When you’re injured, the first thing on your mind should always be your recovery. But with medical costs being so high, finding ways to cover those expenses out of pocket can be almost impossible. That’s why filing a lawsuit against the person responsible for your injuries is something worth exploring. While it’s not a guarantee that you’ll be eligible to file a lawsuit with help from a Chicago personal injury lawyer, exploring your options is well worth the effort. To figure out if you’re eligible, you’ll need to provide your lawyer with a few key documents.
The Types of Documents You Need
Though every case is unique, most personal injury lawsuits will need the following types of documents to stand up in court. Let’s take a closer look.
Information Related to the Accident
You’ll want to provide your attorney with any information related to the accident. This should include:
- Police statements
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos of the accident
- Video footage from security cameras
- Descriptions of what you remember
The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for your attorney to represent your case in court.
Medical Records
Your medical records can help show the severity of the injuries you sustained in the accident. Your attorney can use these records to justify the request for damages if you file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Request copies of your medical records from any doctor, hospital, or urgent care facility you’ve seen since the accident. Remember, you can also include records for specialist consultations, physical therapy sessions, and mental health sessions if you’re experiencing emotional distress as a result of the accident.
Financial Records
You’ll also want to be able to show that the injury resulted in financial losses and hardships. This means you’ll want to collect financial records that show proof of lost wages, like your pay stub showing a decrease in earnings or tax returns showing lost income. You’ll also want to provide documentation for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery including prescription costs, medical supplies, and home modifications if needed.
Insurance Claim Records
If you’ve already filed a claim with your insurance provider as well as the at-fault party’s insurance provider, be prepared to maintain records of all communication you receive or send out. This includes letters, emails, and claim details. If you’re not sure how to find this information, your Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you track it down.
Working With a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you choose to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, you’ll want to have an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer on your side from the very beginning. Your attorney can help by:
- Explaining your options: Your attorney will review your case in detail to help you understand if filing a lawsuit is an option and if it’s the right fit for your situation. They’ll be able to answer your questions in real time so you can make an informed decision.
- Compiling evidence: It’s normal to not have all the necessary evidence on hand when you file a lawsuit. Your attorney can help you track down any missing evidence to help strengthen your case.
- Represent you in court: If you do file a lawsuit, your attorney will be able to represent your interests in court. They’ll work to show the court why you’re entitled to damages and why the responsible party is, in fact, responsible for the accident that caused your injuries.
The sooner you can speak with an attorney, the better off you’ll be.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’ve been in an accident and are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party, you deserve to fully understand your options. Schedule a consultation with Fabbrini Law Group and let our team help you figure out the best path forward.