What Documents Do I Need for My Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?

Recovering compensation in a car accident claim in Pennsylvania will require you to present various pieces of evidence to prove fault for the crash and the extent of your financial and personal losses. Here are some of the documents you may need for a car accident claim.

Police Reports

One of the most critical pieces of evidence in a car accident claim is the police crash report. When law enforcement responds to a car accident, an officer will draft a report to document the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, parties involved, vehicle damage, injuries, weather conditions, lighting conditions, and a diagram of the accident scene. The investigating officer may also offer their opinion about who or what caused the accident. Insurance companies and juries rely on police accident reports for an objective and informed evaluation of evidence from the accident scene.

Medical Records

Remember to request copies of your medical records throughout your treatment and rehabilitation. Medical records will document the injuries you sustained in the car accident, the treatment and rehabilitation you received, the physical limitations you experienced, and your future prognosis.

Insurance Information

Keep records of all insurance information after a car accident, including the policy number and insurer name for each driver involved in the collision and copies of any correspondence you receive from an insurer.

Photos and Videos

Make copies of any photos or videos you take at the accident scene, including vehicle damage, visible injuries you suffered, skid marks on the road, traffic signs or signals, and weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions. Look around the accident scene for any surveillance or traffic cameras from which you can request footage.

Witness Statements

If you talk to any eyewitnesses at the accident scene, ask them if you can use your cell phone to record their verbal account of what they witnessed. At the very least, ask them for their contact information so your attorney can reach out to them if you need their testimony for your car accident claim.

Bills, Invoices, and Receipts

Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses you incur during your recovery, including those related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, long-term disability care, transportation expenses, and car repairs. Keeping detailed records can help you receive full reimbursement for your costs.

Income Records

Finally, when you take time off work while recovering from your injuries or need to transfer to a lower-paying part-time or light-duty position, remember to gather copies of your pay stubs or income statements to calculate any lost wages or earnings you sustain. You can also gather copies of your employment contracts or handbooks to document any lost job benefits after becoming temporarily or permanently disabled from work.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered injuries and property damage in a car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer from Ainsman Levine, LLC, can help you gather and organize the evidence you need to build a compelling case for your right to financial compensation. Contact our firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.