Car accidents happen when you least expect it, even if it’s close to home. In the event of an accident, it can be hard to remember what you need to do at that moment.
In order to build the best case for your car insurance claim after an accident, it’s important to document as much as you can about the crash, how it happened, and how it has affected you.
The more documentation you have to support your claim, the more likely you will receive a fair settlement. Let’s look at some of the essential pieces of evidence you should gather after being involved in an accident:
Medical Records
If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention as soon as you can. In order to secure compensation, you’ll need to prove your injuries happened as a direct result of the accident, and also correctly establish how much compensation is needed.
Make sure to document the nature and extent of your injuries. By keeping track of all information surrounding your healthcare appointments, the doctors you visited, treatments given, and whether or not you were required to pay any money out of pocket. Any time you complete a necessary visit, ask your healthcare provider for a record of your medical treatment, including important imaging like x-rays or MRIs.
Police Reports
Regardless of the accident or injuries, call for the police and wait for a report to be made. This police report being made at the time of the accident can be helpful in your case later with the responding officer’s determination of which driver was at fault.
If law enforcement was involved, you will be able to use the report the responding officer filed as evidence in your claim. The report will include valuable information like a description of the accident, names of drivers and witnesses involved at the scene, and the responding officer’s assessment of how the collision occurred. This document can highlight any inconsistencies in the at-fault driver’s story, giving your case more credibility and provide more insight about the accident.
Evidence of Damage
In most car accidents, a large portion of compensation is related to the vehicle’s damage. Gather all records related to the repairs, possible car rentals, and also any recent repairs or improvements done to your car prior to the accident. If you have receipts that your car has higher value due to any new improvements, this can help increase your compensation.
If you were injured, your medical records can also provide sufficient evidence, such as the extent of your injuries, and the cost of treatment you received. Aside from the medical bills from each visit with your medical provider, make sure to track all pay stubs, W-2’s, and other evidence supporting lost wages or income.
Scene of the Accident Photos
If you are able to move around safely, and avoid causing any further injury, gather all evidence you can at the scene of the accident. Take photos at different angles of the collision, of the location of traffic signals, all vehicles involved in the accident, skid marks, debris from the vehicles, or any other evidence. Photographs can help your attorney build your claim, and ensure consistency of your story.
Witness Statements
An insurance company or court will want to hear from any third-party witnesses. People who have witnessed the crash can provide testimony to help determine how the accident occured, and who was responsible. Having witness testimonies can act as evidence to validate your story, and disprove any contradicting claims against you from the other driver. If any of the drivers were driving for an employer at the time, include their employer’s name and contact information when gathering information from those involved.
Remember that you cannot leave the scene of the accident without gathering personal information from all parties, including name, address, phone number, and insurance provider information. If the at-fault driver flees the scene, try to get their license plate number and contact police immediately.
Count On Hann Law Firm to Help
Being in an accident is a disorienting experience. Once you’ve gathered all information at the scene of the accident and received necessary medical attention, contact a trusted car accident lawyer.
At Hann Law Firm, we take a personal approach from the very start. We address your specific challenges, prepare diligently for the best possible outcome in the courtroom, and create a personalized approach to help you through your insurance claim and receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and get quality, compassionate legal guidance today.
