{"id":352959,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:31","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/personal-injury-forms.html"},"modified":"2025-10-22T13:42:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T18:42:30","slug":"personal-injury-forms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/personal-injury-forms.html","title":{"rendered":"What Records Do I Need for a Personal Injury Case?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Records Do I Need for a Personal Injury Case?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Starting a personal injury lawsuit can be complex. Injury claims involve many different kinds of legal paperwork. You’ll also likely need to gather documentary evidence.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The aftermath of a\u00a0car accident\u00a0or another type of personal injury case can be confusing and stressful. Often, you’re dealing with insurance companies and potentially hiring a lawyer.<\/p>\n

This article guides you through the different personal injury forms and documents you might need after an accident. If you need help, contact a\u00a0personal injury attorney<\/a>\u00a0right away.<\/p>\n

Accident Report<\/h2>\n

After a\u00a0motor vehicle accident<\/a>, you need to get an accident report from law enforcement. The responding police department writes this document, also called a\u00a0police report<\/a>. It gives a factual summary of the incident, including details about the involved parties, witnesses, and the scene of the accident. The responding police officer should give you an incident number at the scene. You can use that number to get your report.<\/p>\n

If you’re not sure which police department to ask for a report, think about where your\u00a0accident<\/a>\u00a0happened. City police usually handle accidents in a city. County officers or state troopers usually handle accidents that happen outside city limits. Some police stations let you get this report on their websites. In that case, you can go online, find the right section, and put in the accident details. If that’s not an option, you might have to visit the police station.<\/p>\n

When asking for the\u00a0report at a police precinct<\/a>, you’ll need to fill out a form. This form asks when and where your accident happened and who was involved. After you fill out the form, you might need to pay a small fee. Then, you’ll need to wait a bit. Sometimes, the police will send the report to your home. You may also be able to access your report online.<\/p>\n

Once you get the report, read it carefully. If something doesn’t look right, you should tell the police. Always keep extra copies of the report. You might need to show your\u00a0insurance company<\/a>\u00a0or lawyer a copy.<\/p>\n

Medical Documentation<\/h2>\n

Medical bills and medical records serve as evidence in a\u00a0personal injury case<\/a>. Seek medical attention promptly after a car crash. Getting prompt medical care, whether for minor injuries or more severe injuries, is crucial. This not only ensures your well-being but also provides documentation of your medical expenses and medical treatment.<\/p>\n

To get these documents, contact your doctor’s office or treating hospital and\u00a0request copies of your medical records<\/a>. Remember to keep these documents in a safe place.<\/p>\n

If you have a lawyer helping you, they can request these documents. They’ll know who to ask and what to collect.<\/p>\n

Insurance Information<\/h2>\n

You’ll need to provide specific documentation to process an insurance claim after your accident. This is true whether you’re dealing with your own insurer or the\u00a0at-fault driver’s<\/a>\u00a0insurance company. You’ll need to provide:<\/p>\n