Necessary Evidence For An Illinois Car Accident Injury Lawsuit 

 Posted on February 02, 2024 in Car Accidents

There are many car accidents each year and a good few of them will result in serious injuries due to the negligence of a driver. It is not uncommon to see personal injury lawsuits as a response to these car crash incidents. However, for the injured party to receive compensation for damages, it will require evidence that proves their claim. A non-nonsense, skillful attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your injury claims in court.

Why Evidence is Important in an Injury Claim

Evidence is necessary to prove fault in the accident on the part of the defendant and how much the accident cost you in damages. It is a good idea to collect as much evidence from the scene of the accident as you possibly can. On-scene evidence can include photos or video footage, witness testimonies, and the official police report of the accident. Evidence for damages can include medical records, car repair receipts, and medical bill statements.

Eyewitness Testimony

Gathering first-hand accounts of individuals who saw everything occur in real time can be invaluable to your case. An eyewitness can corroborate your version of what happened while possibly providing additional information on a driver’s actions and behaviors, what the weather was like, and if there were any obvious traffic violations.

In addition to witness accounts, you will want to gather their personal contact information. Ensure that you get all of their statements in writing or recorded soon after the accident occurs. Waiting too long could make their version of events less reliable.

Photographs and Video Recordings

Whenever an accident occurs, it is a great idea to take out your smartphone and start taking photos and videos of the damage and of the scene itself. You can record evidence of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and anything else relevant to the accident.

Get The Police On The Scene

An accident, even a minor one, should involve the police. Never flee the scene of a crime even if you did nothing wrong. Instead, contact and wait for law enforcement to arrive. A police report can be crucial evidence in your case. You should be able to request a copy of the police report for a small fee in the days following the accident.

Medical Records 

Keep detailed documentation on your injuries, how they were treated, how much the treatment costs, and any ongoing treatments you may require in the future. All of this information is critical to your lawsuit and can help you accrue economic damages as well as non-economic damages suffered from your injuries.

Contact a Lake County, IL Personal Injury Attorney

Understanding what evidence is required in a personal injury lawsuit can help you know exactly what you are looking for to prove your case. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff in personal injury cases and the more evidence you acquire, the more likely you are to receive a positive outcome. For help gathering the evidence you need and any legal advice, consult a Waukegan, IL car accident lawyer. The attorneys from Salvi & Maher, LLP can assist you in your legal matters. Contact the office for a free consultation to discuss your case at 847-662-3303.