Preserving and Protecting Evidence in a Car Accident Case
In the event that liability is contested, there may be a huge gap between the insurance company's offer and the full extent of your injuries. This is especially true when your insurance company argues that the negligence of someone else for the accident.
During this time the team will be asking for information from the opposing side via interrogatories and depositions. These questions will be asked of witnesses, witnesses, the other driver and others.
Preserving Evidence
The evidence you've collected during a car crash can boost your chances of winning a settlement or recover damages. This is why it's essential to preserve and protect the evidence you collect after a crash.
It's now more simple than ever before to do this thanks to the advancements in technology. Smartphones can be used to take high-quality photos and videos of the scene of your crash. These tools can help you capture evidence that might otherwise be lost or destroyed.
The most crucial pieces of evidence include the actual accident site and any witnesses. It is recommended to take pictures of the scene of the accident right after the collision. This includes all the vehicles involved in a collision, any skidmarks on the road, the conditions of the weather, traffic signs, and other relevant factors.
Furthermore, you should think about contact with any business or company that are near the accident area to request they keep any evidence relevant to your car accident case. For instance, if were struck by a vehicle and you want to request that the black truck's box be preserved could prove beneficial to your claim.
If you suspect that the driver who caused the accident was drunk or negligent, requesting their narcotics tests could also be helpful in your case. These tests can prove that they were drunk or distracted while driving, which would be a solid proof of their fault for causing the accident.
Documenting Your Injury
In personal injury cases, proper documentation is vital. Not only will this ensure that your healthcare provider is aware of your symptoms, but it will also help your attorney prove your losses and damages in a lawsuit against the liable party for negligence.
One of the most important forms of documentation is medical records. When you visit your doctor for treatment following an accident, make sure you be provided with copies of each document. These records will serve to detail your injuries, symptoms and diagnoses. Furthermore, these documents will record any expenses you incur as a result of the accident. This is crucial since a large portion of these expenses could be refunded as part your compensation claim.
Keep a diary of your physical and emotional condition following the accident. auto accident law firm texas should include any pain you experience and what areas of your body are affected and the time when the pain is felt. In addition, if you're experiencing any mental trauma, it's crucial to document this as well, as juries frequently decide to award non-economic damages in the same type of pain.
If you're able, it is also helpful to take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the crash. You can take photos of the vehicle you're driving, other vehicles involved in the crash and any other damages to objects (such buildings or a sign). It is recommended to capture several photos of each item from different angles and distances so that investigators can clearly see the accident's root cause.
Collecting Witness Statements
In a perfect world witness statements should be gathered immediately after an accident. Keep in mind that people's memories fade as time passes. It is recommended to get witnesses to give their statements as quickly as they can. The more specific a statement, the more detailed. It is also recommended to record any interview with a witnesses (with their consent, of course) because this will aid in ensuring that the witness's account is true.
You should also look for witnesses that aren't in the immediate vicinity of the accident. For instance, you might consider asking employees of local businesses whether they witnessed your accident. This could result in the footage of your accident being captured on a security camera of a shop.
You should also make sure that any statements made by witnesses do not contain opinions, feelings or guesses about the outcome of the incident or expressing sympathy towards you or any other victims. These statements could damage your credibility, especially when they're contradicted by other witnesses. Avoid asking anyone who knows the person who caused your injuries, or who works for their employer, to be a witness. They may attempt to try and influence your claim for the company they represent. You may not get the compensation that you need if this is the situation.
Contacting an attorney
Consider whether an attorney has the resources to conduct a a thorough investigation of your accident. This could involve examining the scene of the crash in person, conducting interviews with witnesses and gathering additional documentation of the incident and your injuries.
Once your attorney has reviewed all the evidence they can find, they'll begin the process of negotiating a settlement with the insurance provider for the driver who was at fault. The aim of this process is to reach an acceptable settlement without the need for a trial. Your attorney could talk to the insurance company many times before reaching an agreement.
The severity of your injuries will play an important factor in the amount of compensation you receive. The most severe injuries can lead to higher medical bills and more lasting effects, requiring more intense care. A few victims of car accidents might require surgery to repair the long-term damage to their injuries. These expenses will be a part of your total financial loss.
Your lawyer will also consider the future medical requirements of you and the diminished quality of your life that your injuries have wrought. For instance, if you are permanently injured in a crash that resulted in the need to renovate your home so you can access all areas of it, the cost of doing this can be incorporated into your non-economic damages.