2.38 million people were injured in a car crash in 2022 – that’s 45,769 injury cases every week, or 6,520 per day. Most adults that start driving at 18 will end up in around 3-4 car accidents based on an average mileage of 13,476 miles per year.
After the initial shock of being in a car accident wears off, your next thought may be how to show the insurance company that the other driver was at fault so you can get properly compensated. Advice from Steven Jensen, a car accident attorney in Idaho Falls, “Gathering evidence at the scene and in the aftermath of car accidents is crucial for proving your case and getting the settlement you deserve”. Here are some tips on collecting evidence to support and strengthen your car accident claim.
Document the Car Crash Scene
One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is thoroughly document the accident scene. If possible, take photos or video of the vehicles’ positions, the road conditions, street signs, traffic lights, weather conditions, and any property damage. Get images from different angles showing the big picture as well as close-ups of any impacts or debris. Document everything you can – the more visual evidence, the better.
Witness statements corroborating what happened can be very valuable for your claim. Write down their names, phone numbers, addresses, and a brief summary of what they saw.
Get a Car Accident Police Report
Failure to report an accident can lead to fines and even criminal charges. Contact the police to have them come to the scene and file an official accident report. Provide a statement to the responding officer detailing your recollection of how the crash occurred. Having an official report completed at the time of the accident provides important documentation from a third party.
See a Doctor
Even if you do not have obvious injuries, go for a medical checkup. Having medical records will demonstrate any injuries or effects the accident caused – three million people suffer from whiplash injuries each year. Your doctor can also document your expected recovery prognosis.
Keep Detailed Records of the Car Crash
In addition to the tangible evidence collected at the scene, keep detailed records of how the accident has affected your life. Document any injuries sustained or pain and symptoms you experience. Track medical expenses like bills and prescriptions. Note how the injuries impact your ability to do normal daily activities or work duties.
Also, keep logs of expenses like hiring help for household tasks you cannot perform or transportation costs from being unable to drive. Include receipts, invoices or other documents. These records help show the full scope of your losses for a higher settlement.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand legal options and ensure you gather the right evidence. They’ll help you get compensation for your injuries and losses. Around 66% of people get some level of compensation after filing a personal injury claim, with car accident claims the most likely cases to be successful – the more serious your injuries, the higher payout you’re likely to receive.
With the right evidence, you can build a convincing claim to successfully resolve your car accident case.
