When you meet with me about your car, truck, tractor-trailer or motorcycle accident, there a few items that will help me evaluate your case. I do not expect you to have all of these. In fact, most of this you will not have. This is not a problem though because we will obtain everything necessary.
Police Report
If you were involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, it is likely that the police, Highway Patrol, or other authorities were called to the scene of the accident. A copy of the Florida Crash Report can help your attorney if witnesses report that the other driver was either responsible or partially responsible for the accident. Note however, that the actual Florida Crash Report is not admissible in your case.
In other words, if your case goes to trial, the jury will never get to see the report. Therefore, it is even more important that you hire an attorney who knows how to best use the information contained in the Florida Crash Report. Fortunately, Florida Crash Reports are typically written during or immediately after the accident when the witness’ memories are still fresh.
Medical Records
If you are making a personal injury claim based on physical injuries after an accident, use of a defective product, or due to an error made by a doctor in your care, treatment, or diagnosis, then your medical records are essential. Your personal injury attorney should request a copy of your medical records to help establish that you were injured, or, in a medical malpractice case, to help establish an error.
Severe injuries usually include head injuries, broken bones or severe cuts and lacerations. Minor injuries are usually sprains and strains, commonly referred to as “whiplash.” In some cases, a sprain or strain may be more severe than initially diagnosed and cause life-long, permanent limitations and pain.
Psychological Reports
Physical injuries are not the only type of injury that can occur during or after an accident. The chaos of the accident can have an impact on your psychological health as well. If you develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or any other psychological condition, then a report from your psychiatrist may help your attorney support your claims.
However, your personal injury attorney must also have an understanding of the different types of psychological conditions and be skilled at questioning the insurance company’s expert if necessary.
