Preserving and Protecting Evidence in a Car Accident Case
In the event that the insurance company contests the responsibility of the driver, there could be a large gap between their offer and your total damages. This is especially true if your insurance company blames something other than negligence as the reason for your accident.
During this period, your team will ask for information from the opposing party through interrogatories and depositions. These questions will be asked to the other driver, as witnesses.
Preservation of Evidence
The evidence you have after a car accident may increase your chances of winning settlement or receive damages. This is why it is vital that you preserve and protect any evidence that you have after an accident.
It's easier than ever to accomplish this thanks to the advancements in technology. Your smartphone can be used to take high-quality pictures and video of the scene of the crash. Utilizing these tools can help preserve important evidence that could otherwise be lost or destroyed.
The most crucial pieces of evidence are the crash site as well as any witnesses. It is recommended to take pictures of the scene of the accident shortly after the collision. This includes all vehicles involved in a crash or any skidmarks left on the road, weather conditions and traffic signs, as well as other factors that are relevant.
It is also worth contacting local businesses to request to preserve any evidence that is relevant to your case. For instance, if were hit by a truck then requesting that the truck's black box be preserved may prove beneficial to your claim.
If you believe that the driver in the other car was drunk or negligent, requesting their drug tests could also be helpful in your case. These tests could demonstrate that they were intoxicated or distracted while driving, which could be strong evidence of their negligence in causing the accident.
Documenting Your Injuries
Documentation is essential in personal injury cases. This not only ensures that your healthcare provider is aware of your symptoms however, it can aid your attorney in proving your losses and damages when claiming damages against the responsible party for negligence.
One of the most important types of documentation is medical records. When you visit your doctor to seek treatment following an accident, request to be provided with copies of each document. These records are official documents describing your injuries, symptoms and diagnoses. These documents will also document the costs you incurred due to the accident. This is important since many of these expenses could be reimbursed as part of your compensation claim.
It is also an excellent idea to keep a diary of your physical and mental state after the incident. It should include the type of pain you experience and where it happens, and the length of time it lasts. It is also important to document any mental trauma you may be dealing with, as juries are often able to make a decision to award non-economic damages for this kind of incident.
It is also useful to take photos of your injuries, as well as the scene of the accident in the event that you can. You can also take pictures of the vehicle you're driving, any other vehicles that were involved in the crash, and any other damage to objects (such the building or sign). It is recommended to capture multiple photos of each object from various angles and distances, so that investigators are able to clearly discern the root cause.
Collecting Witness Statements
The ideal scenario is for witness statements to be collected as soon as possible after an accident. Remember that people's memory fades over time. It is recommended to get witnesses to give their statements as soon as possible. The more specific a statement, the better. It is also recommended to record any interview with witnesses (with their consent of course) as this will help ensure that the testimony of the witness is true.
It's also worth looking for witnesses outside the immediate vicinity of the crash. For auto accident lawyer jacksonville , you might need to ask employees of local businesses whether they witnessed your car accident. This could result in footage of your incident being recorded on a security camera in a store.
You should also ensure that any statements made by witnesses do not contain thoughts, feelings or speculations about the outcomes of the accident or expressing sympathy towards you or the other victims involved. These statements can damage your credibility, particularly when they are disputed by other witnesses. Avoid asking anyone who is familiar with the person who caused your injuries, or works for their employer, to provide evidence. These individuals may attempt to influence your claim on behalf of the company they represent. You may not get the compensation that you need If this is the case.
Contacting an Attorney
When evaluating an attorney consider whether they have the resources necessary to conduct extensive investigation into your crash. This could involve visiting the crash site, interviewing witnesses, and gathering documentation regarding the accident and your injuries.
Once your attorney has viewed all the documentation they can find, they'll begin the process of negotiating a settlement with the insurance company for the at-fault driver. This is done to ensure that you receive a fair settlement, without having to go through a trial. Your attorney may discuss with the insurance company a number of times before coming to an agreement.
The severity of your injury will have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you receive. Acute injuries are often the cause of larger medical bills and longer-lasting effects that require more intense medical attention. For example, some car accident victims might require surgery to correct long-term injuries caused by an accident. These expenses will be included in your total economic damage.
Your attorney will also take into account your future medical needs and the diminished quality of life that your injuries have caused. For instance, if you are permanently injured in a crash that results in the need to remodel your home to allow you to access all areas and also the cost of doing this could be a part of your non-economic damages.