The burden of proof determines which party must provide evidence in personal injury cases. It also specifies how much support their claims must receive from the evidence. If a plaintiff wants to succeed, they must understand and satisfy the burden of proof.
Plaintiffs have the burden of proving their case by a preponderance of the evidence in a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. In other words, plaintiffs need to compile proof demonstrating that the likelihood of their allegations being true exceeds a certain threshold. Several types of evidence can be used to meet the burden of proof.
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Victims recollections
It can be challenging to predict which accident-related data will be crucial down the road after an accident. Moreover, victims often find it difficult to recall certain minor facts about their injuries. As a result, you should write down your account of the accident that resulted in your injuries while your memory is still clear. These recollections can be helpful to your personal injury attorney when constructing your case and satisfying the burden of proof.
Video surveillance
Surveillance footage can be used to meet the burden of proof. An example would be using security camera footage to show the contributing causes of a slip and fall accident in a grocery store. Using traffic camera footage, it is also possible to identify the driver who caused an intersection collision. However, obtaining the surveillance footage might not be easy. Whatever the situation, an experienced Peachtree Corners injury lawyer can assist in locating copies of relevant security videos for your case.
Images from the accident scene
Images taken at the scene of an accident are another often utilized form of evidence to satisfy the burden of proof. Pictures can validate or refute claims about what may have caused a particular accident. For example, photos of a malfunctioning light fixture may be used to demonstrate that inadequate lighting was the cause of a slip-and-fall accident. It is also possible to refute a defendant’s claim that foggy circumstances caused a collision by presenting images from the area of the accident that demonstrate the weather was clear.
Accident report
When an accident happens, an official report that identifies the reason for the incident may be written. For example, after an automobile collision, a police officer must visit the site to compile an accident report. On the other hand, staff members who were on duty at a restaurant may be requested to file an accident report following a slip and fall incident.
Testimony of an expert witness
Lastly, Georgia personal injury claimants may also rely on expert witness testimony to meet their burden of proof. These expert witnesses are helpful in the explanation of intricate fault theories. For example, an engineering expert would be consulted to explain how a defective tool resulted in a construction accident.
Conclusion
Getting in touch with a Georgia personal injury attorney for assistance in satisfying the burden of proof for personal injury claims is advisable.