Documentation We Need in Nevada
The documents we need to evaluate a case, as well taking it to trial, greatly depends on the type of case that we are working on. In this article we would like to cover some of the documents we may ask for in a motor vehicle accident.
Hopefully this resource will give you an idea of what documents you should collect and share with your lawyer, as well as the amount of attention to detail that is required to successfully win a case. If your case involves personal injury that was not a result of a motor vehicle accident, you can give us a call at 702-302-2277 to learn about the documents we may need for your specific case. We also offer free consultations with no obligations to go forward that gives us a chance to learn more about your case and provide the professional advice that you deserve.
Police Records
If a police officer arrives to the scene of an accident to document what has happened, it’s important to ask for a copy of the report right then and there. If a report isn’t obtained at that time it can always be requested from a police office. However, it’s always a good idea to collect as much evidence as soon as possible. This ensures that evidence isn’t lost or damaged in the process leading up to a civil lawsuit or settlement.
In the event that you are given a ticket, you must share that information with your lawyer as soon as possible. If you choose to omit information regarding any traffic rules you may have broken during an accident can result in unwanted surprises during a lawsuit process.
Names of Witnesses, Insurance Companies, and Parties Involved in an Accident
After an accident you want to record the names and contact information of those that were involved in an accident, as well as any witnesses that were present. You will also want to record the other parties’ insurance companies. This information is very important because it will help your lawyer determine things such as:
• The responsible party’s insurance policy and what it covers
• The information that witnesses have to share
• And various other crucial pieces of evidence
After an accident occurs it’s also a great idea to take photos of any damages: if you or someone who is not injured can safely do so. Photographs taken during or after an accident and documenting damages should always be shared with your lawyer.
Your Insurance Policy
If your vehicle is insured, you will want to share the documents proving this with your lawyer. Your lawyer may also need proof that you are making the required payment for your policy. If you have payment records, it’s important to share those with your lawyer.
Statements
It is never a good idea to give a statement to an insurance company without first consulting a professional that is familiar with the situation at hand. If you have already given a statement, you have the right to receive a copy of it. Your lawyer may need this statement in order to determine what you have shared with your own insurance company, or the insurance company of the parties responsible.
Medical and Payment Records
If an accident leaves you with medical bills, or psychological trauma that requires therapy, jot down all of your expenses. Your lawyer will need these records along with any other payments you have made in repairing your car and other damages that may have occurred.
A Personal Account of How an Accident Has Changed Your Life
Severe accidents can leave victims permanently scarred, impaired, and psychologically burdened. If your accident has resulted in losses not clearly recorded by expenses and other documents, it’s important to document these losses yourself. For example: if an accident causes you to miss out of a sporting event you were training for the past few months, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss.
Victims of accidents that impact their lives should keep a journal documenting the losses they have experienced due to an accident. This journal, when shared with your lawyer, can go a long way in making sure that you receive a fair settlement.
