Three Types of Evidence in Personal Injury Cases

If you want to pursue legal action after a personal injury accident, you need compelling evidence. Personal injury law requires plaintiffs to prove that it is “more likely than not” that the defendant was negligent for their injuries.

A personal injury lawyer can help you compile evidence to support that the defendant owed you a duty of care and breached that duty and that the breach caused your injuries. Review the different types of evidence in personal injury cases that may support your claim.

1. Video and Photographic Evidence

Any visual evidence you can present in your personal injury case could be extremely valuable for proving the circumstances surrounding the accident and the defendant’s negligence.

If you can find video footage of the actual accident, such as security camera or dashcam footage, this can help show exactly how the accident happened and the moment you were injured. But photographs of the accident scene that clearly show the hazard that caused your injuries may be just as useful.

In some cases, a court order is necessary to request certain visual evidence that is not legally yours. You may need a personal injury lawyer to explore all options for seeking video and photographic evidence for your case.

2. Records and Documentation

Certain documentation can also support your claim. You might request medical records to show the extent of your injuries resulting from the accident and that they were not pre-existing. Or you may request copies of the police report created after your accident.

These types of documentation can provide factual evidence to support the details surrounding your claim. Your attorney can focus on proving the disputable elements of the case through other types of evidence.

3. Witness Statements and Testimony

Finally, witness statements can go a long way toward building your case. Two main types of witnesses may provide evidence in your personal injury case:

• Eyewitnesses, or those who saw the accident happen and can testify to certain facts, such as how it happened, where it happened, and other observations
• Expert witnesses, or those who have special knowledge in an area related to the case and can provide a reliable perspective

For example, you might call upon an eyewitness who saw your car accident happen and can testify that the other driver ran a stoplight when they struck you. You might also call upon a medical expert to explain the severity of your injuries and the expected recovery timeline, helping to provide proof of damages.

Consult Larry Wall Trial Law for Legal Guidance

The evidence used in personal injury cases can spell the success or failure of a legal claim. An experienced attorney can represent you through the process of gathering evidence and building your case. They can explain common mistakes in a personal injury claim and guide every step to help you avoid them.

For personal injury representation in the Wichita area, call Larry Wall Trial Law at 316-265-6000 and request a consultation.