When you file a personal injury claim in Texas, your case is only as strong as the evidence behind it. Whether you were injured in a car crash, truck accident, workplace incident, or slip and fall, the right documentation can make the difference between full compensation and a denied claim.
So, what types of evidence matter most in a personal injury lawsuit? Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights — and build a solid case from the start.
Why Evidence Matters
In a Texas personal injury case, the injured party (the plaintiff) bears the burden of proving:
- The defendant was negligent or otherwise at fault
- That negligence caused the injury
- The injury resulted in specific damages (economic and non-economic)
To prove those points, you’ll need clear, credible, and well-preserved evidence. The more thorough your documentation, the harder it is for the other side to deny responsibility or downplay the seriousness of your injuries.
Key Types of Evidence in a Personal Injury Case
1. Photographs and Videos
- Accident scene photos (vehicle damage, road conditions, hazards, etc.)
- Photos of injuries, taken immediately and during recovery
- Dashcam or surveillance footage, if available
- Any video recordings of the incident (e.g., security footage from nearby businesses)
Visual evidence often speaks louder than words — and helps juries and insurance adjusters see what really happened.
2. Police or Incident Reports
- Official accident reports from law enforcement
- Reports from property owners, employers, or supervisors (for premises or workplace accidents)
These documents often contain valuable information about fault, witness statements, and initial observations made by first responders.
3. Medical Records and Bills
- Emergency room records
- Diagnosis and treatment notes
- Imaging results (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Surgery and rehabilitation records
- Medication prescriptions
- Itemized bills and invoices
Medical records link the accident to your injuries and show the extent of your physical harm — which directly affects your compensation.
4. Eyewitness Statements
People who saw the accident can help verify your version of events, especially in cases where the defendant disputes fault. Witness statements should be collected as soon as possible while memories are still fresh.
5. Expert Testimony
Depending on your case, experts may be needed to support your claims. This can include:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts
- Vocational experts (to explain lost earning capacity)
- Economists (to calculate future damages)
Expert opinions are especially useful when liability is unclear or injuries are complex.
6. Documentation of Lost Wages
To support a claim for lost income, you’ll need:
- Pay stubs or tax returns
- Employer statements confirming time missed from work
- Doctor’s notes confirming work restrictions
- Proof of missed job opportunities or freelance contracts
7. Journal or Pain Log
A written record of your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how the injury has affected your daily life can help demonstrate non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
Don’t Wait to Preserve Evidence
After an accident, evidence can disappear quickly:
- Vehicles are repaired or scrapped
- Businesses delete surveillance footage
- Witnesses forget what they saw
- Physical injuries begin to heal
That’s why it’s important to act quickly — and to consult a personal injury attorney who can send preservation letters, gather records, and manage the legal process before anything vital is lost.
Spagnoletti Law Firm Builds Strong Cases With the Right Evidence
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t leave your case to chance. The sooner you gather evidence, the stronger your claim will be.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents injury victims across Texas and knows how to collect, preserve, and present the right evidence to support your case. We’ll help ensure nothing is overlooked and that your claim is backed by solid facts.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. You pay no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.