How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case

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

You'll need documentation of your damages, including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs. It is recommended to begin collecting this information in the earliest time possible at the site of the accident.

Get Help

In the case of a car crash it is important to prioritize seeking medical attention right away. If you're able to, gather as much information from the accident scene as possible.

Utilize the camera or video function of your phone to capture photographs of the vehicles involved. Take pictures of skid marks, damages, and anything else that you think might be helpful. Inquire anyone who was present at the scene to provide you their contact details as well as a short description of what they observed. Be careful not to disclose any personal information about your insurance coverage or the policy limits.

Also, look for any cameras in the vicinity that could have recorded the incident like red light or security cameras. Try to find out who controls those cameras, so you can request copies of the footage later.

Documentation of your expenses is another important step. In some instances, you could receive compensation for the money you spent on things like the rental of a car during the time your vehicle was being repaired or a trip from and back to work while you were recovering from an injury. Additionally, you may claim compensation for the past and future lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working or result in less than expected earnings in the future.

Keep note of all medical expenses related to the accident. If your injuries cause an ongoing impairment, it might be possible to seek damages to cover future care costs. This could include home modifications as well as assistive equipment that allows you to continue living at your home or at work. You may also be eligible to claim compensation for other financial losses, including the cost of a caregiver or household replacement services if your injuries prohibit you from performing these chores on your own.

Gathering Evidence

The first step in any accident case is to gather the most evidence possible. The rules for presenting evidence within a courtroom vary from state to state however there are certain types of evidence that can be effective in almost all accidents.

Witness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony is crucial when it comes to accidents. It provides a factual account of the incident to help determine the source of the fault. There are many witnesses such as pedestrians, drivers of nearby vehicles as well as family members or friends. They may also have a smartphone on their person that could be used to record their statements or they might choose to simply provide a written report.

Photographic Evidence

Photographs of the scene of the accident are the most evident evidence of the accident. The evidence can include a road that has been slick, broken glasses, and damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. It could also be due to environmental factors, like traffic signals or construction sites that may contribute to the crash.

Police Reports

The police reports generated after any type of motor vehicle crash are crucial to a lawsuit filed against a car accident law firm. They can include the officer's opinion on who was at fault for the incident, as well any traffic violations committed by the other driver. It is crucial to get an official copy of the report as soon as possible, or at the very least while it's being written so that you can have an opportunity to examine the accuracy of the information.

Contact Information for Witnesses

It's a good idea gather as much information as you can from witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. You can ask them for their names and contact numbers to enable your lawyer to speak with them about what they witnessed during the accident as well as in its immediate aftermath.

Medical Records

If you're injured as a result of a car accident, it's important to keep track all your medical appointments. These records will help you document the injuries you've sustained and will assist your legal team in calculating the compensation you're entitled to in injuries.

Documenting your injuries

You should capture photos and videos of the accident site when you are able to do so without placing your health in danger. You can draw an accurate image of the scene using your smartphone or camera connected to your vehicle. The photos should show any visible injuries or damages that may have occurred as a result of the accident. It is also useful to record any skid marks, road conditions and other things that could help to paint a more precise image of the accident.

Even if you believe your injuries aren't serious it is important to seek medical treatment as soon after the accident as possible. A lot of injuries, especially soft tissue neck and back pain may take a few days or even weeks to manifest. The sooner you consult a doctor, the more likely you are to have more evidence to back your claim that the accident caused the injury and loss.

You should also keep an eye on the medical costs and treatment. Save receipts for prescriptions and equipment, and travel expenses to and from medical appointments, since they are all eligible expenses that you may be able to recover compensation for. You should also keep an account of your injury and the symptoms it causes that will allow you to record the daily intensity of your discomfort.

It is crucial to provide the police a detailed account of the incident. However, it is also advisable to write down the names and contact details of any witnesses. Witnesses could be able to give additional details that can assist the police with their investigation. This is especially important if you ever need to bring a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim in the future.

You should also obtain a copy from the insurance company of the person at fault. This report is useful for determining the responsibility of the crash, as well for the potential damages that could be incurred, like property damage medical expenses, lost wages, and other compensable costs.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

It is recommended to engage an experienced attorney if you are dealing with a large insurer after an accident. They can negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf and often negotiate significantly higher settlement amounts.

Your lawyer will collect financial documents from your bank accounts, employer, and investments to show how the accident impacted your earnings. They will also request medical records from your doctor to justify your claim for compensation. They may need to interview you in person, or question witnesses to the incident to get an official record. Then, they will review all evidence and consult with experts to determine the value of your non-economic losses.

After assembling all the relevant information and preparing a letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company at the fault. The letter will explain the facts of the situation, legal reasons why their insured is responsible under NY law, and also make an offer of compensation. Insurance companies will often respond with an offer that is low-ball. Your attorney will assist in deciding whether to accept, deny or re-engage in discussions with the counteroffer.

You must be careful in discussions with the insurance provider since what you say could affect your case. Do not admit fault or say you will not to sue. This could be used in court later against you. It is also important to refrain from making statements about your injuries or how the accident happened, as these can be used to limit your claim.

A seasoned Long Island car accident lawyer can assist you through the insurance company's negotiations. They'll be able to examine the offers offered and provide you with an estimate of the amount you're entitled in terms of financial compensation as well as what medical treatment or expenses you will need in the future.

The insurance company can be difficult to work with and a lot of their tactics are designed to deceive you into accepting the lowest offer you are entitled to. Negotiate firmly and always remember that settlements must be written. This will prevent an unethical insurance adjuster from making a claim over the phone and then denying it later.