Around 2 million drivers in car accidents experience permanent injuries every year. That’s why when an accident occurs, your best bet to maximize your chances of recovery and the amount of compensation you may receive for your injuries is to consult a car accident attorney. To best assist your attorney in preparing your case, it’s important that you give your attorney the necessary documents and information the attorney will need to get your case off on the right foot. Here are a few of the documents your attorney will need at the start of your case.
Crash Report/Driver’s Exchange of Information
After most car accidents, the Police will be called and an investigation will be conducted to determine who was at fault for causing the crash. Once completed, a Crash Report will be prepared. If this is given to you by the Police, you will want to make sure that your attorney is given a copy as soon as possible. However, sometimes a Crash Report is not prepared. Instead, you will only receive what is called a Driver’s Exchange of Information. This document will contain important information including the other driver’s name, address, and insurance information. This should also be given to your attorney right away so that your attorney can begin the process of determining if there is insurance coverage to cover for your injuries and, if so, what the available limits of the coverage are.
Photographs/Video
As we always recommend, photographs and/or video should always be taken, if possible, any time you are involved in a car crash. Important photographs/video include those taken of the vehicles involved to document the extent of damages to each vehicle. Photographs and/or video should also be taken of the scene and surrounding area in the event there is a dispute about such things as visibility or street signs. Photographs/video of any visible injuries should also be taken as well.
Witness Information
Although witness contact information is usually provided in the Crash Report, it’s important that you try to speak to any witnesses that may have seen how the crash occurred. If possible, get their contact information in the event they don’t stay at the scene for the Police. Provide this information to your attorney so he/she can follow up with them.
Your Insurance Information
While it’s important to know the insurance information of the other driver involved in the crash, it’s equally important for your attorney to have your insurance information so that your attorney can put all of the appropriate entities on notice of your crash and injuries. For example, in Florida your car insurance will be the primary source of payment for your initial medical treatment under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Your attorney will need to put your car insurer on notice as quickly as possible to avoid any delay in payment to your medical providers. Your attorney will also need your health insurance information, if any, as that insurer will pay your medical bills once your PIP coverage has been exhausted.
Trust SouthShore Injury Attorneys With Your Ruskin Car Accident Claim
These are just a few of the documents that your attorney will need when you meet after your car accident. If you’re in need of help following a car accident, the attorneys at SouthShore Injury Attorneys are experienced in representing personal injury cases throughout the State of Florida. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact SouthShore Injury Attorneys at (813)419-3866 for a free consultation.
Free Information
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