Collecting Car Accident Evidence to Support Your Case

One of the most frustrating parts of being in a car accident is navigating the claims process after the fact. You may be under the impression that the car insurance company responsible for processing your claim will pay you what you deserve, that fault will be clear, and that you won’t have to fight for your rights. Unfortunately, it doesn’t typically turn out like this. Indeed, even when fault is clear to you, the insurance company will likely find some way to reduce the value of your claim. (Insurance companies, even your own insurance company, are not your friend and they are not in the business of paying money or helping people). If this happens, having good evidence at the ready can be extremely valuable. Here’s what you need to know about collecting car accident evidence to support your case.

If you’ve been in a car accident, contact the Marc Brown Law Firm today to request a free consultation.

Why Do You Need Car Accident Evidence?

Collecting car accident evidence is critical. As stated above, it is unwise to assume that your insurer—or the insurance adjuster for the at-fault party—is just going to pay you the settlement you’re owed after reviewing your claim. On the contrary, you’ll need to present strong evidence that the at-fault party a) acted negligently and b) caused the crash, as well as that c) you have suffered serious damages as a result. Solid evidence is the only way to do this.

Important Types of Car Accident Evidence

In general, the more evidence that you can collect after being involved in a car accident, the better. Common types of evidence that are important to the outcome of a car accident claim include:

• Photographs. “A photo speaks a thousand words,” is very true when it comes to car accident evidence. With a photo, you can offer proof of the extent of damages, as well as present evidence as to how the crash may have happened.

• Physical evidence. It’s also important to present as much physical evidence as you can. This might include proof of damage to your vehicle or proof of deployed airbags, skid marks, and more.

• Video evidence. If you have a dashcam that captured the incident, that footage can be valuable evidence to support your case. In some cases, you may also be able to find footage from traffic cameras or security cameras in the area.

• Eyewitness testimonies. Did someone who is credible see the accident from start to finish? Can this person provide a written testimony about what they saw? If so, try to get in contact with this person and get their testimony immediately. In some cases, a witness statement can be even more valuable than photographs.

• Expert opinions. In many car accident cases, it is valuable to hire experts who can investigate a case and provide information about what happened. For example, an accident reconstruction expert could reconstruct the accident, providing clues as to what went wrong and who’s to blame. Or, if vehicle design or defect is suspected, then a vehicle design expert may be called upon to determine whether or not a defect was the cause of the crash. Medical professionals can also attest the extent of any injuries involved.

• Police report. If a police officer responded to the scene of your accident, their report may also be valuable. A police report will usually offer some insight into who is believed to be at-fault for the crash, as well as the extent of damages initially observed.

It is also a good idea to keep a daily journal noting your injuries, lost wages, and life difficulties caused by the accident.

How an Attorney Can Help

Collecting evidence on your own after being involved in a crash can be intimidating and stressful. But you aren’t alone. An experienced attorney like Marc Brown can help. When you call the Marc Brown Law Firm, we can handle all aspects of gathering evidence and building your claim for you. This includes:

• Traveling to the accident scene and taking photographs of any sources of evidence that still remain, such as traffic signs and lights, debris, skid marks, and more
• Tracking down eyewitnesses and obtaining their stories
• Hiring experts–and fronting experts’ fees–who can help build your case
• Obtaining any data or reports that are relevant to your claim, such as a copy of the police report, vehicle inspection records, repair reports, etc.
• Sending spoliation of evidence letters to appropriate parties
• And more.

Get Legal Help Today

If you’ve been in a car accident, you need a lawyer on your side to help ensure you can get the compensation you deserve. More than just gathering evidence, our team at the Marc Brown Law Firm can organize your evidence and build your case. We know how to win car accident claims on behalf of our clients. As you heal from your injuries and think about your options and your future, turn to our legal team for representation that you can trust.

Contact us today to request a free consultation.