How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case

An accident reconstruction specialist can maximize the value of your claim by analyzing the forces involved in the accident. They can also provide insight into your injuries and quantify the damage you have sustained.

You'll need to provide evidence of your damages including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs. This documentation should be collected as soon as you can after the accident.

Get Assistance

In the event of a car crash It is always recommended seeking medical attention right away. If you're sufficiently well to be able to get medical attention it is crucial to gather the most information you can at the scene of the crash.

Utilize the camera or video feature of your phone to snap photos of the vehicles involved. Take pictures of damage, skid marks, and anything else that you think might be helpful. Also, ask anyone on the scene to provide their contact information and an account of what they observed. However, be careful not to divulge any personal information about your insurance coverage or the policy limits.

Find any cameras that could have captured the incident, for instance an red light or security camera. You can then request copies of the footage by calling the person that operated the cameras.

Documentation of your expenses is a crucial step. In some instances you may be able to recover compensation for the money you've spent on expenses like a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, or transportation to and from work when you are recovering from injuries. Additionally, you can seek compensation for the past and future lost earnings if injuries keep you from working or result in lower than anticipated earnings in the future.

Keep track of all medical costs that are related to the accident. If your injuries cause a permanent impairment, you may be able claim damages for future medical expenses like adjustments to your home and assistive equipment which allow you to remain at home or at work. You may also be able to claim compensation for other financial losses, like the cost for a caregiver or replacement for household services, if your injuries prevent you from performing these chores on your own.

Gathering Evidence

In any case of accident, the first step is to gather as the evidence you can. State-by-state, the requirements for presenting evidence in courtrooms can differ. However, certain kinds of evidence can be used in all accidents.

Witness Testimony

In case of an accident, eyewitness testimony can be vital. It provides a true account of the accident law firm which helps determine the fault. Witnesses can come from a variety of sources, such as pedestrians in the area, drivers of nearby vehicles or even family members or friends. They might be carrying smartphones that they could use to record their testimony or to give a written report.

Photographic Evidence

Photos of the scene are the most obvious photographic evidence. The evidence could include road slicks broken glasses, skid marks on the road, and damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. This can include environmental factors such as traffic signals and construction sites that could have contributed to the accident.

Police Reports

The police reports compiled following any motor vehicle crash are vital in a suit involving a car crash. They could contain the officer's report on the person who was at fault for the accident, as well as any traffic infractions that either driver committed. You should obtain an official copy as soon as you can or at least in the time that the report is being written. This will give you the opportunity to check the accuracy of the data.

Witness Contact Information

It is a good idea to gather as much information as you can from witnesses who might have witnessed the incident. Ask to have their names as well as contact information so that your attorney can speak with them about what they witnessed during the incident and the immediate aftermath.

Medical Records

If you're injured in a vehicle accident, it's important to keep track of all medical appointments. These records will assist you to keep track of the injuries you've suffered and will assist your legal team in calculating the amount of compensation you're entitled to for your injuries.

Documenting Your Injury

If you're able to do so without putting at risk your health, it is vital to record photos and videos of the accident scene. You can draw realistic images of the accident scene by using your smartphone or camera connected to your vehicle. The photos should contain any visible injuries and damage from the accident. It is important to note any skid marks, road conditions and other information that could help paint a more accurate picture of the incident.

Even if you think that your injuries are not serious You should seek medical attention as soon after the incident as soon as you can. Many injuries, particularly soft tissue neck and back problems, can take days or even weeks to manifest. The sooner you consult a doctor, the more convincing evidence you will have to prove that your injury and losses are directly related to the accident.

It is also important to keep track of your medical expenses as well as treatment. Keep receipts for prescriptions and equipment as well as for travel expenses to and from medical appointments. These are all expenses you may be able to recover compensation for. Keep a diary or journal about your injuries and associated symptoms which will allow you to keep track of the severity of your discomfort.

It is important to give the police a complete account of the incident. However it is also suggested to write down the names and contact numbers of witnesses. The witnesses may be more willing to share additional information that can assist the police with their investigation and should you ever need to make an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in the future.

You should also request a copy from the insurance company of the party who was at the fault. This report will be useful in determining the liability of the accident and the associated damages, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages and other expenses that are compensable.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

If you're dealing with a major insurance company after an accident, it's always wise to retain an experienced lawyer. They can handle the adjusters of insurance on your behalf and often reach agreements with significantly higher settlement amounts.

Your lawyer will request financial documents from your employer as well as bank accounts to demonstrate the impact of your injury on your earnings. They will also request medical records from your healthcare providers to back up your injury claim. You may be required to attend an interview or give a deposition about the accident to obtain an official record. They will then review all the evidence and consult with experts in determining the amount of your non-economic damages are worth.

After assembling all the necessary details and preparing a letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company that is at the fault. The letter will outline the facts, outline the legal reasoning behind why their insured is responsible under NY law and demand compensation. The insurance company will usually respond with a low counteroffer. Your lawyer will help you determine whether to accept the counteroffer, deny it, or go back to discussions.

Be careful when negotiations with the insurance company because what you say may hurt your case. Do not admit fault or say you will not to sue. This can be used in court later against you. Be careful not to make statements regarding your injuries and the circumstances of the accident in case they are used to diminish your claim.

A Long Island car accident attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company. They will evaluate the offers and give you advice on what you're entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, and also what medical treatment or other expenses you could require in the future.

The insurance company can be tricky to deal with and many of their tactics are designed to trick you into accepting an offer that is lower than what you are entitled to. Be firm in your negotiations and remember that settlements have to be signed. This will stop an unprofessional adjuster from saying something over the phone, and then denial later.