The first thing that should be done after an accident is to get evidence. Evidence supports your version of what happened. It helps prove that the other party is at fault and how much damage was done. Your case could quickly fall apart if you don’t have the right evidence.
Because of this, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes stress how important it is to get strong evidence early. They understand how missing information can make a claim less valid. You have a better chance of getting fair compensation if you have more proof. Therefore, this article discusses how to gather evidence for your personal injury case.
Take Pictures and Videos at the Scene
A lot of the time, visual proof works best. Use your phone to take pictures and videos.
- Take wide shots of the scene to show what’s going on.
- Zoom in on hazards like spilled liquids or broken steps.
- Take pictures of vehicle damage, road signs, and skid marks.
- If it’s relevant, include the weather and lighting conditions.
Images should be clear and taken from different points of view. Videos are also better than photos for showing movement or layout.
Talk to Witnesses and Get Their Contact Info
The accident might have been seen better by other people than you were. They might also remember things you forgot.
- Ask for their full names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- Ask them to write down what they saw or record a quick video.
- Try to find this out before they leave the scene of the crime.
If someone makes a false claim, witness statements can back up your story.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You need to see a doctor not just to get treated, but to get medical evidence.
- Keep all of your medical records, such as diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Save the receipts for prescriptions and hospital visits.
- Get your doctor to write down how the injury affects your daily life.
The information shows that the injury was very serious and was caused by the accident.
Keep Physical Evidence
Hold on to anything that was damaged or affected during the incident.
- Save clothes that are torn or bloody.
- Don’t throw away broken tools, helmets, or any gear involved.
- Don’t fix or clean anything up until you show your lawyer.
These items can be used as proof in court to show how bad the accident was or what kind of injury it was.
Request Official Reports
In some situations, official documentation from authorities or a business is needed.
- If police were at the scene, ask for a report.
- If the injury happened at work or a store, ask for an incident report.
- Make sure the report has correct information about where and when it happened.
Because they come from third parties, these reports often have a lot of weight.
Collect Proof of Financial Loss
Getting injured could cost you money in more than one way. Having evidence of these losses helps you get fair compensation.
- Keep your pay stubs to show how much money you lost.
- Keep receipts for any costs you paid for yourself.
- Include costs like childcare, transportation, or home care.
Put all of this paper in one folder and sort it by date.
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