How to Prove Injury in a Car Accident

Exchanging information after a car accident establishes a clear record of the incident and the parties involved. This information includes drivers’ names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details.

If you don’t exchange this information, it becomes challenging for insurance companies to process your claim. Plus, it becomes difficult to determine liability and reconstruct the car accident. As a result, you could jeopardize your chances of getting compensated.

Also, depending on the laws in your state, failure to exchange information after a car accident can result in possible fines.

Some injuries, especially those related to soft tissue or internal damage, may not manifest immediate symptoms. However, these injuries can become serious later on. Getting prompt medical attention protects your well-being and provides documentation of your injuries. This documentation also establishes a clear link between your injury and the car accident you were involved in. 

Common delayed symptoms after a car accident include: 

• Whiplash symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
• Head injury symptoms such as headaches, loss of memory, and mood changes.
• Soft tissue injury symptoms such as pain, bruising, and swelling.
• Spinal injury symptoms such as tingling in the limbs and weakness. 

After getting diagnosed for an injury, your doctor will recommend auto injury treatment. This may include:

• Rest and activity modification.
• Applying heat or ice.
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
• Physical therapy.
• Chiropractic care. 
• Surgery (for severe injuries).

Building a strong claim requires specific car accident documentation. You should get the following to build a strong claim:

• A copy of the police report:  This provides an official record of your car accident. It includes information on the parties involved, location, and any citations issued.
• Driver information: You’ll need to exchange insurance and driver information with the other parties involved. This includes names, contact information, and insurance details.
• Statements from witnesses: Witnesses can offer firsthand accounts of your car accident. Be sure to get their statements and contact information.
• Medical records: Your medical records document the extent of your injuries, their relation to the crash, and the recommended treatment.
• Medical receipts: These provide concrete evidence of medical costs incurred as a direct result of your crash.
• Photographs and videos: These visually capture the crash scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. They help to illustrate the severity of the crash and support your claim's validity.
• Repair estimates: These document the cost of vehicle repairs related to your crash.
• Lost wages: Wage loss documentation demonstrates the financial impact of the crash on your income. This helps calculate compensation for income losses.

What information do I need for documenting an injury?

When proving an injury, you’ll need to gather the following documentation:

• Doctor's notes: A doctor’s note provides a professional medical evaluation and diagnosis of your injuries.
• Hospital records: Hospital records document the extent of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the associated costs. This offers concrete evidence of your medical expenses and the seriousness of your condition.
• Imaging test results: X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests provide visual evidence of your injuries. This shows the physical damage caused by your crash.
• Prescriptions: Prescriptions demonstrate the need for medication.
• Medical appointment logs: These logs show a consistent pattern of seeking medical care. It also helps establish the timeline of your recovery and treatment.

Proving an injury in a car accident case isn’t easy. Insurance companies are quick to challenge your injuries, so they can reduce their payout. With an experienced auto injury lawyer on your side, the insurance companies can’t coax you into accepting a lowball settlement.

An attorney will gather the facts and prove that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. They will also place an accurate value on your claim and fight to recover every dollar owed to you. If they can’t reach a settlement with the insurance companies, they’ll fight for a fair verdict in the courtroom.

Injured in a crash? A Law.com Premier Car Accident Lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. Our verified attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay upfront fees for their services.

Plus, Premier Attorneys offer free legal consultations. This allows you to discuss the details of your crash and ask any questions. To begin pursuing your claim, contact an attorney in your area and schedule your free consultation.