With over 2 million injuries caused by automobile accidents per year,1 good evidence plays an instrumental role in determining the outcome of car accident lawsuits. In a car accident lawsuit, you will want to gather as much evidence as possible in order to best build your case.
Evidence is gathered to help establish the party who was at fault in the accident. Since Michigan is a “No-Fault” insurance state,2 drivers here file insurance claims with their insurance and do not sue the other driver unless the case falls into one or more of the specific exceptions carved out in the law. This means that in most instances, an injured party will be dealing with his or her insurance company to recover. It will be important to establish that the driver is entitled to recovery of losses. Much of the information will also be valuable in lawsuits that arise from exceptions to the No-Fault law.
Some of the more important pieces of evidence include the following:
Documentation Evidencing Injury and Damages
You will not be able to recover from your insurance company if you have failed to suffer losses caused by the car accident. Whether minor or quite significant, you can only recover for those losses that you can prove. Therefore, it is imperative that you collect as much evidence of losses as possible. This can include:
- Medical records and bills
- Pay stubs and tax returns to demonstrate lost wages
- Additional expenses directly related to injuries suffered
The more evidence of losses, the better you will be able to put together a case for recovery.
Police Reports
Police reports are prepared at the scene of the accident and present a carefully reconstructed timeline of the events that caused the accident. These reports typically include information regarding the parties as well as any witnesses, so it can be helpful when gathering evidence.
Witness Statements
Witness statements can often be used to prove or disprove all or part of a claim. Witness statements are helpful because they provide information about the automobile accident from disinterested parties present at the time. Witness statements may not always be easy to obtain. As a result, you may be required to depose the witness in order to obtain an official statement regarding the accident.
Expert Statements
Sometimes, individuals will provide testimony from expert witnesses. These individuals are typically well-trained regarding specific information and provide expert conclusions after careful evaluation of the evidence. Although not always necessary, expert witnesses can be valuable in building one’s case.
Photographs
Photographs provide a snapshot of the accident. They can help provide a better understanding of the accident and conditions that may have caused the car accident.
Contact an Experience Michigan Auto Accident Attorney
If you have suffered losses as a result of an automobile accident, you should seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer who understands automobile accident cases. At Michigan Injury Lawyers, our team of lawyers understands the legal issues that may arise in an automobile accident case and will always strive to ensure you recover those damages to which you are lawfully entitled. Please call our office today at 313-438-4357 for a free consultation.
References:
1http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812101.pdf%5D
2https://www.michigan.gov/documents/cis_ofis_ip202_25083_7.pdf
Thomas L. Stroble
FOUNDER
Mr. Stroble is a highly accomplished graduate of Michigan State University, with degrees in both science and law. He specializes in commercial lawsuits and personal injury cases. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and even the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s a well-qualified legal expert. Besides his career in law, he loves outdoor activities and volunteers as a part-time police officer in Birmingham.
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