4 Key Items That May Help Your Claim
When you've been injured in a car accident, it may seem like there are not many things that you can do to seek justice. However, that couldn't be farther from the truth. If you've been injured due to another's negligence, you may have the option to pursue a personal injury claim against that individual, and working with an experienced attorney can help you have a successful outcome.
As you're going through your case, you and your attorney may discuss different methods of strengthening your side, like choosing the right evidence. Although there are many examples of evidence that may be vital to your case’s success, here are four of the most common.
#1. Photos and Videos
There's a reason why it's always recommended to take photos and videos at the scene of any kind of motor vehicle accident. Not only do these let your insurance company properly assess the damages to your vehicle, but they can also provide significant insight into the causes of your crash. For example, if your car has significant damage on one side, it may prove that you were directly struck by someone else—this can be crucial in hit and run cases where you only have a limited description of the vehicle.
Video evidence will also paint a clearer idea of the circumstances leading to your incident and can often prove who is ultimately at fault.
#2. Maintenance Records
Mechanical issues and defective auto parts may provide significant issues and increase your risk of a motor vehicle accident. In a situation where your crash was directly related to another vehicle’s mechanical failure or a defective part on yours, obtaining a copy of the maintenance records or inspection report may show negligent upkeep.
These records may also indicate that the maintenance work being performed on your car was substandard or improperly done. If this is the case, you may be able to hold the mechanic or another auto shop worker responsible for your injuries.
#3. Medical Records
When working with an attorney, one of their biggest priorities is to ensure that you have the compensation necessary to fully recover from the injuries you sustained in the collision. To do so, your medical records will provide insight into the severity of your injuries, as well as their long-term implications.
If it's indicated in your medical records that these are injuries you likely will not recover from (like a permanent disability), this is something that should be factored into your return. Likewise, cases of permanent disability may require other lifestyle changes like vocational training, hiring a caregiver, and relocating closer to a hospital that should be factored into your claim.
#4. Eyewitness Statements or Expert Testimony
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash, several witnesses may be available to provide statements on the incidents leading up to it and the aftermath. If applicable, these may include a responding officer, passengers, other drivers on the road, or even a representative from the emergency medical services (EMS) team.
On the other hand, if your case were to go to trial, having an expert testimony of a medical professional, mechanic, or another vehicle expert may provide substantial evidence in your favor. Ultimately, having this input could provide information related to the severity of your injuries or other factors that influenced the outcome of your incident.
How Our Oklahoma Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Using the right legal team for your case can significantly influence how successful it may be. When you’ve been injured on Oklahoma roads, trust the team with over 100 years of combined experience and more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements. Get started today with a free consultation by calling .
