How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case

An accident reconstruction specialist can help maximize the value of your claim by analyzing the forces involved in the crash. They can also provide information into your injuries and quantify the damage you've suffered.

You will need to provide documentation of your damages, including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses. It is best to begin collecting this evidence in the earliest time possible at the scene of the accident.

Getting Help

If you are in a car crash receiving immediate medical attention should be your first priority. However, if you are healthy enough to receive medical attention it is essential to collect as much information as you can at the scene of the accident.

Use the camera or video feature of your phone to snap photos of the vehicles involved. Photograph any damage, skid marks, and anything else that you think might be helpful. Also, ask anyone on the scene to provide their contact information as well as an explanation of what they saw. Be careful not to divulge any personal information concerning your insurance coverage or the limits of your policy.

Also, look for any cameras in the area that may have captured the accident like red light or security cameras. Find the person who is responsible for those cameras, so that you can request copies of the footage later.

Recording your expenses is essential. In some instances, you can recover compensation for the money you have spent on things like a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired or the cost of a ride to and from work while you are recovering from injuries. In addition, you can seek compensation for the past and future lost earnings if your injuries stop you from working or result in less than anticipated earnings in the near future.

Keep note of all medical expenses that are related to the accident. If your injuries result in an indefinite impairment, you may be able claim damages for future costs of care like adjustments to your home and assistive equipment which allow you to remain at home or at work. You can also claim compensation for additional financial losses, such as the costs of a caregiving professional or household replacement services if your injuries render it impossible for you to perform these chores yourself.

Gathering Evidence

The first step in any accident case is gathering the most evidence that is available. The rules for presenting evidence the courtroom vary from state to state however, there are certain kinds of evidence that are effective in almost all accidents.

Witness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony is critical in the case of an accident. It gives a reconstructed account of the accident which helps determine the fault. Witnesses can be drawn from all kinds of sources, like pedestrians walking around and drivers of nearby vehicles, or even family members or friends. They may have an iPhone that they make a note of their experience, or they may choose to write a report.

Photographic Evidence

Photographs of the accident scene are the most obvious evidence of the accident. These can include skid marks on the road, broken glass and the destruction of both vehicles involved in the crash. This can include environmental factors like traffic signals and construction sites that may have contributed to the accident.

Police Reports

The police reports that are produced following any kind of motor vehicle collision are essential for a car accident lawsuit. These documents can contain the officer's evaluation of who was responsible for the accident, as in any traffic violations committed by either driver. It is important to obtain an official copy of the report as early as you can or at the very least while it's being written, so that you have an opportunity to examine the accuracy of the information.

Contact Information for Witnesses

It's always a good idea to gather as much information as you can from any witnesses who might have witnessed the incident. Request their names as well as contact information to allow your attorney to be able to interview them regarding what they saw during the incident and the immediate aftermath.

Medical Records

Keep track of your medical appointments in the event that you're injured in an accident. These records will allow you to keep track of the injuries you've suffered and assist your legal team in calculating how much compensation you're entitled to in the damages.

Documenting your injuries

If you are able to do this without putting at risk your health, it is crucial to take photographs and videos of the accident scene. Whether you use your cellphone or a camera that is connected to your car, this will enable you to create a clear picture of the scene. The photos should contain any visible injuries or damage that resulted from the accident. It is also useful to record any skid tracks, road conditions, or accident lawsuit other factors that can help paint a clearer image of the accident.

Even if you think the injuries are not too serious it is important to seek medical treatment as soon after the incident as soon as you can. A lot of injuries, especially soft tissue neck and back problems, can take days or even weeks to manifest. The sooner you consult a doctor, the more likely you are to have more evidence to support your claim that the accident caused the injury and loss.

Keep track of your medical expenses as well as treatment. Keep receipts of prescriptions, equipment and travel costs to and from medical appointments, since these are all eligible expenses you may be able recover compensation for. You should also keep an account of your injuries and associated symptoms that will allow you to keep track of the severity of your pain.

It is essential to give the police a full description of the incident. However, it is also advisable to write down the names and contact details of any witnesses. Witnesses could be able to provide additional information to assist the police in their investigation, and should you ever have to file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim in the future.

You should also get an insurance company of the party who was at the fault. The report can be helpful in determining who is responsible for the incident and related damages, such as medical bills, property damage as well as lost wages and other expenses that are compensable.

Discussions with the Insurance Company

It is a good idea to hire an experienced attorney in the event of dealing with a large insurance company after an accident. These lawyers can deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf, and frequently reach agreements with significantly higher settlement amounts.

Your lawyer will request financial records from your employer and bank accounts to demonstrate the impact of your accident on your earnings. They will also request medical records from your physicians to justify your claim for compensation. You may be required to attend an interview or take a deposition on the incident to get an official report. They will then go through all the evidence and consult experts when determining what the non-economic damage you suffered is worth.

After assembling all the necessary details, they draft a letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company at fault. The letter will explain the facts of the situation and legal reasons as to why the insured is legally liable under NY law, and then make a demand for compensation. Insurance companies often respond with an offer that is low-ball. Your lawyer will help you decide whether to accept the counteroffer, decline it, or go back to discussions.

Be careful when dealing with the insurance company because what you say could damage your case. Do not admit to the fault of the incident or promise not to sue as it could be used against you later in court. Be careful not to make statements regarding your injuries and the reason for the accident, accident lawsuit as they could be used to diminish your claim.

An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer will assist you in handling insurance company's negotiations. They can evaluate the offer and provide information on what you are entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, as well as what medical treatment or other costs you might need in the near future.

Insurance companies can be difficult and will employ a variety of strategies to convince you accept a lower price. Be firm when you negotiate and keep in mind that any settlement you negotiate must be in writing. This will stop an unethical insurance adjuster from making a claim over the phone only to deny it later.