The Importance of Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident

The Importance of Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident
The Importance of Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident

One of the most important steps you can take after being involved in a car accident is to gather all available evidence as soon as possible. Doing so will help you record what happened, find who caused the wreck, prove the damages that were made to your vehicle, and protect yourself in case of a lawsuit or during an insurance claim.

If you do not collect important evidence that could lead to complications with your lawsuit or insurance claim. Some complications might include significant delays, denial of your claim, or difficulties proving the facts of the case—such as the extent of your injuries and the liability of the other parties involved. This can have a negative impact on your ability to receive fair compensation.

In stressful situations, such as car accidents, people tend to forget what steps they need to take to protect themselves. Gathering the evidence described below will help you ensure that you are prepared for a potential lawsuit or insurance claim.

Photo and Video Evidence

Pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicles, road conditions, signals, and skid marks are among the most effective pieces of evidence you can collect. Take pictures from different angles to avoid missing any crucial details from the crash scene and to give the police and insurance companies a more detailed understanding of the car accident. Additionally, take both close-up and wider view shots for a more detailed perspective. It is also important to get access to any dashcam footage from your vehicle and nearby surveillance cameras, as they can often make a very big difference in a case.

Contact Information from the Involved Parties

You need to exchange contact information with everyone involved in the accident. It is also crucial to get their:

  • Driver’s license number
  • Vehicle and insurance information

This will help you file a claim with the right insurance company and ensure that all parties are correctly identified in case any legal or administrative issues arise. Having complete and accurate information can also help avoid disputes or delays during the claims process.

Witness Information

Having witnesses who are willing to testify on your behalf during a lawsuit or insurance claim can significantly strengthen your case and improve your chances of getting compensation. Their testimony can confirm what happened during the car accident and who is responsible for causing it. Witnesses can positively influence how your case is handled and expedite the resolution process, including receiving your compensation package. When a witness agrees to testify on your behalf, remember to collect their personal information, including their full name, address, phone number, and detailed statement about what they saw.

Police Report

Get a copy of the police report with all the information about the accident, including the personal information of all the parties involved, pictures from the scene, and the description of the collision. Write down and save the names and badge details of the police officers who handled the accident.

Consult With an Attorney on Important Steps You Need to Take After a Car Accident to Receive Fair Compensation

In high-pressure situations, like traffic collisions, people tend to forget what they need to do to ensure they are protected in the future. Having evidence from the scene of your car accident can help you simplify the process of filing an insurance claim to get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Bordas & Bordas to receive a free consultation if you have been in a car crash and want to explore ways we can help you protect yourself.