Personal Injury Claim in San Antonio TX | How to Keep Records That Help Your Case

Personal injury claims encompass a variety of accidents, including motor vehicle wrecks involving passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, 18-wheelers, and more. Workplace accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, pedestrian accidents, bicycle collisions, medical malpractice, and product liability are also considered personal injury cases. The fallout from incidents like these can be severe; victims may be unable to work and face serious financial, physical, and/or emotional trauma. Recent victims facing severe injuries after an accident in San Antonio, Texas, may consider pursuing at-fault parties for needed compensation; that’s where our Texas expert attorneys come in.

If you're considering pursuing a personal injury case after an accident caused by the negligence of another, record-keeping and the preservation of evidence are incredibly important for maximum compensation. Read on for more guidance, and call the top San Antonio accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw today to discuss your case FOR FREE! Call 1-800-862-1260 to book your no-cost initial consultation 24/7 in English or Spanish. Our attorneys also work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win, so pursuing a case is at no up-front cost to victims and their families.

In the fallout of a severe accident and its resulting damages, seeking justice and fair compensation often hinges on the strength of your evidence. Though the physical and emotional toll can be significant, making meticulous documentation difficult, documenting aspects of your experience as thoroughly as possible is crucial. This will provide a solid bedrock for your personal injury attorney to then construct the strongest lawsuit possible.

Detailed records are crucial evidence that illustrates the impact of an accident on a victim’s life. A breakdown of the types of records you should compile may include:

Official Reports and Records

• Police report
• Ambulance/EMS Report
• DMV records of the involved drivers
• Vehicle registration and title
• Incident report (from a business or property owner)
• Employer's first report of injury
• Internal incident report (if a workplace accident)
• OSHA report (if a workplace accident)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission reports and recall notices (if a product liability case)

Medical Records

• Emergency room visits, doctor's visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy/rehabilitation records, etc.
• Insurance explanation of benefits
• Future treatment recommendations
• Referrals to mental health professionals
• Psychotherapy or counseling records
• Gas and mileage to and from treatment facilities

Photos and Videos

• Of the scene, the positions of vehicles involved, visible damage, environmental and/or other physical contributing factors like debris, property damage your injuries and healing process, and more

Communications

• Witness information, including full name, phone number, email address, and any initial statements
• Communication with the negligent party. Note the dates, times, and content of conversations, but try to keep direct communication to a minimum if a San Antonio personal injury attorney isn’t involved
• Communication with the insurance company, including who you spoke to
  • Be truthful in your communications with insurance companies, but stick to the facts and avoid speculation or admitting fault
• If family or friends are providing care, keep a log of the time and types of assistance and note how your injuries have impacted your relationships
• Financial Report & Lost Wages
• Pay stubs, tax returns, employment contracts, etc., that verify your income and the time you have missed or will need to miss from work due to your injuries.
• Lost earning capacity

More is always better when collecting evidence, but organized information is best. Your lawyer in Central Texas will then be responsible for thoroughly investigating your accident and reviewing all the evidence you have compiled. They will then develop the strongest legal strategy in accordance with your specific circumstances. Your attorney may also hire a professional to recreate your accident or even hire an expert witness to testify on your behalf.

To organize your injury records and set your lawyer up for success, create labeled physical and digital files and back up crucial documents with scans. Maintain a spreadsheet for tracking key information like appointments and expenses, and remember to save and store all potentially relevant documents. Good record-keeping strengthens your case and supports your efforts to secure fair compensation.

When negligence is suspected after an accident, it is usually best to discuss the specifics of your case with a local attorney as soon as possible to assess your legal options moving forward. Be sure to act quickly, because time is a crucial factor in your claim. In most cases, in Texas, plaintiffs must file their case within two years of the accident. Pursuing your case promptly also means the thorough gathering and preservation of evidence.

Those suffering after a personal injury in San Antonio, Texas, deserve justice and compensation. The responsible parties deserve to be held liable for their carelessness, and the experienced team of lawyers at Carabin Shaw is here to fight on your behalf. Read over our client reviews to see how we’ve assisted victims like you, and contact us today to learn more. Spanish-speaking representatives are available.

For more information:

• Civil Practice and Remedies Code
• Texas Rules of Evidence
• Chapter 16. Limitations