What Documents Do I Need for a Car Accident Case?
An experienced New Orleans lawyer can gather key evidence to support your claim
There can be a lot of paperwork following a car crash in Louisiana. Collecting the right documents plays a big role in car accident claims and legal cases. Whether dealing with minor fender benders or major collisions, having well-organized records helps avoid delays and makes it easier to prove your case.
What documentation should I collect at the scene?
Building a strong car accident case starts at the crash scene. To get the ball rolling, here’s what you’ll need to obtain:
The police report
Even if you were involved in a minor crash, it’s important to call the police and wait for an officer to arrive at the scene. An officer will conduct an initial investigation and document their findings in a police report.
The police report serves as the foundation for any claim or legal action. It includes details such as the date, time, location, and names of the parties involved. It may also note traffic violations or initial assessments of fault. You can usually request a copy from the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash such as the local police or highway patrol.
Driver and witness information
Be sure to exchange information with the other driver, including their driver’s license, insurance details, and vehicle registration. This information ensures both parties are properly insured and provides contact points for follow-up if needed.
If there are any witnesses at the crash scene, ask them for their contact information, an account of what they saw, and if they captured the car accident on a dashcam.
Photos and videos
Take photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles, visible injuries, skid marks, road signs, and weather conditions. Timestamped evidence paints a clear picture of the scene and can help determine how the crash occurred.
What medical records and expenses do I need?
After leaving the scene of a car accident, getting medical attention right away should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, waiting can not only aggravate hidden injuries but also give insurance companies room to question your claim. A prompt evaluation ensures you catch potential issues early and establishes a clear connection between the crash and your injuries.
Once you’ve received medical care, here are the documents you’ll need to prove the extent of your injuries:
Doctor’s reports and medical records
Keep a copy of your official diagnosis or medical evaluation. This might also include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging studies or diagnostic procedures.
Medical bills and receipts
Hold onto every medical bill, even those from pharmacies, labs, and specialists. These records track the financial impact of your injuries and establish a clear connection between your treatment and the collision.
Ongoing treatment records
Keep a log of any ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy sessions or follow-up appointments. Prescription receipts and therapy progress notes can also support your claim for continued treatment expenses.
What insurance and communication records do I need?
When reporting your car accident to your insurance company and pursuing a claim, it’s important to have your bases covered to avoid potential disputes. Here’s what you’ll need:
Claim correspondence
Save every piece of communication with your insurance company, including emails, letters, and notes from phone calls. Written documentation can protect you if disputes arise over claim amounts or coverage issues.
Proof of submitted claims
Make copies of all forms you submit to your insurer, from initial claim reports to supporting documents such as repair estimates. Track any supplemental information you provide, such as updated medical bills or repair invoices.
How do I prove lost wages or income?
If you have missed work or will miss work because of your crash-related injuries, you may be eligible for wage reimbursement. These documents can help prove your loss of income after a car accident:
Employer verification letters
If the collision caused you to miss work, request a letter from your employer confirming your time off and its connection to the accident.
Pay stubs or income statements
Provide copies of recent pay stubs to show your usual earnings. If you’re self-employed, you can submit income tax returns, invoices, or bank statements to demonstrate lost income.
Records of bonuses or commission impacts
If your job involves bonuses or commissions, gather any evidence showing how the car accident affected your ability to earn these extra payments. This could strengthen your claim for lost income.
What repair and property damage documents should I keep?
Any damage to your vehicle or personal items can be reimbursed through a car accident claim. To prove these losses, be sure to keep the following documents:
Repair estimates and invoices
Get estimates from certified repair shops, even if the repairs aren’t immediate. Once the work is complete, keep copies of all invoices and receipts to show the full extent of property damage.
Vehicle valuation reports
If your car was totaled, documentation proving the vehicle’s value before the crash becomes important. Use tools such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to determine fair market value, and save the reports for reference.
Rental car and transportation receipts
If you had to rent a car or use public transportation, keep receipts. These expenses may be reimbursable, depending on your insurance policy or settlement terms.
What legal documents and attorney correspondence should I track?
As your case progresses, you should keep copies of:
Settlement agreements and demand letters
If you’re offered a settlement, keep copies of all agreements and demand letters exchanged during negotiations. These documents will protect your interests if disputes arise later.
Court filings
If your case goes to court, save copies of every legal document, such as complaints, motions, and discovery responses. These records will provide a full history of the legal process.
Attorney correspondence and retainer agreements
When you hire an attorney to handle your case, keep copies of any agreements outlining their fees and responsibilities. Also, store any communication with your lawyer to stay on top of your case’s progress.
Let a skilled New Orleans attorney handle your car accident case while you focus on recovery
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, the last thing you need is a battle with insurance adjusters trying to reduce or deny your claim. The Law Offices of John S. Williams knows the tactics they use to put their profits ahead of your recovery.
Since 2012, John S. Williams has taken on reckless drivers and uncooperative insurance companies throughout New Orleans. He has secured major settlements and courtroom victories for his clients. That includes $250,000 for a rear-end collision involving a large truck and $195,000 for a motorist who was run off the road by a tow truck.
You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees while recovering from car accident injuries. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. It’s that simple. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options, explain what you’re entitled to, and start building your case.
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