If you have been involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is to make sure that you and everyone else are safe. Once you have done that, your next step should be to preserve evidence. Keep reading to understand why this is so important, and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
Act Right Away to Gather Evidence Before It Disappears
Not only is it important to preserve evidence after an accident, but it is important to do so as quickly as possible. Much of the evidence that could help your case can be lost. We suggest doing the following if it is safe to do so:
- Take pictures of all vehicles involved
- Take pictures of skid marks, debris, broken glass, any road signs or guardrails that were damaged, and other things that show how the accident occurred
- Take pictures of your injuries
- If the other driver appears to be impaired, take a video from a distance but do not approach them
- Gather contact information for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
This is just a starting point. The goal is to gather as much evidence as you possibly can.
The Police Report Can Be Essential
If you are going to file an insurance claim, then you will likely need a police report. You should talk to the responding officer to find out when the report will be issued and how you can get a copy of it. Your personal injury attorney can handle this for you if you have not already done it.
Gather Car Maintenance Records
If you have records of the maintenance your car has gone through, then we recommend gathering those. Why? Because they can dispel any argument, the other side tries to make that the accident was caused by your vehicle’s failure.
Get Your Medical Records and Receipts Together
You should save all medical records and receipts after the accident. This includes the cost of prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications. Keep receipts for any necessary modifications you had to make to your home or any wheelchairs or other equipment you needed. These receipts will help prove the total costs of your accident.
Keep Work Absence Records
Part of your compensation might be lost wages, assuming you missed work due to your injury. Keep track of all the hours or jobs you would have worked if you had been able to do so. If you were able to work but at diminished capacity, keep records of that as well.
As you can see, there is a wealth of evidence that might be relevant to your case, and there are many reasons to collect it. You can contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
