From motor vehicle accidents to medical malpractice, various situations in life can lead to a personal injury and a potential claim.

A personal injury occurs when a person suffers physical, mental, or emotional harm as a result of another person's negligence or wrongful actions.

If you have had a motor vehicle accident where someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation from the person or business legally responsible for your injuries. Many legal firms such as Clearwater Car Accident Attorneys offer free case evaluations and will represent their clients on a 'no win, no fee' basis, so it is worth seeking legal advice in the case of a car accident.

To prepare for your personal injury claim, it is necessary to gather the evidence your attorney will need to give you the best chance of success. This article will help you with your initial preparation by outlining the main steps to take.

Gather Details

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic event and normal reasoning may escape your mind. However, it is important to regain your composure and take down some important details. These should include the other driver's name, telephone number, and contact information of any other passengers and eyewitnesses involved. Insurance details such as the policy number, car registration details, and the make and model of the other car should also be noted.

Police Reports

Depending on the severity of the accident, it is advisable to report the incident to the police. Police reports provide reliable evidence from a credible and objective third party that can substantiate the details of your accident and accurately determine who was at fault. Most police reports are available publicly and can be obtained upon request.

Medical Records and Bills

If you have sustained injuries following your motor vehicle accident it is important to seek medical help from a professional to assess your injuries. Ensure that you keep copies of all of your medical records as they will be needed to prove the extent and source of your injuries, which is an essential element of your claim. By obtaining medical records that pre-date your injury you can also establish that your injury was not a pre-existing condition, instead, it occurred as a direct result of your motor vehicle accident.

Your medical bills will prove that you have incurred expenses as a result of your injury and will evidence the financial burden that it has placed on you. Most personal injury cases center around compensation for medical expenses so your records will help your attorney calculate a settlement based on your expenditure on healthcare following your injuries.

Photographic Evidence

Photographic evidence of the accident scene can be invaluable in proving fault. Taking detailed pictures of the scene can provide important information about how the accident happened. It is also advisable to take photos of any injuries you may have sustained as a result of the accident as these will help provide vital evidence of the harm you suffered, thereby strengthening your case.

Gathering the items listed in this article will go a long way in helping you receive the compensation you deserve.