Everyone knows that car accidents are not a situation you ever want to be in, even minor ones. They come with a lot of emotions and headaches. There are insurance companies involved, getting your vehicle repaired or replaced, getting any injuries treated, and collecting documents for any personal injury case and/or the insurance companies of those involved. Your first concern should always be that any injuries you may have received are properly treated by a medical professional. After that, it comes time to contact the insurance companies and a lawyer if you were injured by the actions of another driver.

When you start a personal injury case because of an auto accident you were involved in, you will need as much documentation as possible that supports your case. Here is a list of some of the documents that you should gather and collect for your personal injury attorney to help them build your case:

• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatment services, and the cost of these services is paramount to receiving compensation back for these costs. It also provides proof of injury and the cause of those injuries. Keep all records that you receive from your doctor’s visits in relation to your car accident injuries.

• Insurance Policies: You need to know what your insurance policy covers, and the policy of the other driver(s) involved. This will help you know what their insurance policy covers and for what amounts.

• Witness Statements: There are witnesses to almost every car accident. Naturally, each driver wants to protect themselves, so no one will admit they are at fault. Witnesses are neutral third parties which makes their statements more valuable to personal injury cases and insurance companies.

• Police Reports: After an accident, the police should always be called. They are also a neutral third party that gathers all the facts, gives their assessment, and creates an accident report.

• Pictures: You should always take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other person’s vehicle at the scene of the accident. This gives documentation of exactly what damage was caused by the accident.