Preserving evidence in auto accidents is a crucial step that many people overlook when preparing their personal injury cases.
Knowing the importance of preserving evidence can protect you from unexpected losses and provide the courts with all of the information needed to settle a claim in your favor.
The following will help you understand what evidence to gather after an automobile accident so that you have everything you need.
Preserving Evidence in Auto Accidents
Automobile accidents result in injuries, death, and damage to property. But drivers don’t always know what to do immediately after an accident.
The proper response protects you and your passengers while ensuring that you obtain all of the information needed to file a personal injury claim. Gathering evidence as soon as possible helps you recall the events that took place.
You should write down your account of the accident so that you include all of the relevant details. Photographs should be taken of the entire scene and any damage.
Take pictures of license plates and identification so that you have everything you need when reporting an accident to the police and insurance companies.
The weather and driving conditions are other factors that you should consider. These can serve as evidence to establish who is at fault and what actions could have been taken to avoid a collision.
Primary Types of Evidence
Photographs provide the best evidence to support your claim. They demonstrate the scene of the accident and include important details.
Use video to show malfunctioning traffic lights, obstructed signs, and record the extent of injuries at the scene.
Witnesses can provide evidence through their accounts of what they saw. Make a note of all possible witnesses, and ask them to provide any information that might help establish the facts related to your accident.
You can request a written statement from witnesses or exchange contact information to discuss the incident at another time.
Evidence from surveillance and dashboard cameras can be gathered and provide invaluable evidence for automobile accident cases.
If a police report was written by a responding officer, take the steps to obtain a copy and confirm its accuracy. This report includes information related to all drivers involved as well as any citations that were issued at the scene of the accident.
If you sustained any injuries, take photographs of them and preserve the clothing you were wearing when the accident occurred.
Any bills related to automobile repairs and medical treatments should be collected, as you may be able to receive compensation for these and other losses. Having accurate records ensures that you get the compensation you deserve.
Supporting Your Case With the Right Evidence
Automobile accidents require you to file reports with law enforcement officials and insurance providers.
If you have an attorney representing your case, you’ll need to make sure that you have all of the evidence needed when working with these and other parties.
Preserving as much evidence as possible allows you to move forward in settling your personal injury claims. Insurance companies must determine the extent of injuries and damages when deciding how much to pay out.
The right evidence makes it easy for your insurance provider to pursue damages from all liable parties.
Cases that involve significant injuries require detailed evidence to determine who was at fault and what damages must be compensated. It helps the courts determine if criminal charges should be filed.
Regardless of the severity of your automobile accident, you should take the necessary steps to gather and preserve as much evidence as possible.
An attorney with experience and expertise in personal injury claims can help you determine what evidence you’ll need for your case to achieve the outcome you deserve.
