Surviving any type of car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, most at-fault drivers won’t take the high road after causing a collision. If anything, they may try to escape liability by tricking their victims into making a statement or apology that jeopardizes their claim. To protect yourself from the machinations of a negligent driver and their insurer, you need to collect evidence that proves you were not the cause of the crash.
There are 4 critical pieces of evidence that can help protect your right to damages:
- Photographs: As the famous adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This is particularly true after a car collision. The defendant can make a thousand accusations, but your attorney and insurance provider can utilize photographic evidence to recreate the events that led up to the crash. These pictures can clear you of liability, establish the defendant as the at-fault party, and ultimately prove that your injuries are worthy of compensation. But the accident scene will be cleared quickly, so you have to act fast (if possible). If you can, use a smartphone or personal camera to take pictures of:
- The accident scene
- The parties involved in the collision
- Vehicular damage
- License plates
- Property damage
- Your injuries
- Insurance information
- Witness Testimonies: Many car accident victims experience the symptoms of shock and confusion after surviving a traffic collision. Consequently, most firsthand survivor testimonies are vague or missing important details that can elucidate the overall sequence of events. After an accident, it’s crucial that you speak with the Good Samaritans who stopped to help you and ask if they’re willing to share their testimonies. Write down their names, phone numbers, and details about their statements and give this information to your legal representative.
- Your Medical Record: You need to see a medical professional immediately after the collision to make sure you aren’t suffering any life-threatening injuries or side-effects. Your doctor can update your medical record with test results, x-rays, and other important information that can be used as evidence in your case. This record supports your claim by clearly stating the extent of the damage and proving that your injuries aren’t a preexisting condition.
- The Police Record: Calling 911 for emergency assistance is the first step you need to take after surviving a car accident. This notifies law enforcement that an accident has occurred and that there may be injured parties in need of help. The police will take down statements, talk to witnesses, and collect evidence to get an idea of how the accident occurred. They will use this information to complete a police report that can be used as crucial evidence in your case. After all, judges and juries respect the word of the law above all else. The police record is especially helpful if your case involves a drunk, distracted, or uninsured driver.
Do You Require Legal Assistance? Schedule a Consultation Today
Of course, it can be difficult to collect evidence if your injuries prevent you from taking pictures or talking to witnesses. If you require legal assistance at the scene of an accident, contact the car accident attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC as soon as possible. We can guide you through each step of this challenging legal process.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC at (512) 326-3200 to schedule a consultation today.
