How Do I Gather Evidence for My Case?
Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful personal injury claim. You need to prove both that another party was at fault and that you suffered actual damages as a result. A proactive, comprehensive investigation of your accident is a must. In this article, our Florence personal injury attorney provides a guide for gathering evidence for your case in South Carolina.
The Investigation Always Starts at the Scene of the Accident Itself
A proactive approach is always best in personal injury claims. Indeed, the moments immediately after an accident are often the most critical for gathering evidence. If you are physically able to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses and write down an account of events. Your contemporaneous notes are relevant evidence in a personal injury case in South Carolina.
Get Medical Attention and Maintain All Records
You should always see a doctor right away after an accident in South Carolina. Your medical records are a foundational piece of evidence in any personal injury claim. As soon as possible, seek treatment—even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Do not lose your records. You should save every bill, diagnosis, prescription, and treatment plan from doctors, hospitals, physical therapists, and specialists. In South Carolina, proving damages means demonstrating the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries. Consistent documentation supports your case.
Seek Professional Legal Representation (A Lawyer Can Get All of the Evidence)
One major challenge in personal injury claims is that some evidence is not easily accessible without legal help, like surveillance footage from a nearby business, vehicle black box data, or internal incident reports. A South Carolina personal injury attorney can move quickly to send preservation letters or subpoenas before that evidence is lost or deleted. Beyond that, your lawyer can consult expert witnesses, gather accident reconstruction reports, and build a full evidentiary record to support your claim. A strong investigation of an accident is a must.
Recovering Compensation: Evidence Can Make the Difference
In South Carolina, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including both economic losses and non-economic losses. Evidence is the foundation of your personal injury case. Strong, compelling evidence can be the difference between getting a low settlement and a strong, favorable settlement. Our Florence, SC, personal injury attorneys can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Florence Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC, our Florence personal injury attorney has the knowledge and experience to fight for justice. We will proactively and diligently investigate your accident. Give us a call now or contact us online to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. From our Florence office, we represent injured victims throughout the surrounding region in South Carolina.