What documents will my lawyer need for my injury claim?

If you have scheduled a consultation with a personal injury attorney, you will want to go to the meeting prepared and able to provide information about your accident.  You may be wondering what documents your lawyer will need to understand your accident, identify your potential claims, and build your case. Here is a list of relevant information you should bring to your first meeting with an injury lawyer. If you do not have any of the following documentation, you will most likely need to provide your approval in order for your attorney to obtain the information on your behalf.  To that end, the attorney may request that you sign an authorization form to enable them to what they need.  

• A copy of your accident report and anything else drafted by the police at the accident scene, such as a diagram of the accident
• A copy of any traffic tickets related to the accident, and the disposition if it is resolved
• Copies of any witness statements regarding the accident
• Your medical bills and any medical records you may have
• Receipts for items you have bought because of your injuries
• Receipts for items you have had to repair because of the accident
• If you were injured in a car accident, your auto insurance policy, including the declarations page or coverage certificate, which outlines the types of coverage you have as well as your policy limits
• Proof that your auto insurance policy premiums have been paid
• Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy (if you have one)
• Any medical or disability insurance policies
• Any other insurance policies you have
• All written communications from any insurer that you have received regarding the accident or your injuries

• Names and addresses of all people involved in the accident
• Names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident
• Any photographs taken at the scene of the accident
• If you required an ambulance, the name and address of the ambulance service
• If you went to an emergency room, the name and address of the emergency room where you were taken
• Dates you were admitted to the emergency room and/or the hospital
• Names and business addresses for all doctors who have treated you since the accident
• Names and business addresses for any chiropractors who have treated you as a result of the accident
• Names and business addresses for any psychological or psychiatric care you have received as a result of the accident
• Dates you missed work as a result of the accident
• Name and contact information for every insurance adjuster you have talked to about the accident
• Names of any other people you have talked to about the accident and/or your injuries

The most important thing to do after a serious injury is hire the best personal injury attorney you can find to help with your claim. This will ensure that you are treated fairly by the at-fault party, all insurance companies, and the legal system.