Types of Evidence in a Personal Injury Case

All injuries are painful, frightening, and traumatic. When the injury resulted from another party’s careless, reckless, or wrongful actions, the injury victim does not have to be left responsible for the related expenses and financial losses, as well as the physical impacts of the injury. Instead, they can recover compensation for their losses through a personal injury case filed against the at-fault party. 

Winning a Washington personal injury case through a settlement or court litigation requires evidence of the responsible party’s liability and the injury victim’s damages. A Kent personal injury attorney compiles evidence to make a compelling claim.

Evidence Gathered at the Scene of the Accident or Injury

Gathering evidence for a personal injury claim often begins at the scene of the accident or injury. If the injury victim is conscious and able to use their phone without causing further injury, they may preserve important evidence by doing the following:

• First, call for help through 911 or by arranging transportation to a hospital
• Then, use the phone’s camera to take photos of the cause of the injury, such as a broken handrail on a hotel stairway, the damaged vehicles in a car accident, or a defective product
• Photograph the injury if it’s visible
• Add the contact information of anyone involved and any eyewitnesses
• If the incident was captured on a security camera, traffic camera, or DashCam, ask the owner to preserve the video
• Ask for an accident or incident report if the injury occurred in a commercial business or in a traffic accident

It’s always best to go straight to a hospital from the scene of the accident or injury. This provides evidence that the injury occurred at the accident scene and also ensures that you receive the emergency care you need. Then, contact a Kent personal injury lawyer for legal counsel before communicating with insurers.

Documentation of Your Injuries and Damages in a Personal Injury Case

Under Washington RCW 4.22.070, civil law allows injury victims to file a compensation claim against a party at fault for their injury, but a successful claim requires strong evidence. Besides photographs and other evidence from the scene of the injury, it’s crucial to preserve evidence once you’re receiving medical care for your injury.

Request a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure all injuries are diagnosed, including those with delayed symptom presentation, like whiplash. Ask for a detailed medical report, listing your injuries, the doctor’s treatment recommendations, and your prognosis for recovery. Then, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Attend every appointment and fill every prescription.

This provides the following documentary evidence you’ll need for a personal injury claim:

• The police report or accident report
• A detailed medical report
• Medical bills, receipts, and invoices showing your medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs
• Income tax statements, direct deposit, or pay stubs showing your typical income, and a written explanation of your lost earnings from your employer
• Receipts for travel expenses if you traveled to see a specialist

Additional evidence in personal injury cases comes from medical expert testimony that shows the level and duration of pain associated with the injury, as well as its impact on your ability to work and perform routine tasks.

How Can a Kent Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

Successfully obtaining a settlement or court award for your damages after a personal injury requires strong evidence presented in a clear, compelling manner to the appropriate insurer.

Contact the Kent personal injury attorneys from Caffee Accident & Injury Lawyers at (206) 312-0954 for a free evaluation of your case and prompt action to compile the evidence you need for a strong claim for full and fair compensation.