What makes a successful car accident injury case? Strong legal representation and solid evidence. In the process of handling your case, your attorney will do the lion\u2019s share of gathering documentation and using it to create a cohesive argument. However, you can help your case significantly if you know how to gather evidence. Accident scenes can be chaotic to navigate, but we\u2019ve put together a guide to help you understand how to document critical evidence.<\/p>
\nDepending on the severity of your injury, you may not be able to take photos and gather other evidence at the scene. However, if you are able, documenting the accident can strengthen your case.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What Evidence Should You Gather at the Scene?<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019ve been in a car accident<\/a> before, you know just how jarring and confusing the moments after the crash can be. If you\u2019re conscious and not suffering from injuries that are immediately life-threatening, you can probably document at least some of the conditions at the scene. However, it can be difficult to think clearly enough to do so.<\/p>\n
When you take the time to learn ahead of time what you should document, you\u2019re more likely to know what to do if you\u2019re hurt in a crash in the future.<\/p>\n
First, Call 911<\/h3>\n
Collecting evidence is important, but it\u2019s not as important as your life or safety. When you\u2019re in shock after an accident, it\u2019s possible to feel relatively unhurt. Some injuries \u2014 including spinal injuries<\/a> and internal bleeding<\/a> \u2014 don\u2019t always show symptoms right away. You should always call 911 immediately to summon emergency medical personnel and police. Once you\u2019ve made the call, you can start gathering evidence.<\/p>\n
Documenting the Location of the Accident<\/h3>\n
While photographing details of the scene is important, you also shouldn\u2019t forget the big picture. Make sure to take a few zoomed-out photos (and videos, if possible) of the scene. Make sure you show street signs, landmarks, nearby businesses, and anything else to ensure the scene is recognizable.<\/p>\n
Noting the Weather Conditions<\/h3>\n
When you think about documenting a car accident, making note of weather conditions might not be what comes to mind at first. However, when insurance companies and courts determine fault, they take the weather into account.<\/p>\n
For instance, imagine a car veers from its lane and hits you. On a clear day when the road is dry, the driver of that vehicle would likely be held fully responsible. However, if it was dark and the roads were icy, the driver may be considered less at fault.<\/p>\n
The photos you take of the accident scene can be helpful when it comes to this kind of documentation, but you should also write down the temperature, whether there were obstructions in views due to glare, rain, or fog, noticeable winds, and any other details that might be helpful.<\/p>\n
Documenting Involved Vehicles<\/h3>\n
Documenting the involved vehicles is one of the most important parts of gathering evidence. Take a variety of photos from various angles, making sure you capture the following:<\/p>\n
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- The make and model of each vehicle<\/li>\n
- The license plate of each vehicle<\/li>\n
- Each vehicle\u2019s VIN<\/li>\n
- Close-ups of damage on each vehicle<\/li>\n
- Pieces of debris (like bumpers) that have come off<\/li>\n
- Zoomed-out shots that show the position of each car.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If need be, make a note of which vehicle belongs to which driver.<\/p>\n
Hurt in a car accident? Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.<\/b><\/p>\n
Collecting Information on Involved Drivers<\/h3>\n
Whether the accident involved one other driver or more than one, you should gather basic contact and insurance information for every driver involved. Make sure to get the following for each party in the accident:<\/p>\n
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- Name<\/li>\n
- Driver\u2019s license (take a photo if you can)<\/li>\n
- Address and phone number<\/li>\n
- Insurance information (taking a photo of an insurance card is ideal).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s also a good idea to get the contact information of passengers in any of the involved vehicles. A passenger may be able to give an account of the accident to your lawyer and\/or insurance company.<\/p>\n
Obtaining Witness Statements<\/h3>\n
You probably won\u2019t have the time to conduct in-depth interviews of all available witnesses at the scene of your accident. However, you can approach people who may have witnessed the accident scene and ask for their names and contact information.<\/p>\n
If you have the time and the witnesses you talk to are willing, consider asking each one for a brief statement of what happened. You can record these statements on your phone and pass them on to your attorney. If your attorney wants to seek more information from a particular witness, they can get in touch with them at a later time.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Little Details<\/h3>\n
Even seemingly insignificant details can later prove to be critical pieces of evidence. If you can, take the time to slowly inspect the accident scene. Take pictures of skid marks, pieces of broken glass, and anything else that appears to be related. Your attorney will thank you!<\/p>\n
Write Down What Happened<\/h3>\n
Strictly speaking, writing a narrative of the accident isn\u2019t something you do right at the scene. However, you should write down what happened as soon as possible after the accident. Many people mistakenly believe they\u2019ll remember all of the details, but as time passes, it\u2019s easy to mix up the sequence of events or forget important facts. Trauma also alters how your brain stores memories<\/a>, so you may find that your recollection of events quickly becomes muddled.<\/p>\n
Your account doesn\u2019t have to be long-winded or extremely detailed. However, you should write down what happened and when. Chances are, your account will be helpful for your lawyer.<\/p>\n
Keeping Your Accident Evidence Safe<\/h2>\n
Preserve Your Evidence and Strengthen Your Case<\/h3>\n
Once you\u2019ve collected photos and other evidence from the scene of the accident, you should make sure it\u2019s protected. Few things are more discouraging than putting in the work to take photos, notes, and videos and then having them vanish! Storing everything on your phone might seem secure enough, but if your phone is damaged, lost, or stolen, recovering your evidence might prove to be difficult or impossible.<\/p>\n
As a general rule of thumb, you should store your accident-related evidence in at least two locations. For instance, you might have it on your phone and also send it to yourself via email. If you prefer an old-fashioned approach, you might consider printing off hard copies as well. Once a lawyer takes your case, you should also send the evidence to your attorney.<\/p>\n
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident That Wasn\u2019t Your Fault?<\/h2>\n
Let Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Be Your Voice<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re able to document accident evidence, Houston car accident lawyers can weave it into your case. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we believe that representing you is a collaborative process, and we welcome any evidence and insight you\u2019re willing to give.<\/p>\n