Your ability to recover significant compensation after a car accident will depend heavily on the kind of evidence that you can present in support of your claim. The first few hours or days after the incident are crucial.
Photographic Evidence of Accident Scene
Soon after the accident and right at the scene, begin collecting evidence in the form of photographs and video footage of the site of the wreck. Take pictures from different angles.
Witness Testimony
Talk with witnesses at the scene of the accident, take down their contact information, and ask for their statements. Ask them what they saw. The chances are that witnesses could have seen the driver engage in dangerous driving practices that you failed to observe. Memories are short and after a few days, a witness could forget important details of the accident that could have been critical evidence for you so make sure you make contact as soon as possible.
Testimony by the Other Motorist
If the other motorist admitted that he or she did not see you before he or she hit you, make a note of it. If you have the wherewithal, make an audio recording of what he or she says at the scene of the accident. If the other motorist admits negligence, even by mistake, inform police officers at the scene. If police officers cite the other motorist, it could appear in the police report, and that could be a valuable piece of evidence for you. Bear in mind that in many states non-consensual audio recordings are inadmissible in court.
Police Report
Get a copy of the police report. The police report may contain citations of the other motorist for distracted driving or drunk driving, and these can help boost your claim.
Medical Evidence
Make a roster of all your medical expenses. Document all of your medical costs, and maintain copies of bills, receipts, invoices, and transportation expenses. Note down all of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Document your injuries. Take pictures before treatment begins, and while treatment progresses. Get a summary from your doctor in the form of a report clearly identifying the reasons for your injuries and how long you may be expected to suffer the consequences of the injuries.
Property Damage Records
Document all of your property damage losses. Get estimates for repairs on your car and retain evidence of repairs to the damaged car. Take pictures of the damage to your car, and don’t get the car repaired or sold until you have taken photographic evidence of the damage.
All of this evidence will be useful when you speak with a car accident attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair to pursue a car crash claim (641) 792-3595.
