Tips for Documenting Evidence at the Scene of a Car Accident
If you were in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, gathering evidence after your accident is critical to prove your personal injury case. Notably, you will need as much evidence as possible to establish the other driver’s liability — and to show the damages you incurred. While some evidence should be collected at the scene immediately following the incident, other car accident evidence can be obtained in the weeks and months after the collision.
What Type of Evidence Should You Collect at the Scene of an Accident?
Gathering car accident evidence at the scene is crucial to documenting any personal injury case you might file to pursue compensation for your car crash-related injuries. However, the immediate aftermath of a collision can be stressful and overwhelming — and it is essential to know what evidence is important to obtained. Certain types of evidence should be collected immediately after a car accident in order to ensure it is preserved and will support your case.
Depending on the injuries you’ve suffered, it may not be possible to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. While every personal injury matter is unique, car accident evidence that may be collected at the scene can include the following:
- Police accident report — After a car crash, the police should be called to the scene. They will generate an accident report that provides the relevant details regarding the crash. While a police accident report is not admissible in court, it can still be used as leverage for the purpose of obtaining a favorable settlement with the insurance company.
- Documentation of road conditions — Be sure to make note of any road, traffic, and weather conditions at the time of the accident. Writing down these details while they are fresh in your memory can help you remember what happened later on.
- Witness contact information — Witness testimony can be vital in a personal injury action to prove liability. Obtain the names and contact information of any bystanders who saw the accident as it occurred or those who were inside other vehicles.
- License plate numbers of other vehicles — License plate numbers can help identify other vehicles that were involved in the accident for insurance claim purposes.
- Photos of any damage or debris — Photos of damage to your vehicle, broken glass, and any debris in the road can provide a jury with evidence to demonstrate fault.
- Video footage from your phone — If you are able, take video of the entire accident scene with your phone. This can help to provide visual evidence of how the accident occurred and who is to blame.
Significantly, medical documentation serves as the foundation of your personal injury case and can help to strengthen your injury claim. It’s best to seek medical attention immediately following the accident — doing so can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated before they can worsen. Even if you don’t think you are hurt, some injuries do not appear until weeks, or even months, later.
What Car Accident Evidence Do You Need to Collect in the Days and Weeks After the Crash?
While some car accident evidence must be collected at the scene of the accident, additional evidence can be gathered later. An experienced personal injury attorney will have the knowledge and resources to conduct an investigation and obtain the evidence that is needed to build a strong case. For instance, an attorney can assist you with obtaining video footage from dash cams or nearby businesses and homes that may have captured the accident as it happened. Other evidence they can help you collect may include the event data recorder from the other vehicle involved in the accident as well as cell phone records if distracted driving played a role in the accident.
Importantly, the evidence concerning liability and damages often present concepts that are extremely complex — and they may be difficult for a jury to understand. A personal injury attorney will also have access to expert witnesses who can help with painting a clear picture about your injuries and who is to blame for the accident. For example, an accident reconstruction expert can analyze the factors that led to the collision and determine what caused it. Medical experts can also be used in car accident cases to explain to the jury how your injury impacted your daily life and your ability to work.
Contact an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a collision, it’s important to have an attorney by your side who can protect your rights — and assist you with collecting the car accident evidence you need to support your claim. With locations in Burien and Bellevue, Herron Law Office, PLLC is committed to helping you prove your case and recover the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled for your car accident-related injuries. We welcome you to contact us for a consultation to discuss your case by calling (425) 600-2580.