Car accidents can leave a lasting impact on the people involved. Victims usually endure severe injuries such as broken ribs, concussion and whiplash. They may also have to deal with property damage. All these can cause a major financial strain.
Right after the accident, you might be in pain, confused and overwhelmed by everything that’s happened. But you need to act swiftly to gather evidence necessary to bolster your case.
Evidence serves as the cornerstone of any legal proceeding, and car crash cases are no different. It clarifies the facts, pinpoints liability, as well as substantiates the extent of the damages.
Without compelling evidence, it can be very difficult to establish fault or quantify the damages.
Keep in mind also that insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently dispute victims’ claims, all the more highlighting the need for strong evidence to counter such challenges.
That said, here are the most essential pieces of evidence you need in a car accident case:
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses saw the accident happen and their accounts can be invaluable to your case. Their statements serve to establish fault and validate your narrative of what really happened so make sure to get the contact information of the witnesses at the accident scene and ask them if they can testify or at least make a statement.
Police Report
When you’re in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call the police. The responding officers will document the accident details and file an official police report which typically include information about the parties involved, a detailed description of the accident scene, witness statements and the officer’s initial assessment of what happened.
You need to get a copy of the police report as it can provide an objective account of the accident, as well as other relevant details.
Pictures and Videos
Visual evidence serves as a powerful tool in illustrating the gravity of the accident and its aftermath. Take photos or videos of your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions and traffic signs.
Medical Documentation
Your medical records and bills serve as solid evidence that shows just how badly you were emotional distressed and hurt from the accident and how much it’s costing you. Get copies of all your medical documents including notes from your doctor, test results, and treatment plans.
Proof of Lost Wages
In the unfortunate event that your injuries render you unable to work, you need to substantiate your wage loss damages and used benefits such as depleted sick leave or paid time off to cope with the aftermath of the accident. Keep a record of your paystubs and tax returns, bank statements, official letter from your employer and other pertinent items.
Expert Opinion
The testimonies of subject matter experts play a pivotal role in showing liability and damages in complex car accident cases. Accident reconstruction specialists, automotive engineers and medical professionals can offer professional analyses and opinions grounded in their expertise and experience. Many car accidents occurs due to weathers condition.
Accident reconstruction specialists will closely examine the accident scene, the damages incurred, and other factors to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision. Medical experts, on the other hand, can provide invaluable insights into the nature and extent of your injuries, treatments, rehabilitative care and long-term consequences.
Cell Phone Records and Surveillance Footage
In scenarios where distracted driving or other forms of negligence are suspected, you need to access the cell phone records from the liable party which could reveal whether the driver was using their phone at the time of the accident.
Such records serve as compelling evidence of distracted driving and substantiate claims of negligence. And if possible, get surveillance footage on the accident as well. Nearby businesses may have CCTV recordings or check if there are traffic cameras available close to the scene of the accident.
Why It’s Vital to Preserve Evidence After a Car Accident
Holding onto evidence is very important because it paints a clear picture of what really happened before and during the accident. Evidence like photos, witness statements, police reports, and videos helps piece together the puzzle, determining fault and the extent of compensation that you deserve.
In legal and insurance matters, evidence serves as a foundation, supporting your claims for injuries and losses stemming from the crash. Without reliable evidence, proving your case to insurance companies becomes challenging – to say the least.
Preserving Evidence After a Car Accident
If you have been a victim of a serious car accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer promptly so they can immediately secure vital evidence for your accident needed to strengthen your case before it’s lost.
Your lawyer will start by gathering various evidence crucial for establishing fault and will also interview witnesses to get accurate and comprehensive details, going beyond what the police may have collected.