Thousands of personal injury cases are brought to Car Accident Attorneys each year in the United States. Some are settled out of court whereas others ultimately go to trial. Both options often end with satisfactory settlements for any resulting injuries and damages. Still, many claims fall flat before they get off the ground because victims have little or no solid proof to back those claims. Evidence is the key to building a case, and certain types are critical to the overall outcome.
Crash Scene Evidence
Pictures and videos are crucial elements when it comes to filing a claim after an accident. If you or your passengers are able to do so, take pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash from various angles and distances. Photograph any tire marks left on the road as well as obstructed signs, malfunctioning traffic lights, road damage, and other factors that may have played a role in the accident. If you're using a mobile device, give those pictures names as you're saving them to minimize confusion later on.
Eyewitness Information
Witnesses are vital components in accident cases. Each person who sees the crash play out has a unique perspective on the situation and is bound to catch certain details others didn't. Of course, if they drift away, finding them after the fact isn't easy without the right details. Get witnesses' names, phone numbers, and email addresses to ensure you have more than one way to get in touch with them should their testimonies become necessary.
Proof of Injuries
Don't hesitate to allow paramedics to examine you at the crash site to determine the extent of your injuries. Either allow them to transport you to a nearby hospital or visit the emergency room soon afterward. This will ensure any injuries, even those not evident at the time, are taken care of. At the same time, it'll generate the necessary documentation to help build a case. Keep track of follow-up care, physical therapy sessions, surgeries, and any other treatments needed as well. All this evidence will be used to prove your injuries and medical expenses.
Without the right types of evidence, injury and damage claims won't hold up in court. Building a solid case takes a combination of visual and verbal evidence as well as proof of any additional expenses resulting from the accident, such as medical bills and vehicle repairs or replacement. If you're in an accident, be sure to gather as much evidence as possible to create a firm foundation for your claims.