You’re going to need to make a strong case for compensation if you decide to sue someone after an accident. Proving that someone else was negligent is a key part of your personal injury claim, and that’s a tough thing to do. It’s easier to fight for damages if you have convincing evidence on your side. Our Harrison personal injury attorneys can help you gather evidence and build a compelling.
What Kind of Evidence Can Help With My Claim?
When you get hurt in an accident and you believe that someone else is to blame, you need to show that they were negligent and that this negligence led to you suffering harm. Some things that can help include:
Police or incident report: If you get into a car accident and the police come out to make a report, they may note evidence that can help you in your case. For example, the report could mention that a driver was operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pay stubs: if you have to miss work, your previous pay stubs can be used to show how much money you are losing.
Photos: Pictures of damaged vehicles or the scene of any kind of accident can help with a personal injury claim.
Safety records: If you get hurt in a store, their records could show if this establishment has a habit of not caring about the safety of customers. If you get hurt in a truck accident, logs from the trucking company could show a culture of negligence that backs up your claim.
Can Witness Testimony Be Evidence?
Of course. Your own testimony and version of events can also be considered evidence. The other parties involved in the case will also have their own version of events and their lawyers will also be given the chance to interview you and anyone who testifies on your behalf. They can try to poke holes in your story that way.
Should I See a Doctor?
Yes, seeing a doctor should be a top priority after any kind of accident. You need treatment for your injuries and your medical records can provide valuable information that can help with your case. The medical bills you accumulate can also be used when you want to prove damages.
In some cases, it can also be beneficial to have your doctor or another medical expert testify on your behalf. When a medical professional can talk about your road to recovery or how your injuries affect your ability to work and care for yourself, that can be quite convincing to a jury.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
New York gives accident victims three years to pursue damages. File a claim after this statute of limitations expires and your case is likely to be thrown out no matter how much evidence you have. We recommend acting quickly in any case. The faster you take legal action, the easier it can be for your lawyer to recover useful evidence like surveillance footage or testimony from eyewitnesses.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
So if you are ready to pursue damages in a personal injury case, don’t go it alone. Contact Hausman & Pendzick to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our experienced attorneys can help you.