How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case An accident reconstruction specialist can increase the value of your claim by analyzing the forces that were involved in your crash. They can also provide information into your injuries and quantify the damage you've suffered. You'll have to provide evidence of your damages, including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses. This evidence should be collected as soon as possible after the accident. Get Assistance If you are in a car crash and require medical attention, seeking immediate medical attention should be your first priority. If you're sufficiently well to be able to get medical attention, it is important to collect as much information as you can at the scene of the crash. Use your phone camera or video camera to take photos of the cars involved, the damage, skid marks and anything else that may help your case later on. If anyone was present on the scene to provide you their contact details as well as a brief description of what they saw. Be careful not to divulge any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or policy limits. Also, check for cameras in the area that may have recorded the incident for example, red light or security cameras. Find out who runs the cameras, so you can request copies of the footage later on. Documentation of the expenses you incur is a vital step. In some cases you can receive compensation for the money you spent on things such as the rental of a car during the time your vehicle was being repaired or a trip from and to work while you recovering from an injury. You can also seek reimbursement for wages lost in the past as well as in the future if your injuries prevent or reduce your earnings in the future. Keep note of all medical expenses that are related to the accident. If your injuries cause permanent impairment, you may be able to claim damages for future costs of care, such as modifications to your home or assistive devices that will allow you to continue living at home or working. You can also claim compensation for other financial losses, like the cost of an attendant or household replacement services in the event that your injuries hinder you from doing these tasks on your own. Gathering Evidence In any accident case, the first step is to gather as much evidence as you can. The rules for presenting evidence in a courtroom can differ from state to state, but there are certain kinds of evidence that will be beneficial in all accidents. Witness Testimony In cases of accidents eyewitness testimony is crucial. It provides a precise account of the accident, which can help determine the cause. Witnesses could come from a variety of sources, including pedestrians walking around, drivers of nearby vehicles or even friends or family members. They may also have a smartphone in their possession that can be used to record their statement or simply give a written account. Photographic Evidence The most obvious type of photographic evidence is images of the scene of the accident. This can include skid marks on the road, broken glass, and the destruction of both vehicles involved in the crash. It can also include environmental factors, like construction sites or traffic signals that may be a factor in the accident. Police Reports The police reports generated after any car crash are essential for a lawsuit involving a car accident. The reports may include the officer's report on the person who was at fault for the accident, as also any traffic violations that either driver committed. It is crucial to get an exact copy of this report as soon as possible, or at the very least while it's being written in order to have the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information. Witness Contact Information It is a good idea to collect as much information from any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. Inquire about their names and contact numbers so that your lawyer can interview them for a statement about what they witnessed during the accident and its immediate aftermath. Medical Records Keep records of your medical appointments in the event that you're injured in an accident. These records will document the injuries you've suffered and assist your legal team determine the compensation that you deserve for the damage you sustained. Documenting Your Injury If you're able do so without jeopardizing your health, it is vital to record photos and videos of the crash scene. You can paint realistic pictures of the accident scene by using your smartphone or camera that is attached to your vehicle. The photos should contain the vehicles as well as any visible injuries or damage caused by the accident. It is important to keep track of any skid marks, road conditions and other details that may help in creating a more precise picture of the incident. Even if you think that your injuries are not serious You should seek medical assistance as soon after the accident as you can. Many injuries, such as neck and spinal problems, can manifest themselves in the days or weeks following the incident. The sooner you see your doctor, you'll have more evidence to back your claim that the incident caused the injury and loss. It is also important to keep an eye on the medical costs and treatment. Save receipts for prescriptions and equipment, and travel expenses to and from medical appointments, since they are all eligible expenses you may be able recover compensation for. Keep https://vimeo.com/709524565 or diary regarding your injury, including the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will allow you to document your pain and discomfort throughout the day. Providing the police with an accurate description of what happened at the scene will be important, but it's also a good idea to record names and contact numbers for witnesses as well. Witnesses may be more willing to share additional information that will aid the police in their investigation and in the event you need to submit an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in the future. In addition to the official police report, ensure that you obtain an exact copy of the crash report from the insurance company. This report is useful for determining the extent of liability for the accident, as well as the damages that may be incurred, such a property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other compensable costs. Discussions with the Insurance Company If you're dealing with an enormous insurance company following an accident, it is always advisable to hire an experienced lawyer. These lawyers can deal with the insurance adjusters on your behalf and usually negotiate significantly higher settlement amounts. Your lawyer will request financial documents from your bank accounts, employer and investments to show how the accident impacted your earnings. They will also ask for medical records from your physicians to justify your injury claim. You might be required to take part in an interview or give a deposition regarding the accident in order to obtain an official record. They will then examine all evidence and consult with experts when determining how much your noneconomic damages are worth. After gathering all the information, they will write a demand note to send to the at-fault insurance company. This document will outline the facts of the case and legal reasons as to why the insured is liable under NY law, and then make an appeal for compensation. Insurance companies often respond with an offer of low-cost. Your lawyer will assist you in deciding whether you want to accept, decline or re-engage in negotiations over the counteroffer. Be cautious when negotiations with the insurance company since what you say could hurt your case. Never admit fault or promise not to sue. This could be used later in court against you. Be careful not to make any statements about your injuries and the circumstances of the accident in case they are used to reduce your claim. A Long Island car accident attorney can assist in negotiating with the insurance company. They will be able to assess the offers made and help you determine what you're entitled in terms of financial compensation as well as the medical treatment or other expenses you will need in the future. The insurance company can be difficult to deal with and many of their strategies are designed to entice you into accepting the lowest offer you deserve. Be firm when negotiating and keep in mind that any settlement you negotiate must be in writing. This will prevent an unprofessional adjuster from stating one thing over the phone and denying it later.