Written by: Jada Watson
When you are involved in a car accident, you need evidence to help support you in your claim and/or case. The main 4 pieces of evidence that will help you are:
Photographs
Medical records
Police reports
Witnesses
Use your phone to take photographs of the accident. Photos can help an accident reenactment in court. Take photos of the area of the accident from all directions: close-up and from further away. If either or both vehicles left skid marks, take pictures of those.
You should also take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident. Take photographs of the areas of damage from afar and close-up. Photos will give a clear view of the damage and can show details that may not have been noticed initially.
YAY$ Tip: Gather all records related to car repairs and car rentals. This includes documentation of any recent repairs or improvements made to your car shortly before the accident. If applicable, you should gather this type of information and accompanying receipts.
It's important to obtain timely medical treatment for any injuries and to inform all treating health care providers that you were involved in a car accident. Your medical records are vital to demonstrating the degree of your injuries.
From your initial emergency room visit to your regular physical therapy appointments, your medical treatments and bills can help the court determine how much you are owed. Once you have completed all treatment, ask for a complete copy of all of your medical records, including diagnostic images like x-rays or MRIs.
YAY$ Tip: Gather all medical bills from each provider, and make sure you track down all necessary pay stubs, W-2s, and other evidence to support any lost wages/lost income claim.
The official police report of the accident is usually seen as an objective view of the facts of the crash. Officers may record who they think is at fault and any other helpful information that can affect your settlement.
YAY$ Tip: You should obtain the name, address, driver's license number, vehicle plate numbers, and insurance information from all other drivers involved. Find out whether any of the drivers were driving for their employer at the time of the accident, and if so, obtain the employer's name and contact information.
Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Eyewitnesses are people who were present at the scene and saw the crash happen firsthand. An eyewitness can give helpful testimony such as confirmation that an at-fault driver was texting while driving.
Expert witnesses are specialists, (i.e accident reconstructionists, doctors, engineers, etc.), who can give their educated opinions on complex issues to help the jury understand the full effects of the crash.
Remember, the injured person must gather evidence that substantiates his or her version of the events leading up to the accident, claims of physical injury, and claims for lost wages.
If you, or someone you know have been involved in an auto accident, call Your Accident Your Money at (888) 766-6398