Accidents happen, and sometimes they leave us injured. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence in Michigan, you might be considering filing a personal injury case to recover compensation for your losses.
But how do you increase your chances of success?
Strong evidence is key! Not to forget, the understanding of personal injury laws in Michigan.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of evidence that can make a big difference in your Michigan personal injury case:
- Medical Records:
Think of these as the report card for your injuries. Medical records document everything from the initial doctor visit after the accident to ongoing treatment plans. These records are crucial for establishing the extent of your injuries and the necessary medical treatments.
These records detail the nature and severity of your injuries, the course of treatment you received, and any limitations you might have due to the injury.
Gather all medical records related to the accident, including doctor bills, x-rays, prescriptions, and specialist reports.
- The Accident Scene:
Pictures are worth a thousand words, and that holds true in personal injury cases. Photographs of the accident scene can be powerful evidence.
Capture photos of things like
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Traffic signals
- The overall layout of the area
If you have visible injuries, take pictures of those as well, but soon after the accident for best accuracy. If it’s safe to do so, take photos from various angles to get a complete picture of the scene.
- Witness Statements:
Did someone see the accident happen? Witness accounts can be crucial in backing up your story, especially if there are conflicting versions of the event that transpired.
Get written statements from witnesses as soon as possible after the accident while their memories are fresh.
The statements should detail what they saw, heard, or experienced during the accident. If a witness doesn’t want to write a statement, try to get their contact information so your attorney can reach out to them later.
- Police Reports:
After an accident, the police will investigate and file a report. This report often contains details about the accident scene, the parties involved, and any citations issued.
While a police report may not assign blame, it can provide valuable information to support your claim. Request a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available.
- Evidence of Lost Wages:
If your injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. Gather documents like pay stubs, work schedules, and doctor’s notes that restrict your ability to work. This documentation helps establish the lost income you’ve suffered due to the accident.
- Other Relevant Evidence:
Depending on the specifics of your case, there might be other types of evidence that can strengthen your claim.
For instance, in a slip and fall case, you might have receipts for repairs made to damaged clothing or footwear.
In a car accident case, traffic camera footage or dashcam video from another car can be very helpful.
Remember:
- The more evidence you have, the better.
- Don’t throw anything away that might be related to the accident, even seemingly minor items.
- Don’t talk to the other party’s insurance company without consulting an attorney. They may try to twist your words or get you to admit fault.
Getting Help:
The world of personal injury law can be complex. An experienced Michigan personal injury attorney can guide you through the evidence collection process, advise you on what’s most relevant to your specific case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
