A Washington State car accident can be a traumatic event. You’ll have to deal with police reports and insurance companies, and if you’ve been injured, that adds another level of stress to an already unpleasant event. If the negligence of someone has injured you, you are most likely entitled to compensation for your damages. However, you’ll need evidence to support your claim.
A Kent, Washington, car accident attorney can guide you through this sometimes confusing process. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure you receive all the compensation you should receive.
What’s Required for a Settlement?
Whether your case is going to trial or you’re being offered a settlement pre-trial, you’ll want to have as much evidence as possible to prove both negligence and your damages. If the defendant’s legal counsel offers you a pre-trial settlement, it will most likely be far less than your case is worth. Never negotiate without first hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer. For a successful personal injury case, you’ll need to prove that:
- Due to the defendant’s negligence, you were injured
- You suffered damages
Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to ensure your claim is strong. This can be time-consuming, so hiring legal counsel as soon as possible is key to receiving fast compensation for your damages. Five key pieces of evidence can help to support your claim.
Police Report and Witness Statements
Police reports of the accident are strong evidence that can prove that the defendant acted in a careless way that resulted in your injuries. If possible, sworn testimony from any eyewitnesses can further strengthen your claim. Witness statements can be particularly useful if there is any doubt about who was at fault.
Photos of the Accident Scene and Injuries
Photographs of the accident scene can help to show who was at fault and are a reliable way of proving negligence. Photos of skid marks and vehicle damage are strong pieces of evidence. Also of great value are photos of your post-accident injuries. Photographic evidence can sometimes remove all doubt about how the accident occurred.
Surveillance Footage and EDRs
Video doesn’t lie, which makes it a very valuable piece of evidence. Your attorney can investigate the accident scene and locate any nearby surveillance cameras with indisputable evidence of who was at fault.
Dashcam footage is also a great source of evidence. Cars equipped with these video recording devices can easily prove who was at fault. Some cars and most commercial trucks have Event Data Recorders (EDRs) documenting a vehicle’s speed, turning, and breaking. EDRs can provide strong evidence of guilt.
Medical Records
Hospital bills, emergency room intake paperwork, x-rays, and other proof of medical care can help prove that you were injured due to the defendant’s negligence but will also help to determine the value of your damages. Any out-of-pocket expenses, such as insurance co-payments, transportation costs for treatments, and any other injury-related expenses, should be included as evidence. Documentation of all of your injuries is an important piece of evidence.
Medical records don’t only need to be related to your physical injuries. If you’ve experienced any psychological trauma due to the accident or from your injuries and have sought out mental health counseling, be sure to provide your lawyer with documents from your mental healthcare professional.
Proof of Loss of Income and Other Expenses
Any loss of income, past or future, should be included in your personal injury claim. Pay stubs to prove current income and documents from your employer stating how much time you’ve taken off due to your injuries are necessary to determine compensation for damages. If you’ve been unable to return to work, medical statements from your healthcare providers are required to prove this claim.
Evidence and Personal Injury Settlements Explained
Washington State victims of accidents caused by a negligent party will be required to gather evidence to prove that the defendant committed a careless act that caused damages. Medical bills and prognosis, video, photographs of the accident scene, and proof that you’ve suffered both physical and financial issues are necessary for a successful settlement.
Although you may be offered a quick settlement from the defendant’s insurance company or legal team, they aren’t seeking your best interests. Always consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement, no matter how desirable it may be.
