If you’ve been injured in an accident in Troy, Michigan, the strength of your personal injury case will largely depend on the evidence you can present. As the plaintiff (injured party), you will have the initial burden of proof to support your claim “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which is about a 51% or higher likelihood.
Below are some of the most important types of evidence you can bring and how an experienced Troy personal injury lawyer can help you preserve and present them effectively.
Physical Evidence From the Scene
Physical evidence provides tangible proof of how an accident happened and who was responsible. These items can help you demonstrate some of your damages and allow you to work toward full compensation as well.
Examples include:
- Damaged vehicles
- Clothing and personal items
- Broken and defective products
- Road debris and skid marks
- Property damage left at the scene
If you can do so safely, take photos and videos of this type of evidence immediately after the incident. It can also help to capture your injuries and the accident scene as a whole, while noting any nearby surveillance cameras. A Troy personal injury attorney can help ensure this evidence is properly documented and preserved for your claim.
Medical Records and Expert Testimony
Medical documentation forms the foundation of nearly every personal injury case. It links your injuries directly to the accident and establishes how severely you were affected, which is critical to establishing liability.
In many cases, medical experts may also testify about how your injuries impact your ability to work and perform daily activities. Their professional opinions often carry significant weight in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, at trial. Your personal injury lawyer in Troy can connect you with qualified medical experts who can strengthen your case.
Witness Statements and Police Reports
Witnesses provide independent perspectives that can verify what happened. Their statements can also clarify key details about the incident when the parties involved in the case disagree about how the accident occurred.
Police reports are equally important, particularly in car accidents and other collisions. Under Michigan law (MCL 257.622), drivers must report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. These official records often serve as a starting point for settlement negotiations with the insurance companies.
Employment and Financial Documentation
If your injury kept you from working, proof of your lost wages and reduced earning capacity can help your claim significantly. Financial documentation may include items such as pay stubs, employer verification letters, records of disability benefits, and other relevant documents. This form of evidence can help demonstrate your economic damages, in particular.
A Troy personal injury attorney can help you gather and organize all necessary financial records to maximize your compensation.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer in Troy Can Help You Prove Your Claim
A qualified injury attorney can make the difference in walking away with the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to under the law. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to build a compelling legal claim while dealing with a serious injury after an accident.
A lawyer can help with your case to that end by:
- Conducting a detailed investigation of your accident
- Identifying all of the liable parties under Michigan law
- Collecting and preserving physical and digital evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and secure statements while memories are fresh
- Working with medical and accident reconstruction experts
- Calculating all of your economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiating a settlement on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court if necessary
Ultimately, having legal representation on your side helps to ensure that no key evidence is overlooked and that your claim is presented in the strongest possible way.
Contact a Troy Personal Injury Attorney for a Complimentary Case Review
If you were injured in an accident in Troy, Michigan, contact Khamo Law’s team of injury lawyers today at (248) 466-0606 or online for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Troy can collect the evidence you need and fight for the full and fair recovery you deserve.