How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case An accident reconstruction expert can help maximize the value of your claim by analyzing the forces involved in your accident. They can also give you information about your injuries and calculate the damages you have suffered. You will be required to prove your damages, such as medical expenses and other expenses that are not covered by your insurance. It is best to begin collecting this evidence in the earliest time possible at the site of the accident. Get Assistance If you're involved in a car crash seeking medical attention immediately is your primary priority. If you are able to, gather as much information at the scene of the accident as you are able. Use the camera or video feature of your smartphone to take photographs of the vehicles involved. Photograph damage, skid marks and anything else that you think might be useful. Also, inquire with anyone at the scene to provide their contact details and brief descriptions of what they saw. But, be cautious not to disclose any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or the policy limits. Also, look for any cameras in the area that might have captured the incident, 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. Recording your expenses is essential. In some cases you can claim compensation for expenses on things such as a rental car during the time your vehicle was being repaired or a trip from and to work while you were recovering from an injury. You may also seek compensation for lost wages in the past as well as in the future if injuries hinder or limit your earnings in the future. Keep the track of any medical expenses that are related to the accident. If your injuries cause a permanent impairment, you may be able to claim damages for future medical expenses like modifications to your home or assistive devices that allow you continue living 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 render it impossible to perform these chores yourself. Gathering Evidence In any case of accident, the first step is to gather as the evidence you can. The guidelines for presenting evidence in the courtroom vary from state to state but there are certain types of evidence that will be useful in most accidents. Witness Testimony Eyewitness testimony is vital when it comes to accidents. It is a factual account of the accident that will assist in determining fault. There are numerous witnesses who can be identified, including pedestrians, motorists of cars in the vicinity or even family members or friends. They may be carrying smartphones that they could make a note of their experience or to give a written report. Photographic Evidence Photographs 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 collision. It can also include environmental factors, such as construction sites or traffic signals that may contribute to the crash. Police Reports The police reports generated after any motor vehicle crash are vital to a lawsuit filed against a car accident. These documents may contain the officer's assessment as to who was responsible for the accident as and any traffic violations that a driver may have committed. It is recommended to obtain an official copy as soon as you can or at the very least, while the report is being written. This will allow you to check the accuracy of the data. Witness Contact Information It is a good idea to get as much information from any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident. You can ask for their names and contact information to enable your lawyer to ask them questions about what they saw during the accident and the immediate aftermath. Medical Records Keep note of all medical appointments if injured in an accident. These records will help keep track of the injuries you've suffered and aid your legal team in calculating the amount you're entitled to for the damages. Documenting https://vimeo.com/709405887 If you're able to do so without jeopardizing your health, it is important that you take pictures and videos of the accident scene. You can create realistic pictures of the scene using your smartphone or a camera that is attached to your vehicle. The pictures should include the vehicles as well as any visible injuries or damages caused by the accident. It is also helpful to record any skid marks, road conditions, and other factors that can help to paint a more precise image of the accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor it is important to seek medical care as soon following the accident as you can. Many injuries, including soft tissue neck and back pain may take a few days or even weeks to manifest themselves. If you see a doctor, the more likely you are to 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 treatment and related expenses. You should save receipts for prescriptions and equipment, as well as for travel to and from medical appointments. These are all costs that you may be eligible to receive compensation for. You should also keep a diary or journal about your injury and the symptoms it causes, which will help you record the daily intensity of your discomfort. The police should be provided with an accurate description of what happened at the scene is important, but it is recommended to take down names and contact details of witnesses as well. The witnesses may be in a position to provide additional information that can assist the police with their investigation, and also in the event that you need to submit an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in the future. It is also recommended to obtain an insurance company of the party at the fault. The report can be used for determining the extent of liability for the accident, aswell as the possible damages that might be incurred, including property damage and medical expenses, as well as lost wages and other costs that are compensable. Discussions with the Insurance Company It is best to hire an experienced lawyer if you are dealing with a large insurance company following an accident. These professionals can negotiate higher settlements and negotiate with insurance adjusters for you. Your lawyer will require financial records from your employer and bank accounts to show the impact of your injury on your earnings. They will also ask for medical records from your doctors to prove your claim for compensation. You might be required to take part in an interview or give a deposition on the incident to get an official record. They will then go through all the evidence and consult with experts to determine how much the non-economic damage you suffered is worth. After acquiring all the details after obtaining all the relevant information, they will write a demand note to send to the at-fault insurance firm. This document will provide the facts, state the legal basis for why their insured is accountable under NY law and demand compensation. Insurance companies typically respond with a low-ball counteroffer. Your attorney will assist in deciding whether to accept, deny, or return to discussions with the counteroffer. Negotiating with an insurance company can be tricky because what you say could affect your case. Never admit fault for the accident, or make a promise not to sue, as it could be used against you in the future in court. It is also important to refrain from making statements regarding your injuries or the way the accident occurred, since they could be used to diminish your claim. A seasoned Long Island car accident lawyer will assist you in handling insurance company negotiations. They will evaluate the offers and give you advice on what you're entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, as well as what medical treatment or expenses you may need in the future. The insurance company can be difficult to work with and a lot of their tactics are meant to trick you into accepting an offer that is lower than what you are entitled to. Always be firm and insist that settlements must be documented. This will stop an unethical adjuster from saying something on the phone, only to later denying it later.