How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case A specialist in accident reconstruction can increase the value of your case through analyzing all the forces that led to the accident. They can also provide information into your injuries and quantify the damage you have sustained. You'll have to provide proof of the damages you sustained, including medical expenses as well as other out of pocket costs. This documentation should be collected as soon as possible after the accident. Getting Help If you are in a car accident receiving immediate medical attention is the top priority. If you are able to collect as much information from the scene of the accident as is possible. Utilize the camera or video feature of your phone to snap photos of the vehicles involved. Photograph skid marks, damages, and any other information you consider to be useful. Ask anyone who was at the scene to provide you their contact details along with a brief description of what they observed. Be careful not to reveal any personal information concerning your insurance coverage or the limits of your policy. Look for any cameras that may have caught the incident, for instance the red light or security camera. You can request copies of the footage by contact the person who ran those cameras. Recording your expenses is important. In some cases you can receive compensation for the money you spent on things like hiring a vehicle for rental during the time your vehicle was being repaired or a ride to and to work when you recovering from an injury. Additionally, you can claim compensation for past and future lost wages if injuries prevent you from working or result in less than anticipated earnings in the near future. Keep the track of all medical expenses associated with the crash. If your injuries cause permanent disability, you might be eligible to claim damages for future care costs including modifications to your home and assistive devices that allow you remain at home or working. You can also claim compensation for additional financial losses such as the cost of a caregiver or household replacement services if your injuries make it impossible for you to do these tasks yourself. Gathering Evidence In any case of accident the first step is to gather as the evidence you can. State-by-state, the requirements for presenting evidence in courtrooms can differ. However, certain types of evidence are beneficial in the majority of accidents. Witness Testimony Eyewitness testimony is vital when it comes to accidents. It provides a factual account of the incident which will help to determine fault. Witnesses can come from all sorts of sources, including pedestrians who are in the vicinity or drivers of vehicles in the vicinity as well as family members or friends. They could be carrying a smartphone that they can use to record their statement, or they may choose to record their testimony in writing. Photographic Evidence The most obvious type of photographic evidence is photos taken of the scene of an accident. This could include skid marks on the road, broken glass and the damage to both of the vehicles involved in the crash. It can also include environmental factors, like construction sites or traffic signals, that might contribute to the crash. Police Reports The police report generated following any type of motor vehicle crash are crucial to a lawsuit filed against a car accident. The reports may include the officer's evaluation of who was at fault for the accident, as also any traffic violations which either driver has committed. You should get an official copy whenever you can, or at the very least when the report is still being written. This will allow you to verify the accuracy of the data. Contact Information for Witnesses It's a good idea to gather as much information as you can from any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. You can ask for their names and contact information to enable your lawyer to talk to them about what they witnessed during the accident as well as in its immediate aftermath. Medical Records If you're injured as a result of a car accident, it's important to keep track all medical appointments. These records will assist you to document the injuries you've sustained and will aid your legal team in calculating the compensation you're entitled to in injuries. Documenting Your Injury You should take photos and videos of the area where the accident occurred when you are able to do so without putting your health in danger. You can paint a realistic picture of the accident scene by using your smartphone or camera connected to your vehicle. The photos should contain the vehicles and any visible injuries or damages caused by the accident. It is also beneficial to note any skid marks, road conditions or other things that could help paint a clearer picture of the incident. Even if you think your injuries aren't serious You should seek medical attention as soon after the accident as possible. Many injuries, like neck and spinal problems, can be apparent in a matter of days or weeks following the accident. The sooner you consult an acupuncturist, the sooner you will have more evidence to back your claim that the incident caused the injury and loss. You should also keep records of your medical expenses and treatments. Keep receipts of prescriptions, equipment, and travel expenses to and from medical appointments, since these are all expenses that you could be able to get compensation for. Keep a log or diary about your injury, including the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will help you record your daily pain. It is crucial to provide the police an accurate description of the incident. However it is also suggested to write down the names and contact information of witnesses. Witnesses might be able to provide additional details that can assist the police in their investigation, and also should you have to submit an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in the future. It is also recommended to obtain an insurance company of the person at fault. This report is helpful for determining the responsibility of the crash, as well as the possible damages that might be incurred such as property damage medical expenses, lost wages as well as other compensable expenses. Discussions with the Insurance Company It is always a good idea to hire an experienced attorney in the event of dealing with a large insurer following an accident. These professionals can negotiate higher settlements and deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Your lawyer will request financial documents from your employer as well as bank accounts to demonstrate the impact of your accident on your earnings. They will also ask for medical records from your physicians to prove your injury claim. They may have to speak with you in person, or question witnesses to the incident to get an official report. They will then review all evidence and consult with experts to determine the worth of your non-economic damages. After gathering all the information after obtaining all the relevant information, they will write a demand note to send to the insurance company that is at fault. This document will provide the facts, state the legal reasons that their insured is responsible under NY law and demand compensation. Insurance companies often respond with a low-ball counteroffer. Your lawyer will assist you in deciding whether you want to accept, decline, or return to discussions about the counteroffer. Be careful when dealing with the insurance company because what you say may harm your case. Do not admit fault or say you will not sue. https://vimeo.com/709533147 could be used in court later against you. It is also important to refrain from making statements regarding your injuries or the way the accident happened, as these can be used to decrease your claim. A Long Island car accident attorney can assist in negotiating with the insurance company. They can assess the offers and provide guidance on what you're entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, and also what medical treatment or expenses you could require in the future. The insurance company can be difficult to deal with, and many of their tactics are designed to trick you into accepting a lower offer than you're entitled to. Negotiate firmly and always remember that settlements must be written. This will prevent an unethical adjuster from stating something over the phone and then denying it later.