Learn the importance of gathering evidence after a car accident and essential legal tips to protect your rights and claim. Being involved in a car accident can certainly be a very unsettling and stressful event in one’s life. The injuries – both physical and emotional – that result from the accident, along with the financial burden of it, can just leave you feeling as if there is no way out.
Nonetheless, one of the most important things to do right after the accident is to collect evidence. You might think that it is impossible to even think about gathering evidence at that moment when there is so much going on, but, in fact, solid evidence can be extremely beneficial in terms of your case’s success whether it’s a matter of insurance or personal injury claim. This article aims to clarify the significance of evidence-gathering after a car accident and to provide you with useful legal tips to facilitate the process.
If you’ve recently been in an accident, it’s essential to consult with trusted car accident attorneys in Edmond who can help guide you through the evidence-gathering process. Evidence is critical because it supports your claims, ensures the correct parties are held accountable, and can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, the steps you take immediately after the accident can impact the outcome of your claim.
Why Evidence Collection is Critical After a Car Accident
Accidents tend to stir up a lot of emotions and the next thing you know, you forget about some details that actually matter. But still, getting evidence from the accident scene is, no doubt, one of the most crucial things to do if you want to have a good case. The facts you get will be your claims’ backbone and will, thus, allow you to identify who is at fault, prove how serious your injuries were, and also show the damages you have suffered.
The thing is that without evidence you might barely get compensated for your losses. It may seem to you that your case is so obvious, however, the parties involved, like other drivers, passengers, or witnesses, can see things differently. Presenting reliable evidence is a very good way to settle disagreements on who is to blame for the accident, the seriousness of injuries, and property damages – all three are the main issues in car accident cases.
Essential Types of Evidence You Should Collect After a Car Accident
First of all, to help you comprehend why collecting evidence can be so meaningful, here is a list of the basic evidence that you should have right after the accident:
1. Photographs of the Accident Scene
Photographic evidence is a highly significant piece of evidence. Make sure to take clear and sharp pictures of the accident site from different perspectives. Document the damages to all vehicles involved, the condition of the road, any debris, and the locations of the vehicles. If you can, take wide-angle shots showing the whole scene as well as close-ups of the damages and injuries.
Pictures can be very useful pieces of evidence in showing the exact matter of the accident and the hazards that existed at the time. Also, in case of visible injuries, take photos of them too which will help prove the extent of the damages and serve as crucial evidence for your personal injury claim.
2. Witness Statements and Contact Information
A witness statement might hold essential details on how the accident happened. If there were any locals or people around, ask them for their contact details and a brief description of what they saw. Eyewitness testimonies can be an unbiased view that may refute the conflict between the parties involved.
Don’t forget to write down their full names, phone numbers, and addresses so that they can be contacted if needed. They may be asked to testify in court in support of your case, which would be an option if the witness agrees and is available.
3. Police Report
A police report can be an indispensable document in an accident case. When the police get to the scene, they usually make a record of the event, which includes the statements, the evidence, and citations given. Besides, the police report will describe the road conditions, traffic signs, and witness statements, and all these items may be crucial to proving your case.
Be sure you get a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available. It will give you an official record of the accident and can be helpful in establishing liability.
4. Medical Records and Bills
Apart from car damages, if you got injured during the accident, your doctor’s medical report will be your best ally. It could be inpatient or outpatient treatment, prescription, follow-up care, or any other parameter you could think of. Your medical records together with the medical bills are vital not only to show that the injuries came from the accident but also to calculate the amount that you could get through a settlement.
Even if the injury seems minor at least medically, save all the medical evidence as it might help establish the nature and severity of the injury.
5. Insurance Information
In case of a car accident, it is very important to exchange insurance information with the other driver(s). You should write down their insurance company, the policy number, and the name and contact details of their agent. Besides that, it is highly recommended that you inform your own insurance company about the accident first and then provide them with all the details.
Bear in mind that your insurer may demand various types of papers such as snaps, medical records, and police reports to be able to process the claim on time.
6. Vehicle Damage Estimates
Get an estimate of the damage to your car as soon as possible. You can either bring your car to a mechanic or have a damage assessor come over. A writer estimate can be used as a proof of the cost of repair or replacement and it will give you an idea of the sum of money you can claim as a compensation.
Legal Tips for Effectively Collecting Evidence After an Accident
While you are collecting evidence, consider a few legal tips that have the potential to make your case even stronger:
1. Avoid Admitting Fault at the Scene
If you open a conversation about admitting fault with any person involved, be aware that ultimately it is up to the police officers and the insurance agencies to decide who is at fault. There is no need to argue about blame or to pass it on to someone else in the presence of either police or other people, for example, witnesses. You could complicate your case later by blaming yourself too soon.
2. Contact a Lawyer Early in the Process
After an accident, it is always prudent to talk to a lawyer, especially if the injuries are severe or there is a disagreement about who is at fault. Reliable car accident lawyers in Edmond can explain the whole process of law to you and make sure that the evidence is properly collected and preserved to support your case. An attorney coming to your aid would not only help you emancipate with insurer companies but also make sure that your rights are protected.
3. Don’t Speak to the Other Party’s Insurance Company Without Representation
Insurance companies try their best to limit the amount they pay out. They may also try to get hold of your information and use it against you. The best thing you can do before giving a statement to the other party’s insurance company, is to get a lawyer who will tell you what to say and how to keep your interests safe.
4. Document All Losses and Damages
In case that you have suffered any injury physically, don’t forget to also include the other kinds of losses that you have incurred because of the accident in your documentation, such as the loss of your income, damage to your property, and the emotional suffering. By doing this, you are helping to establish a comprehensive case which covers all your losses.
Why You Need Professional Legal Help After a Car Accident
Gathering evidence is of course very important, but to be honest it’s still quite difficult to try to figure out how to deal with the complicated legal and insurance systems. With the help of a highly skilled lawyer, you will be more than ready to: effectively gather and use evidence, have good terms with insurance companies, and even if the case goes to court, your lawyer will be your leader and your voice for your rights. At McGuire Law Firm, we understand the challenges that car accident victims face, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Our team of experienced attorneys will ensure that your evidence is properly handled and that your case is presented in the best light possible. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.