What Evidence Should I Gather After a Car Accident?
Building a strong car accident claim is like constructing a sturdy house: You will always need to start with a strong foundation. In personal injury law, that foundation consists of convincing evidence that will help you prove liability, causation, and damages.
To gather the necessary proof, you will want to investigate the accident thoroughly as it’s not uncommon for seemingly insignificant details to play a crucial role during proceedings. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help look into the accident, gathering and compiling the evidence needed to corroborate your version of events.
Let’s take a look at some of the different types of evidence that an attorney might gather to help strengthen your claim:
1. Eyewitness Statements
Whether it was another motorist, pedestrian, or even a shopkeeper, anyone who saw the accident take place may be able to help you prove liability. For instance, if someone saw the other motorist driving recklessly or using their phone in the moments before the collision, their deposition could help you prove fault. As such, you should write down the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses to share with your attorney during the initial consultation.
2. Photographs of the Wreck
Using your smartphone, you should take photographs of the accident scene, making sure to document every element—such as property damage, road markings, and street signs—from multiple different angles and distances. Your attorney and/or an accident reconstructionist may be able to use such images to piece together what happened and help identify the liable party/parties.
3. Official Accident Report
If police officers investigated the crash, they probably compiled a report on the incident. This report can contain useful information such as the date, time, and location of the accident in addition to the officers’ observations about what may have happened. While this report is not usually admissible in court, it’s a helpful starting point for your attorney to plan his or her investigation and identify the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages.
4. Medical Records
In a personal injury claim, you will only be able to recover compensation for losses that you can prove. As such, your medical records will likely play a crucial role in your case as these documents will usually include important details about the severity of your injuries, the treatments you’ve undergone, and the healthcare interventions you still need. Visiting the doctor immediately after leaving the accident scene will not only ensure that you have access to up-to-date medical records, but will also make it easier for you to connect your injuries to the wreck.
Discuss Your Claim with a Car Accident Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Were you hurt in a car wreck? Turn to the legal team at Obral, Silk & Pal, LLC to discuss your options for seeking compensation. Our car accident attorneys can review your claim as part of a free consultation during which we can explain how we will approach investigating the accident and building a convincing case. Reach out to us today at 216-LAWYERS (216-529-9377) or tap through to our contact page HERE to request a free case review.