How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case An accident reconstruction expert can maximize the value of your claim by analyzing the forces that were involved in the crash. They can also provide information into your injuries and quantify the damages you have sustained. You'll need documentation of your damages, including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses. This evidence should be gathered immediately following the accident. Get Help In the event of a crash it is important to prioritize seeking medical attention right away. However, if you are healthy enough to receive medical attention it is essential to collect as much information as possible at the scene of the crash. Make use of your phone's camera or video feature to take photos of the vehicles involved, damage skid marks, and anything else that could help your case later on. Ask anyone who was on the scene to provide you their contact information as well as a short description of what they saw. Be careful not to divulge any personal information about your insurance coverage or policy limits. Find any cameras that may have caught this incident, like a red light or a security camera. Find out who runs the cameras, so you can request copies of the footage later on. Documentation of your expenses is an additional step. In some cases you can get compensation for money spent on things like the rental of a car while your vehicle was being repaired or a trip from and to work when you were recovering from an injury. In addition, you can claim compensation for the past and future lost earnings if your injuries stop you from working or result in lower than expected earnings in the future. Keep the track of all medical expenses related to the accident. If your injuries cause an ongoing disability, it may be possible to claim damages to cover future care costs. This could include home modifications and assistive equipment that will allow you to live at the home or at work. You may also be able to claim compensation for any additional financial losses such as the costs of a caregiving professional or household replacement services if your injuries make it impossible for you to do these tasks yourself. Gathering Evidence The first step in any case of accident is gathering the most evidence that is available. The guidelines for presenting evidence in the courtroom differ from state to state but there are certain types of evidence that are helpful in the majority of accidents. Witness Testimony In the case of accidents eyewitness testimony is vital. It offers a factual retelling of the accident that will aid in determining the cause. There are numerous witnesses, including pedestrians, drivers of cars in the vicinity or even family members or friends. They could be carrying their smartphones, which they can use to record their statement or to write a report. Photographic Evidence The most obvious form of photographic evidence is photos taken of the scene of an accident. This can include skid marks on the road, broken glass, and the damage to both vehicles involved in the collision. It could also include environmental factors, such as construction sites or traffic signals which could have contributed to the accident. Police Reports The police reports that are produced following any kind of motor vehicle accident are crucial to a car crash lawsuit. They can include the officer's opinion on who was at fault for the accident, as well as any traffic violations that were committed by the other driver. It is recommended to obtain a copy as soon as possible, or at the very minimum as the report is still being completed. This will give you the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information. Witness Contact Information It's always a good idea to gather as much information as possible from any witnesses who could have witnessed the accident. Ask to have their names as well as contact information so that your lawyer can interview them for a statement about what they saw during the incident and the immediate aftermath. Medical Records Keep the track 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 amount of compensation you're entitled for the damage you sustained. Documenting your injuries If you're able do this without putting at risk your health, it is vital to record photos and videos of the accident scene. No matter if you use your phone or a camera that is attached to your vehicle, this will let you create a clear picture of the scene. The photos should include visible injuries and damages from the accident. It is also useful to record any skid tracks, road conditions, or other factors that can help in drawing a clearer picture of the incident. Even if you think your injuries are minor it is important to seek medical attention as soon after the incident as soon as you can. A variety of injuries, including soft tissue neck and spine problems, can be apparent days or weeks after the incident. The sooner you consult a doctor, the more likely you are to have more evidence to back your claim that the incident caused the injury and loss. Also, keep track of all your medical treatment and expenses. Keep receipts for prescriptions, equipment and travel costs to and from medical appointments, as these are all eligible expenses you may be able to claim compensation for. You should also keep a diary or journal about your injuries and associated symptoms, which will help you keep track of the severity of your discomfort. The police should be provided with an accurate description of what happened at the scene is crucial, but it's recommended to take down names and contact information for any witnesses as well. Witnesses may be able to provide additional details to help the police in their investigation. This is especially important if you ever need to make a personal injury lawsuit or claim with an insurance company in the future. In addition to the official police report, be sure to get a copy of the crash report from the insurance company. This report will be useful in determining the liability of the incident and related damages, including property damage, medical bills loss of wages, and other expenses that are compensable. Negotiating With the Insurance Company It is an excellent idea to employ an experienced lawyer when dealing with a large insurance company after an accident. These lawyers can negotiate greater settlements as well as deal with insurance adjusters for you. Your lawyer will require financial documents from your employer as well as bank accounts to show the impact of the accident on your earnings. They will also request medical records from your doctor to justify your injury claim. https://vimeo.com/709533267 might be required to take part in an interview or take a deposition on the incident to get an official record. Then, they will review all evidence and consult with experts to determine the value of your non-economic losses. After acquiring all the details and analyzing the information, they'll create a demand letter that they will send to the at-fault insurance firm. This document will outline the facts of the situation and the legal reasons for why their insured is responsible under NY law, and then make a demand for compensation. The insurance company will typically respond with an offer of a small amount. Your attorney will assist in deciding whether to accept, reject, or return to negotiations the counteroffer. Be careful when negotiating with the insurance company because what you say may damage your case. Never admit fault for the accident or promise not to sue, as it could be used against you later in court. It is also important to avoid making any statements about your injuries or how the accident occurred, as these could be twisted around to limit your claim. An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can help you handle the insurance company negotiations. They'll be able examine the offers offered and assist you in determining the amount you're entitled in terms of financial compensation as well as what medical treatments or expenses you'll require in the future. Insurance companies can be difficult and will employ a variety of strategies to convince you accept a lower rate. Be firm when negotiating and keep in mind that any settlement you negotiate must be written. This will stop an unprofessional adjuster from making a claim over the phone, only to later deny it later.