What Documents Do You Need After an Accident? Bronx Car Accident Lawyer Explains

After a car accident in the Bronx, keep all the documents and records relating to the crash. These documents form the basis of your claim, allowing you to substantiate your injuries and losses. It also helps justify the amount of compensation you claim. The stronger and more thorough your documentation, the more likely you are to walk away with a favorable settlement. 

In this post, as your Bronx car accident lawyer, the team at Alex Yadgarov & Associates will explain everything you need to know about organizing your documents for an accident compensation claim.

How Should You Organize Your Accident Documents?

Following a car accident, you will be dealing with many documents. Collectively, they will help build a picture of the accident and the losses you’ve suffered as a result. For ease of reference, categorize them as

• Police and accident reports
• Insurance
• Medical
• Vehicle Damage
• Lost Income
• Photos and Videos
• Legal and insurance correspondence

Keep the original documents where possible and make multiple copies. Also keep both physical and digital copies of the documents. You can also keep digital copies on multiple devices. The point is to have a complete set of documents, whatever form it takes or device you have on hand.

What Medical Documents Should You Keep After an Accident?

The medical documents show the true extent of the injuries suffered and what is needed for you to recover. These can include:

• Emergency room and hospital records
• Diagnostic test and image reports
• Drug prescriptions
• Physical therapy records
• Medical bills
• Follow-up appointment records
• Receipts for medical expenses. 

What Documents Prove Your Lost Income?

When an accident has temporarily or permanently affected your ability to work, the following documents can help establish the lost income. 

• Pay stubs
• Letters from employers confirming missed time
• W-2 or other income records
• Leave documentation
• Self-employment or business income records
• Tax documents

What Vehicle and Property Damage Records Should You Save?

If the accident has resulted in damage to your vehicle and any other property, the following evidence can help. 

• Vehicle repair estimates
• Repair invoices
• Towing bills
• Storage fees
• Rental-care receipts
• Photographs and videos of vehicle damage

When taking photographs and videos, try to take them at the scene of the accident and before any repairs take place. Once a vehicle is fixed, the visual evidence is gone. 

Are Photos and Videos Important Documents After a Car Accident?

Photographs and videos can help transport investigators to the scene as and when it happened. After all, they say a photograph can say a thousand words. They can help put into place in a way words simply cannot. 

• Accident-scene photographs
• Vehicle-damage photographs
• Road-condition photograph
• Photographs of traffic signs and signals
• Dashcam footage
• Surveillance footage from nearby buildings
• Witness contact information

What Insurance Documents Should You Keep?

Since New York is a no-fault state, your primary source of compensation after an accident is your insurance coverage. When dealing with insurance adjusters, maintaining documents can facilitate smooth negotiations. They can also be used as evidence should the parties fail to reach a settlement. 

• Your insurance policy
• Insurance ID Card
• Claim Number
• Correspondence with insurers 
• Emails and letters
• Any settlement offers
• Requests for recorded statements
• Explanation of benefits or payment methods

When Should You Speak to an Accident Lawyer in New York?

All these documents are like puzzle pieces. It takes skills and experience to put them together to bring the picture to life. That is what an experienced accident lawyer in New York offers. You should consider speaking to one when:

• Injuries are serious and ongoing.
• Fault is disputed
• The insurer disputes your claim.
• The other driver was uninsured.
• Multiple parties are involved.
• Lost income and significant expenses are involved.
• The accident involves unusual road or vehicle conditions

Conclusion

The more relevant documents you present, the more likely you are to walk away with a favorable settlement. The golden rule of thumb—save everything connected to the accident. They can help build a picture of the accident, liability, and consequences. 

If you’ve been seriously injured and want to take legal action, Alex Yadgarov & Associates is here to help. As your Queens car accident lawyer, we will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today!