7 Tips to Collect Evidence After a Car Accident
If you get involved in a car accident, one of the first steps you should undertake once in a safe position is to gather evidence as soon as possible, as this will protect your legal rights. Collecting evidence after an accident will ensure that you can confidently file personal injury or damage claims against the driver.
Let's look at seven tips you can take to collect evidence...
Tip #1: Take Photographs of the Accident Scene
If you are in a stable enough condition, it will help if you immediately take pictures of the accident scene using a phone or camera. Taking photos of the accident scene from multiple directions and angles is also beneficial, and this is because you may never know which image will best illustrate the accident scene. In addition, it would also help if you took pictures of any traffic control devices such as stop signs or traffic lights. In the photos, you should aim to clarify who had the stop sign or the traffic light.
Tip #2: Take Photographs of the Vehicles Involved
Still, on taking photographs, you should take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident. To be more specific, you should focus on the car's parts that have experienced damage.
Tip #3: Take the Contact Information of Witnesses at the Scene of the Accident
If possible, you should prevent the other driver from leaving the accident scene before they identify themselves. In the situation of a hit and run, do not go after the driver but instead take note of their license plate and contact the police. Neutral witnesses are usually crucial in a car accident case; as such, you should try to get the information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
Tip #4: Utilize Police Reports
If the police arrive in time at the scene of the accident, they will usually prepare their report. You also have the privilege of getting a copy of the official accident report from the police.
Tip #5: Contact a Credible Car Accident Attorney Before Talking to Insurance Companies
You should consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible, as they will help you protect your legal tips by giving you advice even when you are still at the scene of the accident. Since they become involved with your case soon after contacting them, they will help you preserve evidence and take note of anything that might help your insurance claim. They also resolve any issues regarding liabilities in your case.
Tip #6: Collect Physical Evidence
When you are a victim of a car accident, you should try and collect any physical items involved at the scene of the accident and preserve them. This can include equipment that breaks off and torn clothes during the accident. This is because these items could prove helpful evidence in a victim's case.
Tip #7: Take Written Evidence
Legal experts recommend that after a car accident, you should collect written evidence by noting down your recollection of the events that have taken place. This is because the settlement of the case that may follow the accident could take a long time, and this written recollection will help you not forget any vital information.