Evidence to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim

 

Getting into a car accident can be traumatic both in the moment and the aftermath. Not only do collisions cause physical injuries, but they can also leave immense emotional devastation and financial destruction in their wake.

 

 

Fortunately, if you were recently in a car accident and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to seek it, though, you’re going to have to gather a lot of compelling evidence.

 

 

If you’re wondering where to start, here are some of the most common pieces of proof that claimants present in pursuit of damages:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Official Police Report

 

 

 

The official police report is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in most car accident claims. It should contain important details about the wreck, including the date, time, and location where it occurred, as well as the names and contact details of all those who were involved. It should also include the responding officer's impressions of the scene, which may address fault.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Eyewitness Statements

 

 

 

If other people saw the accident occur, their statements can help corroborate your account of what happened. Depending on how detailed it is, eyewitness testimony can provide valuable information about the other driver's behavior leading up to the accident, which might include speeding or driving erratically.

 

 

Referring to the police report is a good place to start when it comes to tracking down eyewitnesses. People worth interviewing might include other motorists, their passengers, and any cyclists or pedestrians who were in the area at the time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Medical Records

 

 

 

Make sure to preserve all documentation associated with diagnosing and treating your injuries. You’re going to need these records to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the treatments you received. Such records may include nursing logs, diagnostic images, progress reports, and hospital bills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Photographs

 

 

 

Images of the accident scene, any visible wounds, and the damage to your vehicle can help paint a clearer picture of what happened. Preserve all photos in a safe place until you can give them to your legal team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Video Footage

 

 

 

If there is video footage of the incident, either from dash cameras or surveillance systems that were overlooking the scene, it will likely serve as incredibly compelling evidence. Since it may be overwritten in a matter of weeks, though, it’s imperative to request copies from the owners of any such footage as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Cell Phone Logs

 

 

 

Distracted drivers are responsible for thousands of traffic fatalities and many more injuries every year. If you have reason to believe the driver who struck you was using their cell phone at the time, the associated logs can be subpoenaed and used to support your claim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speak with a Michigan Car Accident Attorney

 

 

 

If you were seriously hurt in a wreck through no fault of your own, turn to Smith & Johnson to determine how best to proceed. A compassionate personal injury attorney on our team can help you navigate the claims process in pursuit of compensation for the damages you incur. Call 231-946-0700 or fill out the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Michigan.