A Basic Guide for Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident

Anyone who has been involved in a car accident knows how stressful and frightening they are, no matter how minor. The aftermath of a crash usually involves a lot of different emotions and questions, and accident victims will often address immediate concerns first, such as the health and safety of those involved. However, even if it may not feel like it, an accident claim begins immediately after the accident, and it’s in your best interest to gather as much evidence as possible while at the scene.

If you can take a few minutes to gather some basic information at the scene, it can do wonders for your claim down the road. Conversely, if you fail to do so, it may hurt your chances of recovering maximum compensation, even if it is warranted. We will discuss the kinds of evidence you can recover down below, but we must first mention that the best resource for accident victims is an experienced car accident attorney, such as those from Van Law Firm. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

Examples of Evidence Claimants Can Gather After an Accident

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In the case of a severe accident, you likely won’t be in a position to do much except cooperate with authorities. However, if you are able to do so, you should. The first step in this process is to take out your smartphone as quickly as possible to take ample photos and videos. Here are some tips on what to gather:

Pictures from the scene

• The entire accident site from all angles–closeups, wide shots, all directions, etc.
• Any skid marks or road markings that may indicate which vehicles were traveling in which directions
• Any nearby landmarks, stoplights, or road signs that may give context to where the accident took place and when
• If you feel it is relevant, it can help to take pictures from the viewpoint of where you were driving to show how an accident was unavoidable or somehow not your fault
• Ample photos of all vehicles involved, including all damages from up close and from afar

Information and documents

• Contact and insurance information for all other drivers involved, including their names, addresses, registration, and license number
• Names and contact information for any witnesses who may be willing to give a statement
• Any reports that are filed for the accident, including police and DMV accident reports
• In the case of a hit-and-run, try to at least get the driver’s license plate number

Examples of Damages Accident Claimants Can Recover

The stronger your claim is, the more compensation you will likely recover–most claimants have the desire to recover as much as they can, but there are a lot of forms of damages that some may be unfamiliar with, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Property damages
• Lost wages and benefits
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Permanent impairment
• Funeral and burial expenses

Questions About a Potential Car Accident Claim? Contact Van Law Firm Now

Car accidents can be scary, but they become a lot scarier without the proper help. Van Law Firm has been defending the rights of accident victims for a decade now, and with over 500 5-star reviews, it’s clear to see our work is paying off. Call our office nearest you today to schedule a risk-free consultation with our team of award-winning car accident attorneys.