If you’ve suffered an injury in Maryland due to someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. However, to achieve a successful outcome in such a claim, you’ll need to produce evidence to substantiate your claim. Evidence not only helps to showcase the validity of your allegations but also helps to demonstrate the severity of the injuries and damages you suffered. Here’s what evidence you’ll need to support your Maryland personal injury claim.
Table of Contents
Medical Records
Perhaps the most crucial evidence in a personal injury claim is medical records. Medical records document your injuries, the treatment you received, and your recovery period. Your medical records should include all the records and documents related to your injury, such as:
- X-rays
- Diagnostic test results
- Treatment plans
- Surgery records
- Hospital admission records
- Doctor’s notes and prescriptions
These medical records will prove your injuries and the treatment you went through. It’s crucial to ensure your medical records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Your medical records will be the backbone of the claim, and they serve as the foundation of your claim.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Eyewitness testimonies are an excellent way to bolster your Maryland personal injury claim. Witness statements can serve as corroborating evidence that the injury occurred and the negligent party was responsible for causing the harm. Eyewitness accounts can help strengthen your case by providing a more detailed and first-hand account of what happened and who the negligent party was.
Police Report
If you were involved in a car accident or any other incident that required law enforcement intervention, obtaining the police report can help you build a stronger claim. Police reports contain vital information, such as:
- The date and time of the accident
- The names and contact information of the involved parties
- A description of the accident scene
- The officer’s observations and conclusions regarding what happened
- Any citations or charges brought against the negligent party
The police report is an official document and a witness to the occurrence, which brings more credibility to your personal injury claim.
Photographs and Videos
Photographs and videos can provide graphic evidence of your injuries and the accident scene. They can provide a clearer picture of the injury and the damages you sustained. Photographs and videos should include any damages done to property and any visual evidence that can explain how the accident occurred.
You should have photographs and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage before any repairs. This can help give the insurance company, court, or insurance adjuster a better perception of the accident and the damages you suffered.
Expert Opinion
Expert opinion from an independent medical expert may help strengthen several aspects of your claim, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The costs associated with your damages and long-term care
- The effects of the injury on your ability to work
- The projected future expenses for your recovery and care
Medical professionals and other experts can testify and provide their professional opinions during mediation and trial to corroborate your claim and provide evidence to prove your case.
Documentation Of Lost Wages And Income
If you’ve missed work or lost your job because of an injury, you’ll need to have evidence of what you would have made if the accident hadn’t happened. This evidence should include:
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Written statements from your employer confirming your missed work and the wages you lost
Documentation of lost wages and income is essential in determining the amount of compensation you deserve in personal injury cases.
Conclusion
To have a successful Maryland personal injury claim, you must be meticulous and comprehensive in your approach to gather all the necessary evidence. If you have been injured and are unable to work, managing your claim and legal proceedings can be very overwhelming. Hiring a Maryland personal injury lawyer like the lawyers at Whitney, LLP can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. By gathering the necessary and appropriate evidence, you’re taking the necessary steps in helping your lawyer build your case and proving your personal injury claim.