When a person experiences a car accident, the initial shock can oftentimes mask injuries, leading to vital details being overlooked early on and affecting potential personal injury claims that may be filed in the state of Texas at a later date. There is a statute of limitations that allows a person some time to make a claim, but much of the evidence needs to be collected immediately following the incident as well as in the weeks, months and, in some cases, years after.
As State Farm explains, there are many documents that provide useful evidence, including the following:
- Police report: Even if the car accident appears to be minor in nature, the police should be contacted. A police report can provide a record of when and where the accident occurred, who was involved, and the cause, circumstances or conditions.
- Photos: Taking photographs of damages to the car or cars, road conditions, visible injuries and any other details are conducive to creating a full understanding of the scene.
- Eyewitnesses: If there are eyewitnesses, written statements or recordings of their statements should be obtained along with names and contact information.
- Medical expert: It may help a personal injury case to have one or more medical experts who can testify that injuries suffered are a direct result of the car accident.
Other documents may also be helpful in injury claims cases to demonstrate more detail. FindLaw notes that employment records help track time missed at work due to injuries as well as wages lost by the absences. Documents outlining the medical care necessary to treat injuries can include, but are not limited to, records of doctors’ visits, chiropractor appointments, hospital visits, massage and physical therapists, medications and any other medical-related costs, as well as the time spent and mileage traveled for treatment. Over time, these seemingly minor expenses can add up substantially, and keeping track of the details immediately following an accident can help create a solid case with a strong body of evidence to support a personal injury claim.