What Documents Do Lawyers Need After a Pedestrian Accident?

Pedestrian accidents can be a complicated and devastating event for all involved parties. In addition to the physical injuries sustained, many legal implications come into play. As such, lawyers need to conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability and seek justice for their clients.

One crucial aspect of a pedestrian accident investigation is document collection. Discover the various documents that lawyers should collect to conduct a comprehensive and effective investigation.

Police Reports

The police report contains vital information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as statements from the parties involved and any witnesses. It also includes a diagram of the accident scene, which can help determine fault.

Lawyers often request the police report as soon as possible, as it may take some time for it to become available. In addition, they carefully review the report for any errors or inconsistencies that could impact their case.

Medical Records

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, and as such, lawyers obtain the medical records of their clients. These records provide a detailed account of the injuries sustained and any treatments received. They can also help establish a timeline of events and connect specific injuries to the accident.

Lawyers may also request expert opinions from medical professionals to determine the extent of their client's injuries and any long-term effects they may have. This information can be crucial in determining the compensation that their client is entitled to.

Witness Statements

Witnesses play a crucial role in pedestrian accident investigations, as they can provide valuable insight into what happened leading up to and during the accident. Lawyers often collect statements from any witnesses present at the scene of the accident, as well as any who may have seen the accident occur.

These statements can be obtained through interviews or written affidavits. They are often collected as soon as possible to ensure that the witness's memory of the event is still fresh and accurate.

Surveillance Footage

In today's world, there are often surveillance cameras in public areas that may have captured the pedestrian accident on tape. Lawyers make every effort to obtain any relevant footage from these cameras, as it can provide valuable evidence for their case. If the accident occurred near a business or residential property, lawyers may also request security camera footage from those locations.

Vehicle Information

In many pedestrian accidents, a vehicle is involved. In these cases, lawyers often obtain information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and license plate number. This information can help identify the driver of the vehicle and determine if they were properly insured at the time of the accident.

Lawyers often also request any maintenance records for the vehicle to determine if there were any mechanical issues that may have contributed to the accident.

Accident Reconstruction Reports

If liability is disputed, lawyers may need to enlist the help of an expert to reconstruct the accident and determine how it occurred. These reports can be obtained from qualified engineers or accident reconstruction specialists.

Accident reconstruction reports use a combination of physical evidence, witness statements, and scientific principles to create a detailed analysis of how the accident occurred. This information can be crucial in proving liability and obtaining a fair settlement for their client.

By obtaining the necessary documents, lawyers are able to build a strong case for their clients and seek the compensation they deserve. With the help of these documents, lawyers can provide their clients with the best possible representation and advocacy in their pedestrian accident cases.

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, then speak to the experienced lawyers at Lake Munro. We will thoroughly investigate your case and do everything possible for a favorable outcome.