Property Damage and Evidence

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT PROPERTY DAMAGE?

If your automobile or other personal property has been damaged, have it photographed and examined by an expert if necessary to put a value on the damage. If your case involves a product or instrument not in your possession, please try to see that it is not repaired or disposed of until we have photographed it and had it examined by an expert, if necessary.

DO YOU NEED TO KNOW MY WITNESSES?

Absolutely. Please furnish us with the correct names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any and all witnesses you learn of. They can include fellow workers and people who see you every day. If someone is planning to leave the area permanently, please call so we can take a statement from that person, if necessary.

WHAT KIND OF EVIDENCE DO I NEED TO PROVE MY CASE?

If you or anyone you know has taken any photographs connected with your case such as your vehicle, severe lacerations, stitches, or other serious injury, please give us the negative and prints. If you have a disfiguring or severely disabling injury, or if you are required to take any unusual treatment like traction or brace, notify us so we can advise you if photographs should be taken. If in doubt, take some pictures. If your injury requires a cast, brace, or any other appliance, save it for evidence at a trial. Tell us that you have these items so we can advise you on proper storage. We may want to keep them at our office. We can’t stress enough how important it is to save any physical evidence related to your case and to discuss that evidence with us.

If you have been unable to work as a result of your accident, we will need payroll records or a statement from your employer stating what your wage was and how much work you have lost due to your accident.

In certain situations, your attorney may employ the services of an investigator to photograph an accident scene or interview witnesses.