To recover compensation after a car accident, it’s not enough to show your injuries. You must first prove that the other driver was negligent and then provide evidence of your losses. The following car accident injury evidence can strengthen your claim and help maximize your settlement payout:
1. Photographs & Video
Pictures and videos of the accident scene and your injuries can document the type and extent of your damages. In some cases, photographic and video evidence can even establish fault for the accident.
If you can, try to take as many pictures and videos of the immediate aftermath of the collision as possible. Be sure to take photos of all vehicles and the surrounding area from different angles.
If you aren’t well enough and need medical attention following the crash, ask someone you trust to take pictures for you or see if you can track down photographs taken by others. There may also be surveillance cameras in the area that could have recorded the collision.
It’s also a good idea to return to the scene at roughly the same time of day and take pictures of the area to document the road conditions. When you print the photos or download the digital files, ensure that each picture features the time and date it was taken.
2. Physical Evidence
Physical evidence, such as torn or bloodied clothes, can paint a vivid picture of the accident and the extent of your property damage.
If you’re unsure what items might qualify as physical evidence, consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can advise you on what evidence to gather and how to preserve it to avoid deterioration.
Don’t waste any time when it comes to collecting physical car accident injury evidence. Not only can it deteriorate over time or go missing, but it can also be tampered with. Defendants can fix broken traffic lights and defective staircases or destroy truck black boxes. The sooner you start collecting and preserving evidence, the better.
3. Documents
Your lawyer will advise you on the exact paperwork you should collect. Generally, the following documentation is used in car accident cases:
Medical Records
These include any documents that can show the nature and severity of your injuries, such as:
- Medical bills
- Receipts
- Prescriptions
- Diagnostic and lab reports
- Discharge instructions
Police Report
Not all car accidents have a police report. However, when they do, it is a crucial piece of evidence. While police reports aren’t always admissible in court, they can be very helpful in settlement negotiations, and some insurance companies require them.
Expense Documents
These include anything that documents your accident-related expenses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Car repair/replacement invoices or estimates
- Bank statements
- Wage slips
4. Witness Statements
Witness testimony can be critical in reconstructing what happened and establishing fault.
Ideally, you want to take the names and contact details of all eyewitnesses in the immediate aftermath of the accident. If that’s not possible, see if you can track down people who may have seen what happened later.
Don’t forget about your own testimony, either. As soon as your health allows it, write down everything you can remember about the crash. Don’t worry about your writing style — focus on recording all the details you can recollect.
Contact an Experienced Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Today
Personal injury cases can be overwhelming. At Stewart & Stewart, we can help you navigate the process with confidence. From collecting car accident injury evidence to using it to build a coherent story, we can support you at every turn. Call 1-866-926-2419 to schedule a free case evaluation.