If you have been in a car accident, you are going to want to hire a great accident lawyer to help you win your case. It can be difficult to prove that the defendant was responsible for your injuries or the damage to your property without an experienced accident lawyer by your side. However, even the best accident lawyer in Canton, Ohio, can’t win a case without any information or help from you. Here are some things you can do to help win your case.
Be Proactive
Remember that an accident lawyer is usually working on several cases at once, which means that you need to be proactive in helping gather information about your case. Even if your accident lawyer doesn’t have other clients, he or she will greatly appreciate the help. The first thing you can do is simply provide your accident lawyer all of your relevant information, including your full name, your address, your birthdate, and all of your contact information.
The Accident
Next, your accident lawyer will need to know as much about the accident as possible. While you may be shaken and overwhelmed after the accident, do your best to keep a level head and gather as much information for your accident lawyer as you can. Start with writing down the date and time of the accident and where it took place. Next, write out what you believe happened.
Your accident lawyer will need the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene and of the other driver and any passengers involved. You will also need to get the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicles involved and any information about the other driver’s insurance. You also need to describe where the damage to all involved vehicles is. Finally, provide the information of the body shop used to repair your vehicle or the impound yard in Canton, Ohio, if the vehicle was totaled in the accident.
Insurance Information
Your accident lawyer will need specific information about your insurance, too. You should provide them with a copy of the declarations page that provides the policy limits. Your auto insurance agent can provide your accident lawyer with this information if you do not have it. Also provide your lawyer with your claim number and the contact information of the adjuster assigned to your claim.
Your accident lawyer will also need copies of information such as your medical insurance card and your driver’s license.
Photos
Your accident lawyer will need more than just photos of your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, especially if you are trying to receive compensation for damages and injuries. Be certain to take as many photos as you can, and if your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask one of the witnesses, police officers, emergency medical personnel, or anyone else who arrives on the scene to take photos for you. Photographic evidence can help your accident lawyer much more than written testimonies because it is objective and unbiased.
Take photos of the vehicles from as many angles as possible, and take photos of any other property that was damaged, including anything in your car and anything such as street signs. Photograph debris on the street, any marks the vehicles made, and your own injuries if you are bleeding or have bruises.
Injuries
Provide your accident lawyer with as much information about any injuries suffered as you can. Write down what pain you felt at the scene of the accident and list any additional pain and when you started feeling it over the next several days. You will also need to get the contact information of every medical professional who examined you, starting with those at the scene, the emergency room, and your own doctor, who you should see as soon as possible. Your accident lawyer will need copies of all medical reports and paperwork, including any x-rays and prescriptions. Be certain to include a list of all the doctors you saw, when you saw them, and a summary of what was discussed.
On the billing side of things, your accident lawyer will need copies of any medical bills related to the accident, including receipts from any medications. You will also need to give your accident lawyer with copies of any paperwork you receive from your health insurance provider.
Loss of Wages
If your claim includes compensation for the loss of any wages, you need to provide your accident lawyer with your employer’s name, supervisor’s name, job position, salary, job duties, and a list of all the time you had to take off work for doctor’s appointments, recovery, etc.
Provide Updated Information
Finally, make sure you regularly check in with your attorney and provide any new information you receive from your doctor, insurance, etc. Anything that affects the case needs to be communicated to your lawyer as soon as possible.