Have you been hurt in an accident in Tampa, Florida? The proof you collect after your accident can make or break your case.
Evidence includes anything that helps show what happened, who was at fault, and how you were affected. This can range from photos and witness statements to medical records and expert reports. Continue reading to learn how evidence can impact your personal injury claim.
Types of Evidence That Support Your Case
The Florida Evidence Code sets rules about what proof can be used in court. A case may be supported by direct evidence, such as a witness testifying they saw the accident, or circumstantial evidence, such as skid marks suggesting a car tried to stop. Both types of evidence can be important, but a case does not necessarily require both.
Police Reports
When police respond to a car accident, they create an official report that helps prove what happened. These reports provide crucial details that can strengthen your case.
Here’s what you’ll find in these important documents:
- When and where the accident happened
- Road and weather conditions
- What people involved in the accident said
- Any traffic tickets given
- Notes about injuries and damage
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department keeps these reports on file. They create a strong starting point for your case.
Medical Records
Your medical records prove how badly you were hurt. Start collecting records right away.
Emergency medical documentation forms the foundation of your case, including:
- Ambulance reports
- Emergency room records
- First diagnosis and treatment plans
- Test results and scans
These initial records establish the direct connection between the accident and your injuries.
In addition to the emergency medical records, the following continuing records help prove your case:
- Hospital and surgery records
- Medicine prescriptions
- Physical therapy notes
- Mental health treatment
- Medical equipment needs
Each of these records helps establish the full scope of your medical needs. Your financial documentation is crucial for your claim:
- Medical bills
- Payment records
- Insurance claims
- Future treatment cost estimates
These records help establish the economic impact of your injuries.
Financial Losses
Injuries often cause major money problems. Understanding your work-related losses is essential.
Keep records of:
- Pay stubs from before your injury
- Days of work you missed
- Cut hours or changed duties
- Lost bonuses
- Self-employment records
These records demonstrate how your injuries affected your ability to work, and long-term financial impacts require careful documentation:
- Job expert reviews
- Lost career chances
- Effects on retirement
- Job retraining costs
Your accident can cause long-term harm to your finances that can significantly impact your future.
Take Pictures and Videos
Visual proof helps show what happened. Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take pictures of the following at the accident scene:
- Where vehicles ended up
- Road problems
- Traffic signs
- Weather conditions
- The whole area
These details help reconstruct what happened during the accident. Also, create a visual record of your injuries:
- First injury pictures
- Recovery progress
- Lasting marks or scars
- Medical devices you need
These images help demonstrate the physical impact of your injuries. Document all property damage carefully:
- Vehicle damage from every angle
- Broken personal items
- Repair estimates and bills
These records help establish the full extent of your property losses.
Save Digital Evidence
Technology provides many ways to prove what happened in an accident. Modern devices capture important information that can help your case. Several types of digital evidence can support your case.
Common types of digital evidence include:
- Security camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Social media posts about the accident
- Text messages and emails
- GPS data
- Phone records
This electronic evidence can provide crucial proof of what happened.
Get Witness Statements
Different types of witnesses can provide valuable support for your case. Their testimony helps paint a complete picture of what happened and how it affects you.
Eyewitness accounts from people who saw what happened can strengthen your case:
- Witnesses at the scene
- First responders
- Nearby business owners
These firsthand accounts provide valuable perspective on the accident. Additionally, professional expertise can be crucial to your case.
The following types of experts can help your case:
- Accident experts
- Medical specialists
- Money loss experts
- Future care planners
These professionals help establish the technical aspects of your claim.
Keep a Daily Journal
A personal impact journal documents how your injuries affect your daily life. Write down the following:
- Pain levels each day
- Emotional struggles
- Sleep problems
- Family events you missed
- Changes in relationships
This detailed record helps show the full impact of your injuries and helps establish damages for pain and suffering.
Track Insurance Details
Maintain complete records of all insurance matters. Be sure to keep the following:
- Your insurance policies
- Other person’s insurance
- Other coverage options
- Notes from talking to adjusters
These records help protect your rights during the claims process. Be aware of common insurance company strategies to reduce your recovery:
- Asking to record you
- Wanting unlimited medical records
- Looking at your social media
- Offering quick settlements
Understanding these tactics helps you avoid potential pitfalls in your case.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Evidence makes the difference between winning and losing your injury case. At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, we help accident victims gather the evidence they need to win fair compensation for their injuries.
For 15 years, our Tampa personal injury attorneys have helped accident victims across Florida build strong cases. This experience has helped our clients recover millions of dollars for their injuries.
Contact us today at (813) 800-0810 to schedule a free consultation.
