How to Preserve Evidence After a Car Accident

Trying to stay calm after an accident is imperative. In a chaotic, scary, and confusing situation it may be difficult to preserve evidence.

Car accidents are chaotic, scary, and confusing. If someone suddenly crashes into your car, it is difficult to keep your thoughts straight and your emotions under control.

However, trying your best to stay calm after an accident is imperative, especially if the other driver is to blame. If you start running around and arguing with the at-fault driver, you miss the opportunity to preserve evidence.

Preserving evidence is crucial after a car accident because it can help you prove liability. Strong evidence is also what will allow you to sue for compensation.

When to Start Collecting Evidence

The events leading up to the accident, the accident itself, and what happens afterward can all serve as evidence for your legal case. You must start collecting evidence at the accident scene. However, you should only do this if you are not severely injured.

If you have serious injuries or feel unwell, getting medical attention as soon as possible is critical.

If you are up to it, take photos of the accident scene. This includes the surrounding area, nearby traffic signs, and lights. If debris or obstructions are on the road, you should take photos of that, too.

Most importantly, you must take photos from every angle that shows the position of both the vehicles involved in the accident. Get close-ups of the vehicle damage and any visible injuries on your body.

While taking photos of the vehicles, it is a good idea to snap pictures of the other driver’s license plate and their car’s make and model.

How to Get the Information You Need

Preserving evidence is not only about taking photos. You should also approach the other driver and ask for their personal details, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance details.

If the driver is injured, you can ask your lawyer to get these details later. You should also report the accident immediately so the responding officer can create an accident report. This report will contain more valuable information that you can use for your legal case.

Additional Ways to Gather and Preserve Evidence

Ideally, you should approach witnesses at the scene, too, so you can get their statements. If they cannot provide a statement immediately, ask for their contact information so you can get their statements later. Witness testimony is often crucial in establishing fault after a car accident.

Request a copy of the accident report to give to your lawyer. Your lawyer can use the officer’s observations and any citations issued to strengthen your case.

While at the scene, look for surveillance cameras installed on nearby premises. These cameras may have captured the accident, which will go a long way in helping you win your case.

Create a Detailed Record of the Accident

You must write down your version of events as soon as possible after the accident. Make a note of the time and date of the accident and the exact location where it happened.

If there was a storm or ice on the road at the time of the accident, note that. Write down everything you can remember about the sequence of events before and after the accidents.

You should also keep a detailed record of all communications related to the accident. Write down the time and date of every conversation you have with insurance companies, medical providers, or police officers.

This is the best way to prevent discrepancies later on.

Inform Your Insurance Company of the Accident

Even if you decide not to file a claim, you must inform your insurance company about the accident sooner than later. Send your insurance provider all your evidence, including the accident report, witness statements, photos, and videos.

Whenever you speak to an insurance adjuster or anyone else from the insurance company, refrain from going into much detail about the accident. Stick to the bare facts, and do not be tempted to speculate about blame.

Your insurance company will do its investigation using the information you provided.

Consider Hiring a Lawyer

If you suffer severe property damage or injury from the accident, you should hire a lawyer to help you file a personal injury case. Your lawyer can help you preserve the evidence you need to win your case. They will also guide you through the legal process and represent you in all negotiations with the at-fault party’s legal team and insurance provider.

In some cases, you might need to take out a loan to buy a new car or cover immediate expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills or repairs, while waiting for your claim or lawsuit to resolve. Your lawyer can help you understand your financial options and might work with you to ensure that your financial needs are managed while your case is ongoing.

Your lawyer will likely ask you not to communicate with anyone about the accident and to allow them to do the necessary work. This means you should not post on social media about the accident or even send text messages to anyone, whether involved or not.

Preserving Evidence Protects Your Rights After an Accident

When you preserve the evidence related to your car accident, you make it easier for your lawyer to protect your rights. By following the above steps, you will be well-prepared to file a legal case and have a better chance of winning it.