7 Types of Evidence in Personal Injury Cases

You might need to pursue an injury claim if you get hurt in an accident or at your workplace. However, you must have compelling evidence proving the other party was reckless or negligent. With enough evidence, you stand a chance of winning the lawsuit. So, let's find out the type of evidence you should collect or present.

1. Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitnesses can provide their accounts of an accident. If you notice people at the accident scene, you should ask them for their contact information. Eyewitness testimony can become a crucial part of litigation.

Your attorney will review the testimony to confirm if it corresponds to your allegations. If eyewitness testimony matches your story, your defense team can use it during a lawsuit or insurance claim.

2. Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses are people whose opinions can help the court make sense of specific evidence. For instance, an expert can help the jury to reconstruct an accident scene and explain who was likely at fault. You can also have an expert provide an opinion about the injuries you sustained during an accident.

Expert witnesses will review the evidence brought forward and provide an objective opinion. Their opinion will help the jury make a ruling.

3. Photos & Videos
Videos and pictures are crucial pieces of evidence in personal injury claims. Unless you are severely injured, you should take as many pictures as possible at the accident scene. Take pictures from multiple angles to show the following information:

• Damage done to your vehicle
• The accident scene
• The injuries and people involved
• Traffic signals or nearby road or other hazard signs
• Skid marks or other signs of damage

Your dashcam footage may also come in handy as it can prove the other driver was at fault. Also, if you suffered a slip and fall accident, take pictures or videos of the conditions that led to your accident. If possible, take photos or videos as soon as you can. Don't wait to take pictures, as the accident scene can change.

4. Medical Records
Medical records are the only way to prove that you suffered compensable injuries. While you can take pictures of the injuries, you must get treated at a hospital. The courts and insurer will need to know the extent of your injuries.

Ask the doctor to document the injuries while you receive treatment. Medical records can include diagnosis reports, discharge instructions, X-ray and CT scan images, and lab results.

5. Medical Bills
Medical bills may also help when pursuing a personal injury claim. You should gather all the receipts and hand them over to your attorney. Records of your medical expenses can include medical device receipts, at-home care, hospital and rehabilitation bills, and transportation costs during hospital visits.

6. Documentation of Lost Income
Auto accidents and workplace accidents can cause severe injuries that may prevent you from working for a certain period. Luckily, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover the lost wages. A letter from your employer is enough to show the income you lost.

The letter should show your pay rate, job title, amount of lost wages, average work hours in a week, and the days you didn't report.

7. Police Report
Police reports are applicable in personal injury cases that involve auto and truck accidents, dog bites, and assaults. So, if a police officer appears at the accident scene, ask them to provide you with a copy of the report. Alternatively, you can visit the police station and ask for the report or instruct your attorney to get it.

Compelling evidence increases your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit or claim. Our lawyers at Frank W. Thompson Attorney At Law will have an easy time pursuing justice when you furnish them with the evidence we've discussed above. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.