also want to consult your lawyer before speaking with or responding to your own insurance company about the accident.

Proof of Insurance Premium Payment

This one is relatively straightforward. Your lawyer needs to know that your car insurance policy is both up to date and active. The best way to prove that you’re still receiving updated coverage is by providing proof that you’re paying your monthly premium. Bank statements, copies of checks, or receipts for any cash payments you’ve made will suffice.

Any Tickets or Fines You Received

We often assume that the police officers responding to car accidents only give out tickets or fines to at-fault drivers. However, this is not always the case. It’s entirely possible that you’ve walked away from a car accident caused by another driver with an injury and a ticket or fine.

Your car accident lawyer will need car accident documents, such as these tickets or statements about fines you’ve received. This will help them to prepare for any arguments made against your case. 

Car Accident Documents Estimating Vehicle Damage

When you’re filing a claim against another driver after a car accident, the goal isn’t just to prove that they’re at fault. You also need to establish that the accident impacted your financial standing. One of the ways to do this is to establish that your car requires repairs or was totaled and must be replaced altogether.

What you’re going to need are the estimates for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Typically, your insurance company will set you up with an adjuster who will assess the state of your car. After doing so, they will also calculate the amount of money you can expect to pay for vehicle damage. This cost is one of a few factors you may consider when asking for due compensation.

Statements from Witnesses

Collecting witness statements is an important part of putting together a successful claim after a car accident. If possible, you will want to gain access not only to the statement you provided but also to the statements provided by other involved parties. This includes other drivers and passengers, as well as the first responders who arrived at the scene of the accident. 

Your car accident lawyer can use these statements to better establish fault. It can also be helpful if the driver at fault attempts to change the story. 

Medical Records and Bills

Unfortunately, the cost of medical care can be substantially high in the US. As a result, an estimated 50% of Americans are now in some degree of medical debt.

After a car accident, victims are often left with unexpected medical bills. For many, medical care isn’t just necessary to treat immediate injuries. Medical care becomes a long-term necessity to treat ongoing disabilities caused by the accident.

Provide your car accident lawyer with any records and bills regarding your car accident injury. If your doctor believes that you will need ongoing care, make sure to provide documents of that future need, as well.

Proof of Income

Finally, having to undergo medical care and possibly sustaining long-term injuries can impact your income. You may miss work, thereby missing crucial paychecks. You may not be able to take on your full line of duties, resulting in lower pay.

This is referred to as “lost income.” In order to seek compensation for lost earnings, you will need to provide proof of income both past and present. Paystubs are the most accurate way to do so.

We Help Car Accident Victims Recover Compensation

After a car accident, you may find that your world is turned upside down–particularly your finances. A car accident lawyer can help you win your case, but you’ll need to provide these car accident documents to improve your odds.

DK Law is the leading car accident law firm in Southern California. We have been helping accident victims recover fair and full compensation for years. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.