Being in a car accident is traumatic–no matter what the circumstances, and while your health will always be the priority and you should do everything you can to ensure your safety and the safety of others, if you are able to do so, you should collect essential evidence that you might need later.
Rarely do accident victims know whether the car accident they are in will result in a claim, which is why being proactive makes such a huge difference in the event you have to go to court.
Take photographs and videos
Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any property affected, road conditions, traffic signs and any visible injuries.
Contact information
Exchange contact information with anyone involved in the accident and also gather information about the witnesses that may have stopped their vehicles when they saw the accident to try to help. Anyone who was there during the accident could have something to contribute.
Police report
When someone calls 911 and police arrives, they will fill out a police report. You can get a copy of this report after the fact by calling the law enforcement office.
Medical records
Seek medical attention right away, even if the injuries seem minor. Often times, an injury can look like it is minor but present symptoms later on– and turn out to be major, so you do not want to dismiss any injuries just yet.
By gathering this evidence promptly and throughly, you can strengthen your case and ensure that your rights are protected. If you have questions or need assistance, always contact your attorney.