SE HABLA ESPANOL
Free Consultation
The Importance of Gathering Evidence in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Personal injury lawsuits can be complex and challenging to go through. The defendants will do their best to prove that they were neither neglectful nor malicious if they caused your injury. They will likely even go so far as to blame you for the injury you sustained. To make sure they don’t convince the judge and jury that it was your fault as well, we suggest working with your attorney and gathering strong evidence.
In the state of Pennsylvania, gathering evidence is essential to support your case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. If you’re unsure what kind of evidence you need to gather and why, the personal injury attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. can help.
Understanding Personal Injury Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
A personal injury lawsuit is filed when someone has suffered harm or an injury caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. In Pennsylvania, the injured party, also known as the plaintiff, must prove that the defendant’s actions were responsible for their injuries. This includes proving that it was within the defendant’s power to prevent whatever caused the plaintiff’s injury and chose not to, or failed to realize it. So, if the injury happened on the defendant’s property but was caused by events or situations completely out of the defendant’s control, the defendant would not be at fault.
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for their injuries, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. This is where gathering evidence becomes crucial. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you will not receive any compensation. The percentage of fault is determined by the court.
Why Gathering Evidence is Important
As mentioned before, Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule. This means it is necessary to have strong evidence to prove as much of the defendant’s responsibility for your injuries as possible. Without solid evidence, the defense can argue that you were partially – or even mostly – at fault. This will lead to your compensation being reduced or even dismissed altogether.
You should begin gathering evidence immediately after the accident or incident occurs. The more time that passes, the harder it becomes to obtain crucial evidence. Having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side can help you gather and organize all the evidence you need to build a strong case.
Types of Evidence in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Some of the most crucial types of evidence used to support a personal injury case in Pennsylvania include:
- Medical records and bills are essential pieces of evidence in any personal injury lawsuit. They document the extent of your injuries, the treatments you received, and their costs. These records can also be used to calculate future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to your injuries.
- Witness statements can also provide valuable evidence in a personal injury case. These can be obtained from anyone who witnessed the accident or saw the aftermath. Their statements can support your version of events and contradict the defendant’s claims, helping you to prove fault and responsibility.
- Photos and videos of the accident scene are crucial pieces of evidence that can help recreate the incident for the judge and jury. This can then show them the dangerous conditions that may have caused your injuries. These can include photos of the damaged property, skid marks, and any other relevant evidence.
- Police reports can also provide valuable evidence in personal injury cases. They document important details about the accident, such as the time and location of the accident, and often include statements from witnesses and their names.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.
Gathering evidence is crucial to finding success with your personal injury lawsuit. It provides necessary support for your case and increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seek legal representation from our skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. We can help gather and present the necessary evidence to support your claim even while you’re too injured to do so yourself.
Don’t underestimate the importance of evidence in a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence can make all the difference in your case. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. So, be sure to contact us today to schedule a consultation.
