7 Documents to Have When Meeting Truck Accident Lawyers

Have you recently been injured in a truck accident?

If so, you need the right legal team on your side to help you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney can work with you as you navigate these next steps, and can even represent you in court.

To make your case as complete as possible, you’ll need to hold on to several key documents. The data they contain adds credibility to your account and could help you recoup some of your damages.

Today, we’re sharing seven of the most important documents to share with your truck accident lawyers. Preserving them and keeping them close by can make all the difference in your case.

1. The Police Report

Immediately after a truck accident, the police should arrive on the scene and begin creating a record of what happened. This is known as an official police report.

The inspecting officer assigned to your accident will prepare the report by gathering details around what happened. They’ll piece together this information a few different ways, including:

• Inspecting vehicles
• Talking to those involved in the accident
• Talking to eyewitnesses
• Measuring key distances
• Taking notes
• Taking photographs

Using this data, the officer will create a police report that summarizes their investigation of the accident. Critical insights contained within the report including the date and time of the accident, witness information, extent of vehicular damage, and more.

You can request an official copy of the police report by contacting your local police department. Your truck accident lawyer will need it to gather key details about what happened.

2. Medical Records

If you suffered a truck accident injury as a result of the crash, your lawyer may be able to help you recover some of the money you’ve spent on medical bills and appointments.

While you might be able to personally vouch for the physical pain you experienced, it can be hard to prove that the accident caused it without verifiable evidence. This is where your medical records come in.

Even if you feel OK immediately after the accident, it’s still smart to visit your physician for a review. If you were injured, your doctor’s office will keep detailed records of every interaction, including any prescribed medications. These documents give your injuries a timeline and can help you prove when and how they began.

3. Witness Information

Right after a truck accident, it might be difficult to understand and remember exactly what occurred. Statements from eyewitnesses can help you figure it out. These are people who saw the events leading up to the crash, the immediate aftermath, or both.

Before you leave the scene, be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who are willing to attest to what happened. Keep this information on hand and deliver it to your attorney. They can contact your witnesses and add their accounts to your file.

4. Photos and Videos

In the age of constant smartphones, it’s likely that you will have your device with you at the scene of the crash. As soon as you safely can, start taking photos and videos of the scene.

In a court case, it’s usually your word against the other party’s. If all you have are verbal accounts, it can be challenging to prove that you’re telling the truth. However, hard evidence like this doesn’t lie.

Capture images of any property damage you experience, as well as any physical afflictions. As you seek medical treatment, take updated snapshots of your progress as you heal.

5. Medical Bills

In addition to your medical records, also bring along copies of any medical bills that you’ve been issued as a result of the crash. This might include bills that cover:

• Initial and follow-up visits to your physician
• Prescription medication
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation appointments
• Mental health counseling appointments

Again, your lawyer may be able to use these documents to show the court what you’ve already paid, and how much you’re owed.

6. An Employer’s Statement

Did your truck accident cause you to miss work? If you’re out for medical reasons, you could earn back some of the wages you’re losing out on.

To help your case, ask your employer to create an official statement that details your salary or hourly wages. They should also outline how much work you’ve missed to date. Your lawyer can use this document to increase your compensation to cover lost wages.

7. Vehicle Repair Estimates

Did the truck accident cause damage to your vehicle? Whether it was a total loss or a minor bump-up, repair bills can be hefty.

A vehicle repair estimate can reveal the extent of what’s wrong, as well as how much it will take to fix it. The only caveat? You’ll need to ask for one as soon as possible.

If you wait too long after your accident to take your vehicle into the shop, it can be difficult to prove that any damages are linked back to the crash. The defendant could claim that you caused those problems yourself in the interim.

As soon as you have time, take your car in for an estimate, and make a copy for your lawyer.

Contact Our Team of Truck Accident Lawyers

In the weeks and months that follow a truck accident, you should be allowed to heal, confident that you have the right group of attorneys on your side.

At Sweet Law, we know how important the right documentation can be to any case. We’ll help you gather this information as quickly and effectively as possible, and we’ll start putting it to good use immediately.

If you live in California, Washington, or Colorado, we can help you work through these next steps. Feel free to contact our team of truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.