When an accident happens, those involved may be confused about what to do next. It is important to remember to collect and preserve all evidence when injury has been sustained in either a motor vehicle accident, trip and fall incident or in any other type of personal injury case. Doing so can become crucial to successfully prosecute a claim at a later date. Gathering the various types of evidence is important and should begin immediately after the accident happens and continue in the days following the incident. Sometimes that could go on for even months after the injury.
Information from Involved Parties and Witness Testimony
Gathering contact information from involved parties should be one of your top priorities. If it’s a car accident, then be sure to document the other driver’s name, address, insurance policy information as well as vehicle tag number, color, make and model. It would also be a good idea to take photographs of the at fault’s drivers license, all vehicles involved in the collision including license plates and exact location of the crash. If possible, try to obtain a statement from any witnesses to the accident as well as their contact information.
Photographs of the Accident Scene
Photos of the accident scene are a valuable piece of evidence that will help reconstruct the incident as it actually occurred.
A Police Report
Call the closest precinct or 911 to report the accident. When officials arrive, answer all their questions truthfully and try to recall the events of the accident as accurately as possible.
Comprehensive Medical Reports
In any personal injury case, the injured party must prove that the injuries were a proximate result of the accident and that medical treatment was necessary to treat those injuries. It is recommended that you seek medical attention within 12 to 48 hours after your accident, get a proper medical diagnosis for your condition and if appropriate, a work disability excuse from your health care provider to properly document any potential loss of income. It is also important to keep track of any expense incurred to treat your injuries.
Other Forms of Evidence to Consider
Apart from the foregoing, there are other forms of evidence that will prove to be useful. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Medical records and billing statements
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
- Cell phone records
- Social media posts
- Physical and virtual models
During the development of a personal injury case, any of the above-listed information will be used to prove the negligence of the defendant. Gathering such evidence may be challenging and it’s easy to miss out on crucial material without proper legal experience. That is why it is recommended that you hire an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC have the expertise in helping you investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather the right supporting documentation and assist with your claim.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Personal Injury Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
If you were injured and are gathering evidence for your case, please call us at (703) 560-0700 for a free consultation.
References:
https://americancourthouse.com/preserving-evidence-for-your-personal-injury-case/
