Oftentimes, personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Wanting to compensate the victim for their physical, mental, and/or emotional distress, the defendant’s insurance company will provide them with a predetermined sum of money as a settlement. This can then be used to pay for medical bills or other property damages that may have occurred during the accident.
But what happens when the case goes to trial? Under these circumstances, you must be prepared to state your case and defend your position. You are defending the right to compensation for the personal injury you sustained at another’s expense. So, it stands to reason that the court will require evidence relevant to the case. But what kind of evidence should you be collecting? What is the judge looking for, and what is acceptable in the court of law? We will cover these and other questions below.
First, it’s strongly recommended that you seek professional help from an attorney. Attorneys, especially those well-versed in the laws surrounding personal injury and compensation, can be a considerable asset to your case. They will guide you through the process, help you get your facts straight, and assist in gathering the necessary evidence should you ultimately need to present in court.
In terms of evidence, you must collect information that is relevant to the case and supports your claim. For example, photo and video evidence is among the most important. This has to be done at the scene of the accident, so don’t get too caught up in the moment. Keep a level head, pull out your phone, and start taking photos. The most important thing you can do is remain consistent with your story and recount the accident exactly as you remember it, so jot down some notes before they slip your mind.
Official documents are also extremely beneficial in a court of law. These may be in the form of a testimony from a licensed professional, or it may simply be an itemized medical bill with the total cost listed at the bottom. In a similar thread, you may also call witnesses to testify on your behalf. Perhaps someone witnessed the accident and can corroborate your claim against the defendant.
Begin by building your case with the help of a professionally trained lawyer. Here at Wayne Hardee Law, our team is dedicated to helping you get full compensation for sustained injury. Our attorneys will work alongside you to ensure that you are properly informed and well-prepared. Give us a call today!