Being involved in a car accident is bad enough, but having to then go through a car accident case is just added stress and hassle. To make the process go more smoothly, starting to gather as much evidence as soon as you can will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Although you know what happened, your job in an accident case is to prove you were not at fault to someone else.
Consult A Lawyer
The easiest way to ensure you are successful in your case is to hire a lawyer. They can help you gather evidence and then present it to a judge, or even jury if needed, in the most effective way possible. They’ll also know the ins and outs of going through cases like this because they do it all the time; local lawyers will know things like the local road laws. For example, if you’ve sustained permanent injuries from a car accident in Huntsville, a local lawyer will know Ontario road regulations which could affect the proceedings and outcome of your case. They will also know exactly what you are entitled to, in terms of compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Take Photographs
Some of the most important evidence is what you gather straight after the accident. Take pictures and videos including damage to cars, damage to property, surrounding hazards on the road, interactions with other drivers, and almost anything else you can think of - the more, the better. Things like bloodied and torn clothing can also be photographed. Follow the below tips to ensure you produce good photographic evidence:
- Take pictures from as many angles as possible
- Make sure the date and time can be viewed on the picture
- When taking a video, consider detailing objectively what is being seen, but be careful not to say anything that can implicate you or anything that can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
If you could not take pictures at the scene due to serious injury, you can also take your own photos of the extent and progression of injuries, such as bruises or mobility issues over time. You can also request CCTV footage or use dashcam footage.
Gather Statements
At the scene of the accident, take contact information from everyone around who witnessed what happened. The police will most likely take witness statements from people who are there too, but sometimes not everyone who was there sticks around until they show up. Also, note down the number plates of all the people that were involved in the accident, and take their numbers and names too if you can.
You can also write down in as much detail your own version of events. You can also make a voice recording, but just make sure to include every tiny thing you remember before you forget everything because it could make a difference in your case. If you find you are struggling to remember, returning to the scene of the accident can sometimes trigger memories.
You can also put out a request for witnesses if people left the scene of the accident without giving their details. Or, somebody may have seen something or been involved with someone before the accident, such as if somebody had seen a hazard on the road before the accident happened.
Speak To The Police
After the accident occurred, the police would have arrived at the scene and started collecting their own evidence. This may include things you may not have been able to note down yourself, such as tire marks on the road and the speeds of vehicles. Having their evidence also adds credibility as an unbiased third party.
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Collect Medical Records
One of the most effective types of evidence are medical records. These display the extent of your injuries and the effects they have had on your life because car accidents can be extremely serious and have a devastating impact on how you live the rest of your life. You can use reports such as lab results, prescriptions, diagnosis reports, and even emergency service call-out recordings. You can also use therapy records, because you may have been affected mentally and emotionally by this traumatic event, and this all plays a role in your case.
To conclude, gathering as much evidence from as many different sources as you can will make a big difference. Photographs and witness statements will all play a major role in the success of your case, but medical records and police reports will make the most significant difference because of their credibility.
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