What Are The First Steps When Collecting Evidence After A Car Accident?
What Are The First Steps When Collecting Evidence After A Car Accident?
If you are involved in a collision despite all your best efforts, the more evidence you are able to collect at the scene and afterwards, the better your chances will be of recovering full compensation for your injuries. Photos and witness statements will help your personal injury attorney in negotiating a settlement with the insurance company, or serve as invaluable evidence in court. Take photos from multiple angles and capture all aspects of the wreck, including weather conditions, skid marks, road signs, and debris on the roadway.
Take Pictures
Taking pictures at the scene of an accident is important to document everything that occurred. This includes injuries and any damage that your vehicle sustained. Get several photographs of the entire scene, including wide shots from multiple angles. Also take pictures of any damage to the other vehicles or objects that were damaged in the crash, such as signs or buildings. If you are injured or not in a position to walk around and take photos, ask a loved one or passenger to help. This is an important step because the person who takes these photos will be the only ones to have them at a later date.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
One of the most important steps you can take after a car accident is to exchange information with the other driver. This can help you identify the negligent party, which could lead to compensation for your injuries. You need to get the full name of all drivers involved in the crash, including the insurance details for each driver. This may seem overly precautious but if you only go by the name on the driver’s insurance card, you could be blaming the wrong person for something they had nothing to do with. You should also ask for the driver’s license number and vehicle registration. These numbers can be important later on if you need to communicate with your insurer or file a claim for injury damages.
Exchange Information With Witnesses
One of the most important aspects of a car accident case is the testimony of witnesses. If these individuals are able to identify the events that occurred before, during, and after the collision, it can make a huge difference in the case outcome. However, there are many factors that go into determining whether a witness is credible. For example, a witness may not be able to remember what happened if they were intoxicated or suffered from memory loss. For these reasons, it is always best to obtain the contact information of witnesses as soon as possible after an accident has occurred. This will allow you to verify their identity and get their statement in advance of a trial.
File A Police Report
A police report can be a crucial piece of evidence in your personal injury case. It is often given more credibility than the victims or at-fault parties’ retelling of the events because it represents an unbiased third party perspective of the incident. It is also helpful for car accident insurance claims. By filing a police report, you can expedite the process and ensure that your insurance company has all the information they need to make an accurate claim on your behalf.
Contact An Attorney
One of the most important things to do after an accident is to contact an attorney. And we understand that injury incidents occur around-the-clock all across the world. And while these accidents may be hard to avoid, obtaining justice and maximum compensation from a negligent party can be in reach with the help of a proven attorney. The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, Inc. are ready to help you. Let our diligent legal team advocate for your best interests and put their extensive legal abilities to get your life back on track today!
Categorised in: General, Injury, Personal Injury Lawyer