Preserving and Protecting Evidence in a Car Accident Case

In the event that the insurance company denies the liability of the other party, there could be a big gap between their claim and your full damages. This is especially true when your insurance company argues that something other than negligence as the reason for the accident.

During this time your team will ask information from the other side, through depositions and interrogatories. These questions will be posed to witnesses, the driver who was not involved and others.

Preserving Evidence

The evidence you have in a car accident could increase your chances to win an award or get damages. It is important to preserve and protect any evidence that you have after a car accident.

Thanks to the advancements in technology, this is now easier than ever before. You can use your smartphone to capture high-quality photos and videos of the scene. These tools can assist you to gather important evidence that might otherwise be lost or destroyed.

The most crucial pieces evidence include the actual accident scene and witnesses. It is recommended that you try to capture the scene in the exact condition it was at following the collision. This includes all vehicles involved in a crash as well as any skidmarks or marks on the road, the conditions of the weather as well as traffic signs and other important factors.

It is also advisable to contact nearby businesses to ask them to save any evidence that could be relevant to your case. For example, if you were hit by a truck, requesting that the black box of the truck be preserved could be beneficial to your claim.

You might also find it beneficial to request the test of the driver who is a drug user driver if you suspect that they were negligent or on drugs. The tests can show that they were drunk or distracted while driving, which would be strong evidence of their responsibility for the cause of the accident.

Documenting your injuries

When it comes to personal injury cases, thorough documentation is essential. Not only does this ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of the symptoms, but it will also help your attorney prove your damages and losses when making a claim against the responsible party for negligence.

One of the most important forms of documentation is medical records. Request copies of all records when you visit your doctor to receive treatment after an accident. These records serve as official documents describing your injuries, symptoms and diagnoses. These records also document the expenses you have incurred due to your auto accident. This is crucial because a lot of these expenses could be reimbursed as part your compensation claim.

It is also an excellent idea to keep a record of your physical and mental state following the accident. This should include the kind of pain you feel and where it happens, and the length of time it lasts. Also, if suffering from mental trauma, it is essential to document it also, since juries frequently make awards of non-economic damages for the same type of pain.

It is also advisable to take photos of your injuries, as well as the scene of the accident if you can. These could include images of your vehicle, other vehicles involved in the collision, and any damage that could have been caused to other objects (such as a building or sign). It is best to take multiple photographs of each object from different angles to allow the investigators to discern the exact cause for the accident.

Collecting Witness Statements

In the ideal situation, witness statements should be collected as quickly as possible after an accident. Keep in mind that memories fade with time. It is best to have witnesses provide their statements as soon as they can. The more specific a statement, the better. It is also recommended to record any interview with a witness (with their consent obviously), as this will help ensure that the witness's account is accurate.

It's also worth looking for witnesses outside of the immediate vicinity of your crash. For instance, you might need to ask employees of local businesses if they witnessed your car accident. This could lead to footage of your crash captured on the security camera in a store which could be helpful in your case.

It's also worth ensuring that any statements made by prospective witnesses don't include guesses or opinions regarding the outcome of your accident or sympathy for other victims who were involved in the collision. These statements can damage your credibility, especially when they're contradicted by other witnesses. Do not ask anyone who knows the person who caused your injuries, or works for their employer, to give evidence. They may attempt to try and influence your claim on behalf of the company they represent. If this is the case, you may not be able to get the compensation you require.

Contacting an Attorney

Consider whether an attorney is able to conduct an extensive investigation into your accident. This could mean visiting the site of the crash, speaking with witnesses and gathering other documentation about the crash and your injuries.

After examining all documentation, your attorney will start the negotiation process for settlement with insurance companies for the driver who was at fault. The goal is to negotiate a fair settlement, without the necessity of a trial. Your attorney can discuss with the insurance company multiple times before coming to an agreement.

The severity of your injury will have a major impact on the amount of compensation you receive. The most severe injuries can lead to greater medical expenses and permanent effects that require more intensive treatment. Some victims of car auto accidents could require surgery to repair long-term injuries. These expenses would be reflected in your total economic damages.

Your lawyer will also take into account your future medical needs as well as the reduced quality of life your injuries have caused. If you sustained permanent injuries in an accident that required you to remodel your house in order to be able to access every part of it, you can include the cost of this in your non-economic losses.