What Types of Evidence Are Gathered for Personal Injury Cases? – Personal Injury Legal Blogs Posted by Michael John Tario

A personal injury claim is made to seek compensation for anyone injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Cases of severe, long-term injuries can result in large settlements, but even with less severe injuries, people can claim significant damage for medical expenses and lost wages during recovery. A personal injury attorney’s lawsuit is also a way to hold the negligent party responsible for their conduct. Common types of personal injury are deaths, motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and medical malpractice.

If you’ve spoken to a personal injury attorney and they’ve agreed to take your case, the attorney will go through the steps of a personal injury claim. Start by gathering all relevant documents and evidence.

What evidence is collected for personal injury cases?

There are two types of evidence that are used to create personal injury cases: physical evidence and non-physical evidence. Although they fall into different categories, both types are used to provide evidence of the physical and / or psychological damage the plaintiff has suffered and the costs he has incurred as a result of his injuries.

Physical evidence
Physical evidence is any evidence that can be visually seen or observed by the jury to get a sense of the gravity of the situation. For example, information about property damage and bodily harm. Since not all physical evidence can be retained or actually brought into a courtroom, images are often used to document the evidence. This is why it is so important to photograph the accident site along with any visible wounds before treating it. Physical evidence can have a huge impact on the jury’s outcome, so as much as possible should be presented.

Non-physical evidence
Non-physical evidence is factual information or statements presented to the jury. The aim is for the jury to draw the conclusions that the personal injury attorney intends for them. Since physical evidence can be difficult to obtain, more non-physical evidence is often presented than physical evidence. Factual information can be in the form of a police report, medical bills, medical records, and deposits. Testimony is given by knowledgeable and ordinary witnesses who are called to support the plaintiff’s case. Injury attorney hires experts to provide an expert opinion on accident reconstruction or medical information relevant to the accident and injuries suffered by the plaintiff. Ordinary witnesses confirm the plaintiff’s report on the events at the scene of the accident.

How to collect evidence of personal injury

The more evidence you can show to your injury attorney, the better. Useful evidence the injured person could collect includes pictures of the scene of the accident, property damage and injuries, and medical bills and the names and contact information of common witnesses. A police report is also very important. Your lawyer will take any evidence you have in court and will continue to collect evidence on your behalf.

Seek the help of a personal injury attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights. Let a skilled accident attorney fight for the full compensation you deserve. It is not uncommon for the insurance company to receive a severance payment five to ten times greater with the help of a lawyer. Call the Personal Injury Attorneys at Tario & Associates, PS in Bellingham, WA for a FREE consultation! We have represented residents of Whatcom Counties, Skagit Counties, Island Counties, and Snohomish Counties since 1979. You pay nothing in advance and no legal fees unless we claim damages for you!