What Are The Key Pieces Of Information You Need To Gather After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured or experienced vehicle damage as a result of a car accident in Las Vegas, you may want to file an insurance claim to receive compensation for damages. In order to do this successfully, you’ll need to gather specific pieces of information and evidence. These are especially important if you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement with the insurance company and need to file a lawsuit. The success of your claim will depend on whether you have sufficient evidence and documentation of your assertions.
The key pieces of information that you’ll need to collect and organize after your car accident are:
The Police Report
Nevada law requires that all car accidents be reported to law enforcement officials, even if the accident was minor. The officer will examine the scene, call for medical help if needed, gather information, and prepare a police report.
The report will include crucial information regarding what happened, including whether any traffic laws were violated, what likely caused the accident, statements from everyone who was involved, witness testimony, if applicable, and potential damage. To get your own copy of this police report, contact the law enforcement agency that was on the scene. You’ll likely need to provide your name, the address or intersection where the accident occurred, the date of the accident, and/or the name of the police officer or the case number that was provided at the time of the accident.
Your Medical Records
Always seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you think you were not injured, and attend all scheduled follow-up visits. Request copies of all of your medical records and billing statements from every healthcare provider you see. To increase your chances of receiving compensation for all of your medical expenses, make sure everything is accounted for:
- Treatments
- Diagnoses
- Medication prescriptions
- Imaging results
- Test results
- Physical therapy assessments
- Opinions and conclusions from your providers
Ideally, keep a dedicated file with your medical records and billing statements organized chronologically. You’ll need to request medical records for:
- Emergency medical services, such as ambulance transportation
- Emergency room services, which may include imaging, sutures, IVs, and surgery
- Hospital admission, if applicable
- Treatment and follow-up appointments from your primary care physician or any new specialists you’ve needed to see
- Medication prescriptions
- Chiropractic care appointments
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Mental health counseling
- Any other specialist appointments or treatment you received
Employment Records
If you lost time at work due to your Las Vegas car accident, you might be able to claim compensation for lost income. In order to prove these losses, you’ll need to gather paycheck stubs, direct deposit records, records of tips you’ve received, and other documentation from your employer that will verify your lost work time and what income you lost due to being away from work. Also, keep copies of email correspondence and documentation with your employer that relates to your work absence or inability to perform your job.
If your earning potential has been permanently reduced because of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for lost future wages, tips, bonuses, and promotions. In order to successfully recover these damages, it’s especially crucial to maintain work-related records.
Vehicle Repair Information
If your vehicle was damaged, you could file a claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company or by filing a lawsuit. To get the most accurate compensation, you’ll need to calculate how much your vehicle is worth and how much it will likely cost to repair your vehicle. In many cases, the insurance company will provide a damage estimate, but you may also be able to get a repair estimate from an auto mechanic or body shop. If your vehicle is totaled or damaged beyond repair, refer to the Kelley Blue Book to determine the market value of your vehicle right before the accident took place.
Car Accident Journal
It’s important to keep a detailed record similar to a diary after your car accident. You can take down notes to help yourself remember what happened and have an accurate record of communication with insurance companies. Write notes daily on how your injuries are feeling and how you are recovering. Note your medical appointments, what treatments you are receiving, and what workdays or other activities you are missing. A car accident diary or journal can help the court determine the amount of compensation you may be awarded and will also help your Las Vegas car accident attorney better understand your accident.
Talk with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas
Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers LLC has developed a reputation as one of the most trusted personal injury attorneys in Las Vegas. Whether you’ve been a victim of a car, motorcycle, truck, or shuttle bus accident, we are ready to provide outstanding representation, personalized service, and detailed communication. We will work on your behalf to fight for compensation so you can recover from your injuries. Call us today to speak directly with an attorney!
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