If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you deserve compensation for all your losses. Getting the money you need and deserve, however, is often complicated.
Insurance companies are known for making lowball settlement offers to crash victims, and if you're not careful, you could end up losing out on the compensation you're entitled to under Indiana law. Remember, once you take an insurance company's money, that's it. Your claim is settled and you can't go back and ask for more money if your expenses end up being more than what you received.
To properly heal and live a comfortable life, you need to recover full compensation. And to do that, you need a strong, evidence-based case that the insurance company cannot ignore. Below is a checklist of some of the most common documents used to support Indiana car accident injury claims.
If you've been injured and you don't have these documents, don't worry. A car accident lawyer can help. At Hocker Law, LLC, our attorneys can gather and preserve evidence, including any documents that are important to your case.
Car accident claim document checklist
Accident report
Every auto accident that results in injury or death produces a "crash report." This multi-page document is written by the responding police officer following their investigation, and in Indiana, it's called the Indiana Officer’s Standard Crash Report. It tells the story of how the crash happened. This document indicates who the investigating police officer believes is at fault and will likely be one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in your case. You can obtain a copy of your accident report by requesting it from the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash. Again, if you're unable to get your accident report, your attorney can do that for you. Your lawyer can also review the details in the report with you and take steps to correct anything that isn't accurate.
Post-accident medical report
You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Even if you feel okay, you may have a serious injury like whiplash, fractured bones, or internal organ damage. Trauma care is available in Indianapolis at hospitals like St. Vincent's as well as urgent care clinics like Riverview, but regardless of where you go, you need to get checked out by a licensed medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Seeing a doctor protects your health and creates a record of any injuries you sustained.
Medical bills
Treatment of traumatic injuries is expensive. Save all your medical bills related to your accident, such as hospital invoices, doctor bills, prescription medicine receipts, etc. Healing from an accident and adjusting your life to decreased abilities may require the purchase of additional medical items. Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and bandages may be covered. You may also need to install equipment around your home to aid in mobility. Keep your purchase receipts and estimates to upgrade your home or car.
Vehicle damage estimate
Ask a trusted mechanic for an estimate to repair your vehicle.
Vehicle value
How much your vehicle was worth before the car accident can be verified with Kelly Blue Book.
Receipts for replacement services
Your injuries may be too painful for you to do everyday tasks. Perhaps you are having difficulty with cooking, cleaning, or child care. If this is the case, and you hire replacement services to accommodate your needs, save the receipts.
Proof of Uber, Lyft, taxi rides, or rentals
If your policy covers it, reimbursement for a vehicle rental and rides may be possible.
Proof of income
Pay stubs and tax documents establish how much you were earning before the accident. This helps when calculating lost wages and, if necessary, compensation for diminished earning potential.
Injury journal
Your own experience is powerful evidence. Keep a journal of the accident and your injuries. Write down how the accident happened while the event is still fresh in your mind. Maintain a record of your injuries' developments. Record how your injury is affecting your day-to-day life.
We know how to build a strong case for compensation
At Hocker Law, LLC, we have a reputation for conducting thorough investigations that yield formidable evidence. We serve injured car accident victims in Indianapolis, Greenwood, Carmel, Fishers, and across Indiana. If you were injured or a loved one died in a crash due to negligence, contact us for a free consultation.