After a car accident in Daytona Beach, you probably have a number of questions and concerns racing through your mind. This is normal and to be expected.
If you have been in a car accident before, then you know that you receive a ton of paperwork and correspondence in the mail. Keep all the documents and paperwork you receive organized and handy, as this will be critical to your claim and your case. It will also help your car accident attorney in preparing your case.
But there are other steps we need to take to make sure that your insurance claim and personal injury settlement result in a favorable, successful outcome.
In order to do this, the first—and very important—step is to gather those urgent records you need. Visit Attorney Elton for legal advice and help with your car accident in Daytona Beach.
Download a PDF version of the four urgent records you need after a car accident in Daytona Beach.
So without further adieu, here are the top 4 forms of documentation your car accident claim shouldn’t be without…
1. Police Reports
Police reports are completed at the scene of the accident. While they are not often used in trial, they are used for demand letters and settlement negotiations.
A thorough police report will include:
The date and time of the accident
The location of the accident
The names of the drivers involved
The police officer’s notes on the accident
You should have a copy of this report already. If not, obtain one from the local police department.
2. Medical Records
You cannot request compensation for injuries without medical records. Remember, simply stating you have received medical care or any type of treatment for your injuries isn’t enough.
Instead, you need to establish your reliability and show that you have the evidence to prove every aspect of your claim.
All copies of your medical records as well as health insurance billing records will be requested to establish your treatment.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to request medical records that include:
Emergency medical services – such as an ambulance company’s records
ER records
Pharmacy prescription records
Hospital admission records
Surgical records
Physical therapy records
Primary care physician records
Chiropractic care records
3. Records of Income
If your injuries were substantial, then you will likely miss work not only to recover, but also to attend medical appointments.
In order to claim compensation for your loss of income—including any lost wages in the future—you will need to prove your income. This can be in the form of W2s or 1099s or even recent paycheck stubs.
Your employer’s information is often required as well so that insurance companies can call and verify the validity of your paycheck stubs and income claims.
4. Vehicle Damage
You may be entitled to compensation for the repairs to your vehicle as well – though you will want to clarify this with your car accident attorney.
In order to receive compensation for these losses, you will need to show estimates and/or the amounts you have already paid or your insurance has paid for vehicle damage.
Check out this site for more information on the most important documents you need after a car accident, and how having this documentation can help the success of your claim.
The more diligent you are with your records following a car accident, the easier your claim will be. Even if you are just negotiating with insurance companies, you need documentation to establish your injuries and damages and give you negotiating power.
Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer Daytona Beach for Legal Help
Additionally, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Daytona Beach can make things that much easier…Find out more here.