Evidence is the most essential part of a legal claim. You must prove that the other party is liable for your injuries. Therefore, you need to collect and preserve solid evidence like medical records, police, and eyewitness report. Ensure it is well documented to help your personal injury lawyer pursue compensation.
You can gather evidence for your personal injury claim through the following means:
Medical records include lab results, diagnosis reports, bills, and receipts. You’ll use the information to show the magnitude of your injuries.
Police report: The report from the police at the accident scene contains information about the accident and the vehicles involved.
Videos and photographs: Photos and videos are evidence of what happened after the accident, and your personal injury lawyers will use them to strengthen your case.
Witness statement: You can get credible information from the eyewitnesses. Your lawyer will interview them to give an account of what happened.
What To Do After An Accident
Check For Injuries
Your health and that of the passengers comes first. Therefore, check your body for signs of injuries like cuts, bruises, broken bones, or bleeding. Ensure you check your passenger and any other person involved. However, if someone is critically injured, avoid moving them and wait for an ambulance. If you’re a trained first aider, help the wounded. Remain calm and relaxed to think clearly and make good decisions.
Remain At The Accident Scene
Do not leave the accident scene if you’re involved in a major or minor accident. This will protect you from legal liability because you’ll be considered fleeing, which is a crime. You should also remain there to help others and get other drivers’ and eyewitnesses’ contacts. The police will also need you to cooperate and account for what happened.
Call The Police
Even if it’s a minor accident, call the police. Informing the police is reporting to the authorities, which is crucial for insurance purposes and documenting the accident. If there are injured people, the police will ensure they are taken to the hospital. In addition, police at the accident scene will direct the traffic and keep the scene safe until it’s cleared. Also, police officers gather evidence from the accident scene, such as witness statements.
Exchange Information
Another vital thing to do after an accident is to get the driver’s and eyewitnesses’ information. Take their details, driver’s license number, and the model and plate number of the vehicle. You’ll require the eyewitnesses account when pursuing an injury claim. Also, the eyewitness’s testimony can be helpful in a dispute.
Document The Accident
Accidents and things that follow happen so fast, and it’s easy to forget the details. So, if you are not injured, note what you can remember. Documenting will also protect you from legal liability in case you’re sued. If you’re injured, a personal injury lawyer will require the accident report when pursuing an injury claim.
Inform The Insurance Company
Whether you’re at fault or not, contact your insurance company after an accident. This is helpful to cover your damages and get coverage for medical expenses. The sooner you report the accident, the sooner your insurer will investigate and process your claim. Be prepared to provide the accident’s date, time, location, description of the damaged cars, and the names and contacts of all the drivers involved. However, do not admit fault for the accident. Let the insurance company investigate.
Gathering evidence after an accident is essential to help your lawyer file for your personal injury lawsuit. Ensure you have the correct medical records, photos and videos of the accident scene, and the other parties’ contact information. In addition, ensure you check your injuries and move to safety after an accident. If you’re injured, seek immediate medical attention.
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