What Are the Most Important Pieces of Evidence In an Auto Accident?

Even before you think about evidence…

The health and safety of yourself, or anyone else involved in an auto accident, is of paramount importance. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries that may require it.

Chaos and confusion

Auto accident scenes can be a nightmare of chaos and confusion. There may be traffic whizzing by, flashing lights, broken glass, crying, even screaming. It’s hard to manage a coherent thought, let alone have the presence of mind to consider what pieces of evidence may be important. Still, should you have the misfortune of being involved in a car accident, particularly if another party is at fault, these are the pieces of evidence worth gathering.

Keep in mind, even if the accident is relatively minor, you should still gather as much of this information as possible. Injuries that don’t seem serious at first may manifest later, and vehicular damage isn’t always immediately apparent.

Important evidence to gather

The more information and evidence you have at your disposal, the better your chance to prove your case and achieve a positive outcome: 

• If you’re able, take photographs of the scene of the accident. These can include photos of your own injuries, or the injuries of any passengers; the vehicles involved, including the damage sustained, and the position of the vehicles; road conditions, including weather, construction barrels, etc.; any traffic control devices and signals that may be pertinent; and finally, things such as skid marks, collision debris, broken glass, and property damage caused by the accident.
• The full name, address, phone number and insurance carrier of the other driver involved. Keep in mind that if the other driver leaves without exchanging their information with you, that’s considered a hit and run.
• Full contact information for any passengers in the other vehicle.
• Full contact information for any third party witnesses to the accident. Ask them to describe to you what they saw, and take notes.
• The names and badge numbers of all responding law enforcement officers. Be sure to secure a copy of the resulting police report.
• Write down everything you remember regarding the accident—what happened, how it happened, the weather and road conditions, anything else that might be pertinent. Memories fade quickly. Should you be called to testify at some point in the future, your notes could play a crucial role in helping you prepare.
• Your car’s maintenance records, to prove that it’s in good working order and the accident was not caused by an improperly maintained vehicle.
• Should you or any of your passengers require medical attention, get a copy of the medical records, and keep any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.

Contact your insurance agent…

…as soon as possible after the accident with all the details, including the other party’s insurance carrier. That carrier will probably contact you fishing for information, but do not give them a statement of any kind. You’re not legally required to do so.

Find a lawyer experienced with auto accidents

A lawyer experienced with auto accidents, and the personal injury claims that may result from those accidents, can make a real difference when seeking the compensation you may be entitled to. They can also secure accident evidence that you yourself do not have access to, such as 911 calls and cell phone records. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, contact the attorneys at LaSalvia Law. We will fight to win you the compensation you deserve.