How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case An accident reconstruction expert can increase the value of your claim by analyzing the forces involved in your crash. They can also provide insights into your injuries and the amount of damage you have sustained. You'll need proof of your injuries including medical expenses and other expenses out of pocket. It is best to begin collecting this information as soon as you can at the site of the accident. Get Assistance If you're involved in a car crash and require medical attention, seeking immediate medical attention is your primary priority. However, if you are in good enough health to take this step it is essential to collect all the information you can at the scene of the crash. Make use of your phone's camera or video camera to take photographs of the vehicles that were involved, any damage, skid marks and anything else that could aid your case later on. If anyone was present on the scene to give you their contact information as well as a short description of what they observed. Be cautious not to share any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or the policy limits. Also, check for cameras in the vicinity that could have captured the accident, such as red light or security cameras. You can then request copies of the footage by reaching out to the person who managed the cameras. Documentation of your expenses is another important step. In some cases you may be able to recover compensation for the amount you've spent on expenses like a car rental while your vehicle is being repaired or the cost of a ride to and from work while you recover from injuries. Additionally, you may claim compensation for past and future lost earnings if injuries keep you from working or result in less than expected earnings in the near future. Keep the track of all medical expenses in connection with the accident. If your injuries lead to a permanent disability, it may be possible to claim damages to pay for future costs for care. This could include home modifications and assistive equipment that lets you to continue living at the home or at work. You can also claim compensation for other financial losses, like the cost for a caregiver or household replacement services if your injuries prohibit you from completing these tasks on your own. Gathering Evidence The first step in any case of accident is gathering the most evidence possible. The rules for presenting evidence within a courtroom vary from state to state, however, there are certain kinds of evidence that will be useful in most accidents. Witness Testimony Eyewitness testimony is essential in accident cases. It provides a true account of the accident, that can assist in determining the cause. Witnesses could come from a variety of sources, including pedestrians in the vicinity or drivers of vehicles in the vicinity as well as family members or friends. They may also have a smartphone in their possession that can be used to record their statements or they might choose to simply give a written account. https://vimeo.com/709523043 of the scene of the accident are the most obvious evidence of the accident. This could include skid marks on the road, broken glass and the damage to both vehicles involved in the crash. It can also include environmental factors, like construction sites or traffic signals that may have contributed to the accident. Police Reports The police reports produced following any kind of motor vehicle collision are essential for a lawsuit involving a car accident. These reports can contain the officer's analysis of who was at fault for the accident, as the traffic violations committed by either driver. You should obtain an original copy as soon as you can, or at the very minimum, while the report is still being completed. This gives you the chance to verify the accuracy of the data. Contact Information for Witnesses It is always a good idea to gather as much information as possible from any witnesses who could have witnessed the incident. Make sure you have their names and contact numbers so that your lawyer can interview them for a statement about what they witnessed during the incident and its immediate aftermath. Medical Records If you're injured in an auto accident, it will be necessary to keep track of all medical appointments. These records will help document the injuries you've sustained and will aid your legal team in calculating how much compensation you deserve for injuries. Documenting Your Injury You should take photos and videos of the site of the accident if you can do so without putting your health in danger. If you are using your smartphone or a camera attached to your car, this will let you paint an accurate picture of the scene. The photos should show any visible injuries or damage that resulted from the accident. It is also helpful to record any skid tracks, road conditions, or other factors that may help in drawing a clearer picture of the incident. You should always get medical assistance as soon as is possible after the incident even if the injuries appear to be to be minor at the time. Many injuries, like soft tissue neck and spine issues, can develop in a matter of days or weeks following the incident. The sooner you see a doctor, you will have more evidence to support your claim that the accident caused the injury and loss. In addition, you should keep track of all of your medical treatments and expenses. Keep receipts for prescriptions, equipment and travel costs to and from medical appointments, since these are all expenses that you could be able to recover compensation for. Keep a journal or a diary about your injury, and include the symptoms you are experiencing. This will allow you keep track of your daily pain. It is crucial to provide the police a detailed description of the incident. However, it is also advisable to note down the names and contact numbers of witnesses. The witnesses may be able to provide additional details that can assist the police with their investigation, and in the event that you need to make an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in the future. You should also get an insurance company of the party who was at fault. This report can be helpful in determining the extent of liability for the crash and any related damages, including property damage, medical bills as well as lost wages and other compensable expenses. Negotiating With the Insurance Company It is a good idea to hire an experienced attorney in the event that you have to deal with a large insurance company after an accident. They can negotiate higher settlements and negotiate with insurance adjusters for you. Your lawyer will request financial documents from your employer, bank accounts and investments to prove how the accident has impacted your earnings. They will also ask for medical records from your doctors to prove your injury claim. You may be required to attend an interview or give a deposition about the accident in order to obtain an official report. They will then go through all evidence and consult with experts to determine the worth of your non-economic damages. After assembling all the necessary information after assembling all the relevant information, they draft a formal letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company at the fault. This document will detail the facts, state the legal reasoning behind why their insured is liable under NY law, and request compensation. The insurance company is likely to respond with a low counteroffer. Your lawyer will help you determine whether to accept the counteroffer or not, it, or return to discussions. You should be cautious when discussions with the insurance provider since what you say could damage your case. Don't admit to fault or swear to not sue. This can be used in court later against you. Be careful not to make any statements about your injuries and the circumstances of the accident in case they are used to lower your claim. A seasoned Long Island car accident lawyer can help you handle the insurance company negotiations. They'll be able to review the offer made and provide you with an estimate of what you're entitled in terms of financial compensation as well as what medical treatment or expenses you'll need in the future. Insurance companies can be a challenge and they will use many strategies to convince you to accept a lower offer. Always be firm and insist that settlements have to be signed. This will stop an unethical adjuster from saying something over the phone, only to later denial later.