If you’ve been injured in a serious car accident, then you know that there’s a lot to contend with right now. Merely coping with your physical injuries can be tough considering the pain and limitations they cause, but those aren’t the only damages that you’re going to face. You’re also going to be hit with financial losses tied to medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, and your mental health is sure to take a toll given the stress of your situation.
While all of that can be incredibly stressful, you may be able to find relief if you can successfully pursue a personal injury lawsuit. However, if you’re like a lot of car accident victims, then you don’t even know where to start in building your case or where to turn for help. We hope that this post will provide you with some guidance and, as a result, some peace of mind.
How to start building your personal injury lawsuit
While it’s advisable to have an attorney by your side as you navigate your case, there are a lot of steps that you can take on your own to start building your personal injury claim. This includes doing the following:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene and your injuries: Photographs can be compelling evidence in your personal injury case. Therefore, if possible, you should take pictures of the accident scene, being as detailed as possible. Be sure to capture collision points, tire skid marks, interior damage to your car, and any nearby intersections, traffic signals or traffic signs. You should also take detailed photographs of your injuries, regardless of how gruesome they may look. If you’re unable to take these pictures on your own, ask a friend or family member to help.
- Listening to your doctor: You might’ve sought out medical treatment immediately after your accident, but you also need to secure recommended follow up care. If you don’t, you won’t only stunt your recovery, but you’ll also cut the record of your damages short as you’ll be unable to present convincing evidence of the additional medical treatment you need.
- Keeping a journal: Your non-economic damages, such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and disfigurement can play a significant role in your case. These damages can be hard to prove, though, which is why you should consider keeping a journal, starting after your accident occurs. By writing in a journal, you can capture how you feel throughout your recovery as well as the limitations your injuries have placed on your ability to live your normal life and engage in the activities that you once loved. This can be compelling evidence for a jury to consider.
- Gathering witness statements: You’ll need witness testimony to support your case. You should try to get written statements from witnesses that you can hold them to, but even if you can’t, you need to secure their contact information so that you can subpoena them to testify on your behalf later. If you don’t, then you might not have the evidence you need to proceed on your claim.
Do you need help building your personal injury case?
You need accountability and compensation if you want to fully recover from your accident injuries. An aggressive personal injury lawsuit may be the only way for you to get that outcome. If you don’t know what to do to build your case, then please be sure to read our blog, our website, and other resources to figure out the best path forward for you and your legal claim.