The Importance of Keeping Records After an Auto Accident in Texas

No one expects to end up in a car accident. When we climb behind the wheel of our vehicle, we assume that we will arrive at our destination safely and without incident. Unfortunately, auto collisions are fairly common—even the most cautious drivers may find themselves suffering an injury at the hands of a negligent or inattentive driver. The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and disorienting, especially if you’ve sustained a painful injury. After you’ve sought medical attention, reach out to an experienced and caring Houston car accident lawyer to discuss your options for obtaining the compensation you need to support the physical and emotional aspects of your recovery. Let’s take a look at what types of records you should keep to maximize your auto accident claim and settlement offer.

Why Records Are Important to Car Accident Claims

As you prepare to seek compensation following a car accident in the Houston area, you will need to provide evidence to the insurance company demonstrating the financial impact of your injuries. Insurance companies and civil courts will likely deny your request for compensation if you cannot provide documents that quantify your losses. For instance, if you claim that the other driver’s reckless driving habits caused a collision that caused you to sustain a concussion, you will need to provide evidence (i.e., notes from a medical evaluation, diagnostic results, hospital bills, etc.) supporting your claim. Without proof, you risk forfeiting the opportunity to secure the compensation you need to assist your recovery.

What Types of Records Should I Keep?

It’s best to keep any receipts, notes, or documents pertaining to the accident, even if you’re unsure of their relevance. In general, the more evidence you can provide, the stronger your claim may be. Enlisting the support of a knowledgeable Houston auto accident lawyer is the best way to strengthen your claim and maximize your settlement offer. Below are a few essential records you should save and use to include in your auto accident claim.

Police Report

Any auto collisions that include property damage or injuries should be reported to local law enforcement. The responding officer will arrive at the scene and compile a police report. This document serves as an objective account of the details leading up to and resulting from the accident. For instance, the officer may include witness statements, descriptions of the road conditions, and details about the at-fault driver running a red light or texting while driving. As you move forward with your claim, you can request a copy of the police report to include with your claim. The details provided in the police report may bolster your account of the accident and help to establish that the other driver was responsible for causing the collision and, as a result, your injuries.

Vehicle Repair Records

If your vehicle suffered physical damage in the collision, be sure to save all records relating to this matter. You can also locate and provide records that indicate the value of your vehicle before the crash to illustrate the economic impact of the accident. Receipts from the auto body shop or mechanic can help to quantify the damages incurred by the other party’s reckless or negligent actions.

Medical Records

It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if you do not believe your injuries are severe enough to warrant a visit to the hospital. Schedule an appointment with a doctor to ensure that you have not suffered a harder-to-detect injury, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. Keep all medical bills relating to the accident, such as ambulance expenses, emergency room treatment records, diagnostic results, lab reports, test results, MRI scans, X-rays, physician notes, list of prescriptions, physical therapy records, documents from specialists, and any other written details associated with your injuries or medical care. Medical records are a critical component of your personal injury claim, as they can help to quantify the amount of compensation you need to support your physical recovery.

Employment Records

Some injuries force accident victims to miss work and lose out on wages. Texas allows you to pursue compensation for the amount of income you lost because of the accident. Your attorney can help you identify the documents you need to prepare a successful claim, such as pay stubs, direct deposit records, tax returns, a letter from your employer detailing your loss of income, and correspondence with your employer regarding your inability to work during your recovery.

Contact a Houston Personal Injury Attorney Today

Suffering an auto accident injury can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. However, you do not have to go through this difficult period alone. Enlisting the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer can give you the reassurance and confidence you need to move forward. Your lawyer can help you identify the most strategic path forward to ensure you maximize your settlement offer and secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

Reach out to DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, today at (832) 745-4878 to speak with a trusted and caring Houston personal injury attorney.