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Information for Your Car Accident Attorney

Here are the key categories of information you should provide your car accident attorney:

1. Personal Information

Begin with the basics. Your full name, address, contact details, and insurance information are essential. If you have medical insurance, provide these details as well.

2. Incident Description

Give a comprehensive, step-by-step account of the accident. Start with the date, time, and location of the incident. Describe the weather and road conditions. Detail the events leading up to, during, and after the accident, including your actions, the actions of the other driver(s), and any emergency measures taken.

3. Other Parties Involved

Provide information about the other parties involved in the accident. This should include their personal data and insurance details, if available. If there were passengers in your car or the other vehicle(s), include their information too.

4. Witnesses

If there were any witnesses, their accounts could be valuable for your case. Provide your car accident attorney with their contact information, and note down any statements they made at the scene.

5. Photos & Videos

Visual evidence can be particularly compelling. If you took photos or videos at the scene of the accident, or if there are surveillance cameras nearby that may have captured the incident, make sure your attorney is aware.

6. Police Reports

In Texas, under Transportation Code § 550.062, a report should be filed with a law enforcement agency within 10 days of the accident “if the accident resulted in injury to or the death of a person or damage to the property of any one person to the apparent extent of $1,000 or more.” Officers responding to the scene will file this police report, which provides an official account of the accident. Obtain a copy of this report for your attorney.

We recommend that you always call the police after an accident, even if the damage seems minor. Car accident injuries can sometimes surface hours or days after the crash. Even if your injuries don’t arise immediately, having documentation of the accident will help bolster your case.

7. Medical Records & Bills

If you were injured, seek medical attention. Your health is the priority. If it is an emergency, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Even if your injuries are less severe, you still need to visit your general practitioner as soon as possible.

Make sure to provide your car accident attorney with all relevant medical records. These should document your injuries and any treatment you’ve received. Also include medical bills and receipts for related expenses, like prescription medications or physical therapy.

8. Work Documentation

If your injuries caused you to miss work or resulted in decreased earning capacity, provide any relevant documentation. This might include pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a statement from a vocational expert.

9. Communication Records

Keep track of any communication related to the accident, including phone calls, letters, emails, or texts. If another party’s insurance company has contacted you, notify your attorney immediately.

10. Medical History

If you have any medical conditions that were exacerbated by the accident, provide medical records documenting your condition prior to the accident. This can be critical when the opposing side tries to argue that your injuries were pre-existing.

11. Personal Impact Statement

Describe how the accident has affected your life, including physical pain, emotional trauma, effects on your family and social life, and any changes to your daily routine. An easy way to keep track of this is to start a journal. Document your life daily, including pain levels, appointments, communications, and observations on how your life has been altered.

More Tips from Your Car Accident Lawyer

Remember that full transparency with your attorney is crucial. If there’s information that might harm your case, it’s better for your attorney to know about it in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Additionally, do not admit fault at any point. When talking to the other driver(s), law enforcement, or insurance companies, refrain from admitting any fault in the car accident. Let your attorney know immediately if you have said anything to imply fault.

Lastly, remember that all the information you provide is protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning your attorney cannot disclose it without your consent. Even your initial consultation is 100% confidential.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today

Keeping thorough records and providing all relevant information to your attorney will help them advocate effectively for your best interests. Whether navigating the complexities of insurance claims, negotiating a settlement, or representing you in court, your attorney needs to understand every aspect of the incident and its impact on your life.

If you have been injured in a Houston car accident, contact Patrick Daniel Law for a FREE case evaluation. Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. Our experienced and tenacious car accident attorney will advocate for you, pursuing just compensation for your losses.

What Information Should I Provide to a Car Accident Attorney?

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