If you were injured in a car crash caused by someone else's negligence, call an auto accident attorney to help you navigate the situation. They will negotiate with the at-fault party's insurer to get you a fair settlement or handle your personal injury case in court if a settlement can't be reached. To increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome in either scenario, here is a guide to documentation needed to prove your injuries were a direct result of the accident and how to get the proof. 

Paperwork You'll Need to Prove You Were Injured in a Car Crash

As the person seeking compensation for injuries and lost wages, you need records to back the argument you were hurt in the accident and refute claims that you were hurt in some other way. The responding officers' police report proves you were involved in a collision. Medical evidence details the type of injuries sustained and their severity. 

To determine the amount of money to offer in a settlement, an insurer uses the extent and nature of your injuries to calculate the value of your claim. During a civil lawsuit, a judge uses this information to decide how much you're owed in damages to compensate for pain and suffering, cover time off work, reimburse you for medical costs, and aid the recovery process.   

How to Obtain the Appropriate Documents

Seek immediate medical attention following the accident. This includes calling 9-1-1 to have paramedics arrive at the scene. They will provide emergency assistance and detail your injuries in an official report. The signed and dated documents establish a paper trail to connect your injuries to the accident. 

After you leave the scene, schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. If you wait, an insurance adjuster or attorney could doubt the severity of your injuries or claim you were hurt sometime after the accident occurred. Healthcare personnel will provide your patient chart, surgical notes, treatment forms, imaging scans, and additional materials to give a clear picture of how you were hurt, the prognosis, and how the accident has impacted your day-to-day life. You should also gather medical bills and keep a log of the dates of each doctor's appointment to submit with your insurance claim or give your auto accident attorney for the court case.

To get the compensation you deserve to recover after a car crash, contact Bernard M. Tully Attorney at Law in Pittsburgh, PA. With over three decades of experience, the auto accident attorney represents individuals hurt on the road as well as the families of the victims in wrongful death cases. Visit the Pittsburg law firm online for a closer look at the practice areas and read client reviews on Facebook. Call (412) 281-8700 for a consultation.