Getting involved in a car accident can take a significant toll on your body. You might injure your neck, shoulders, back, chest, knees, or arms. Seeking medical attention is important after a car accident. But equally important is gathering evidence for seeking legal recourse and fair compensation.
States like Alaska, Arizona, California, and Missouri follow pure comparative negligence laws. In these states, you can seek damages for the pain and suffering you endure, even if you’re partially responsible for the accident.
On the other hand, states like Arkansas, Colorado, and Georgia follow modified comparative negligence. You can collect compensation for the damages only if you’re up to 50% or 51% at fault for the accident.
Either way, you will have to share solid evidence with your lawyer to substantiate your claims and establish liability. In this article, we’ll share essential pieces of evidence that you must share with your car accident attorney to strengthen your case.
#1 Police Report
Whether it’s a fender bender or a serious collision, the police report holds more weight in the courtroom than any other piece of evidence. It should be the first thing that you must share with your car accident attorney.
When an accident occurs, police officers are usually the first ones to arrive at the scene. These individuals record crucial details of the accident, such as the time, date, and location. They also write down the information of the parties, the vehicles involved, and the witnesses present at the accident scene. Officers also document road hazards and weather conditions.
All these details provide an objective overview of the accident, which is crucial when it comes to ascertaining fault and liability. When involved in a car crash, you must always get a copy of the police report. Sharing the police report with your car accident lawyer will allow them to review the facts of the case and formulate a strategic legal approach.
#2 Photographs and Videos of the Accident Scene
A picture is worth a thousand words—this stands true when it comes to car accidents. TorHoerman Law advises car accident victims to document critical accident information, such as pictures of the accident, along with the license plates of all cars involved.
Pictures and videos of the accident scene offer visual evidence. They provide a detailed depiction of the accident’s aftermath, including the vehicle damage, skid marks, and the positions of the vehicles involved.
These visual records can help your attorney recreate the scene and provide context for how the accident occurred. Hence, make sure to share them with your car accident attorney. Moreover, photos and videos disclose crucial details that may not be apparent from written descriptions alone, such as hidden traffic signs or restricted views.
Many highways, freeways, and roads in the U.S. have surveillance cameras. Try obtaining the footage of the accident if there was a surveillance camera nearby.
In 2022, surveillance cameras captured a driver slamming into multiple vehicles at a busy intersection in south St. Louis, Missouri. The security cameras of Randy Vines’ store, the co-creator of STL Styles, captured the incident. He stated that the footage clearly showed that the driver failed to stop at an intersection in front of his store. The cars involved were severely damaged, and the occupants suffered serious injuries.
Those involved in this car accident could use the surveillance camera footage as evidence, which will only strengthen their case. That is why you must make an effort to obtain surveillance camera footage if available. A car accident lawyer in St. Louis can use it to establish liability and prove the sequence of events.
Surveillance camera recordings serve as clear and irrefutable evidence. That means your likelihood of winning fair compensation for the property damage and injuries sustained will increase significantly.
#3 Medical Records
Car accident victims are advised to seek medical attention right after the accident. Even if you’ve sustained minor injuries, you must visit a doctor. Your medical records will serve as valuable evidence, as they help portray the initial impact of the accident.
Keep thorough records of all medical treatment that you received after a car accident. This includes hospital visits, diagnostic tests, medications, rehabilitation therapy, and surgeries. Share them with your car accident attorney. They will use your medical records to establish a link between your injuries and the accident.
Besides, they will use it to document the ongoing impact of the incident on your health and quality of life. Your medical records will also allow your lawyer to gauge your damages and seek appropriate compensation.
To sum things up, providing your car accident lawyer with essential pieces of evidence is necessary. It will help them build a solid case, which will maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Be it the police report or photographs and videos, each piece of evidence plays an important role in supporting your claims and establishing liability. Be sure to also submit your vehicle maintenance records and communication records. All these will further strengthen your case and protect your rights.
Bear in mind that the strength of your case often hinges on the quality and comprehensiveness of the evidence provided. That is why you must prioritize collecting and delivering it promptly to your legal representation.
Throughout his career, Andras Kovacs has developed a deep understanding of DNA and its applications in genealogy and genetic testing. He has helped thousands of individuals uncover their ancestral heritage, using cutting-edge DNA analysis to trace family lineages and reveal connections across generations.