After being injured in a Massachusetts car accident, recovering compensation for your medical bills and other losses would be ideal. It would also be ideal to prove your right to compensation with solid evidence readily at hand.
Generally, the more evidence you have, the more likely you are to recover fair compensation for the damages you sustained in the car accident. You will need to show who was at fault for the collision and how you suffered damages as a result. A personal injury lawyer can use the verifying documentation to help maximize the amount of the award you receive.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Massachusetts car accident, the personal injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group are here to help. We can review your case, inform you of your legal rights, and help you file a car accident claim or lawsuit. Call 888-435-1321 24/7 to schedule a free case review with a trusted member of our legal team.
Documents to Show Your Personal Injury Attorney After a Massachusetts Car Accident
It is easier to demonstrate that the other party was negligent when there is strong, clear evidence. During your initial consultation, there are certain documents your car accident lawyer may request to determine whether there is enough proof to build a solid case on your behalf.
The following is a list of some of the documents and information a car accident attorney may request from you.
Description of the accident
Likely, your lawyer will first ask you the basics of the car accident, including:
- Date and time
- Location
- Number of vehicles involved
- What you saw
- Where your vehicle was hit
- What you were doing at the time of impact
- Injuries sustained
- Whether or not anyone admitted fault
Police reports and citations related to the accident
When an officer arrives at the accident scene, he or she will write up a report. After speaking to eyewitnesses and examining the scene, a police officer may even make a preliminary ruling on who was at fault. All this information contained in the police report can give your lawyer, who can work on obtaining the report, a better understanding of the accident.
In addition to the police report, your personal injury lawyer will also want a copy of any traffic citations you or the other driver received following the crash.
Traffic citations may be issued for:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Reckless driving
Statements made to the insurance company
Shortly after an accident, you may get a call from the insurance company. The adjuster will want to know the details of the accident and may request an official statement. However, it is recommended to speak to a car accident lawyer before giving a statement to the insurance company.
If you did speak to an insurance adjuster before seeking legal advice, your lawyer may request a copy of the statement that you made. This will enable your attorney to prepare ahead of time in case of anything you may have said.
Copies of insurance policy and evidence of payment
It is illegal to drive without a valid insurance policy. Massachusetts is a “no-fault state.” This means that each driver will seek compensation from his or her own insurance policy following a car accident.
Your attorney will want to see a copy of the policy to have a clear understanding of what type of insurance coverage you are entitled to receive. He or she will also require proof that your auto insurance premiums have been paid. This can be shown through credit card or bank statements with the date that you made the last payment.
Information obtained at the accident scene
After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to exchange contact information with all parties. This could include:
- Full names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Makes and models of all vehicles involved
- Insurance information
- Email addresses
Whatever information you obtained at the accident scene should be presented to your car accident attorney.
Photos and videos
Photos and videos taken right before or immediately following the accident can be invaluable in establishing fault. If you took any pictures or recorded a video of the accident scene, make sure to send these to your personal injury lawyer.
If you did not take any photos or videos at the accident scene, try to get in contact with an eyewitness who might have. In addition, tell your lawyer whether you noticed any video surveillance cameras in the area that may have recorded the collision occurring.
Medical bills and records
If you received medical attention after the accident, your lawyer will want the names and phone numbers of all of your healthcare providers as well as a copy of your medical records. Your attorney will use this information to learn what your diagnosis is and determine the possible extent and duration of recovery you are facing.
It is also important for your lawyer to have a record of any medical costs you have incurred as a direct result of the car accident. Save the bills and receipts for all medical-related expenses; this includes any over-the-counter purchases such as crutches or bandages.
Psychological records
A severe motor vehicle collision can not only leave victims with physical injuries but psychological trauma as well. Inform your lawyer if the accident has impacted you mentally or emotionally and if you have sought help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
As with your other medical documents, your lawyer will need the contact information for your mental health providers and a copy of your psychological records.
Pay records
If you have been unable to work as a result of the car accident, your lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for lost wages. A skilled attorney can calculate the wages you have “lost” while recovering from your injuries. In order to do so, your attorney may request tax forms, pay stubs, bank records, and other financial information.
If your injuries have prevented you from returning to your previous place of employment, these documents can also help them calculate your loss of future earning potential.
Recovering Compensation Following a Massachusetts Car Accident
It may seem difficult to obtain all of this information for your personal injury lawyer. However, there are many benefits to having a trusted legal representative on your side. He or she will defend your legal rights and work to get you the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Depending on the extent of your injuries and circumstances surrounding the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death
Why Contact a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer Today
The above is not an exhaustive list of the documents that a personal injury lawyer may request from you. However, this gives you an idea of what information may be needed and a place to start.
Working with Kiley Law Group will make everything much easier for you. Our legal team can expediently and effectively gather evidence and work on obtaining any additional documents we may need.
We have over 40 decades of experience handling car accidents and other personal injury cases. As your lawyers, you can count on us to thoroughly investigate your case and help you recover every dime that you deserve.
Our law firm believes that everyone is worthy of quality legal representation, regardless of his or her current financial situation. That’s why Kiley Law Group represents clients on contingency – which means you do not owe us any upfront costs or fees. We only get paid if and when you are awarded a settlement, so you never pay out of pocket.
Schedule a free case consultation with one of our team members today. Call us or complete the contact form here on our website.
