Car accidents happen all the time. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, more than 38,000 people die in a car accident every year in the United States, and 4.4 million people are injured seriously enough to require medical attention. Car accident cases get more and more complicated the less evidence you have. An insurance company’s tendency to evade responsibility is a lot more plausible when it’s just your word against the other driver’s, so it’s especially important to prioritize building your case with concrete evidence. This blog will discuss the most effective way to do this.

Evidence of Vehicle Damages 

According to AllLaw, in a car accident case, the damages that people see the largest amount of financial recovery for tends to be those done to their vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to compile the most thorough evidence of any damages that your car may have suffered during/after the crash. One of the smartest things you can do following an accident is to take detailed pictures of all the cars involved, with particular focus on your own. These will be invaluable to both insurance companies and your car accident lawyer, if you choose to hire one. Secondly, keep track of any documentation you receive regarding repairs made to your vehicle after the accident. This will prove what kind of work was done, how much it cost, and therefore the amount of compensation you should receive for them. When in doubt, keep every bill or notice that you receive for your vehicle, which can benefit you in the long run. 

Evidence Of Personal Injury

When it comes to personal injury as the result of a car accident, as recommended by the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices, your first concern should be your immediate health. This means accepting any medical treatment offered at the scene of the crash, even if you don’t believe that you have suffered an injury. After you have been treated for any injuries, now is the time to begin focusing on the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Much like with vehicle damages, effective ways to collect evidence include taking pictures and keeping any important documentation. Yet, something victims often overlook is keeping a journal of your recovery process that includes, doctor’s appointments, procedures done, time taken off work, and how you are feeling overall. 

Evidence of The Other Driver’s Impairment

If the driver that hit you was clearly intoxicated or distracted, video evidence can go a long way. It’s important to proceed with extra precaution around such drivers, as they can be unpredictable if the interaction becomes confrontational. It will definitely require some compartmentalization, but remain polite at all times. Acquire the driver’s (and passengers, if there are any) contact information.

Detailed Medical Records

Augusta injury lawyers at Nicholson Revell, LLP detail the significance your injuries after a car accident can have. This includes, but isn’t limited to, debilitating injuries, emotional trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and lifelong pain.

Having detailed and thorough medical records can be your best asset in proving the extent of physical and emotional damages. It’s important to not only seek medical attention, but do so right after the accident occurs. The court recognizes everything from immediate and delayed injuries, to emotional and mental suffering, so having a timely track record of your healing process is imperative to your case’s validity. Here are some things you should collect:

  • Bills
  • Doctor’s statements
  • Receipts
  • Expenses
  • Record of lost wages
  • Record of the treatment you received
  • Prescriptions
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care

Witness Testimony 

Granted, witness testimony may not be a component to every car accident case, but when they are, it can be pivotal in proving fault. After an accident, although the police may take statements from any witnesses around at the time, it is also important that you try to reach out to any witnesses at the time and take down their statement and contact information. This is especially the case if the other driver was clearly at fault. Maybe they had a clear view of the accident or somehow recorded it on their phone. There are a number of situations in which a witness account may affect the outcome of a car accident case and therefore the compensation you receive.