What Evidence Should You Collect After a Car Accident?

The outcome of a car accident case will typically depend on the strength of the evidence presented. Therefore, it’s critical that you gather as much information as possible to corroborate your claim that you were injured by another party. Let’s take a look at the types of evidence that you’ll likely need to obtain a favorable settlement or jury award.

Evidence From the Scene

The first thing that you’ll want to do is to collect evidence from the scene of the wreck itself. This often includes taking pictures of your vehicle immediately after the wreck, getting witness statements or obtain cellphone, dashcam or other footage from the scene. Pictures and videos can show exactly what happened, helping to determine who was liable for the accident. You should also obtain a copy of the police report generated, which will describe how the wreck happened and any factors that went into it. For example, the report might indicate that the other driver appeared tired, intoxicated or distracted when the accident occurred.

A police report should also have any information that you need to identify the other driver in the crash. At a minimum, you should get that person’s license number, insurance information and contact information. This will make it easier for your insurance company to conduct an investigation into the wreck, which may include contacting the defendant.

Organize Medical Records

At a minimum, you’ll go to the emergency room or to your doctor after a wreck. This generates a paper trail that you can use to establish that the accident involving the defendant was the proximate cause of your injuries. You’ll also be able to use invoices from your doctor, hospital or insurance company as proof that you suffered a monetary loss as a result of the defendant’s actions.

Keep a Journal

It can be difficult in the immediate aftermath of a car accident to link the wreck to your injuries. This is because a broken bone, head injury or internal bleed might not be apparent right away. However, keeping a journal can make it easier to keep track of your condition in the days and weeks after the accident. In most cases, you will be able to introduce it into evidence either during settlement talks or during a civil trial.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s critical to take quick action to obtain as much evidence as possible. An attorney may be able to help you obtain or organize witness statements, medical records and other information needed to get the compensation you might be entitled to under state law.