How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case An accident reconstruction specialist can increase the value of your claim by analyzing the forces involved in your crash. They can also give you insights into your injuries and quantify the losses you've suffered. You'll need to prove your damages, like medical expenses and other out of pocket costs. It is recommended to start collecting this evidence in the earliest time possible at the scene of the accident. Assistance If you are in a car accident receiving immediate medical attention is your primary priority. If you're able, gather as much information at the scene of the accident as is possible. Utilize your phone's camera or video camera to take photographs of the vehicles involved, their damage marks, skid marks and everything else that may help your case later on. Inquire anyone who was present at the scene to give you their contact details and a brief description of what they observed. Be cautious not to divulge any personal information about your insurance coverage or the limits of your policy. Also, check for cameras in the area that might have recorded the incident including red lights or security cameras. You can then request copies of the footage by calling the person that operated those cameras. The recording of your expenses is crucial. In some instances, you could get compensation for money spent on things such as renting a car during the time your vehicle was being repaired or a ride from and to work when you recovering from an injury. In addition, you can seek compensation for future and past lost earnings if your injuries stop you from working or result in less than anticipated earnings in the future. Be sure to keep track of the medical expenses incurred due to the collision. If your injuries cause a permanent disability, you might be eligible to claim damages for future care costs, such as modifications to your home and assistive devices that allow you to continue living at home or working. You may also be able to claim compensation for other financial losses, such as the cost of an attendant or household replacement services, if your injuries prevent you from carrying out these tasks on your own. Gathering Evidence In any case of accident, the first step is to gather as all evidence you can. The guidelines for presenting evidence in the courtroom vary from state to state however, there are certain kinds of proof that will be useful in most accidents. Witness Testimony In accident cases eyewitness testimony may be crucial. It provides a factual account of the incident to assist in determining fault. There are numerous witnesses including pedestrians, drivers of nearby vehicles or even family members or friends. They may also have a smartphone with them that can be used to keep track of their statement or simply provide a written report. Photographic Evidence Photographs of the scene of the accident are the most obvious photographic evidence. The evidence can include skids on the road broken glasses, skid marks on the road, and the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. It can also include environmental factors, like construction sites or traffic signals which could contribute to the crash. Police Reports The police reports that are produced following any kind of motor vehicle accident are critical to a car crash lawsuit. These reports can contain the officer's analysis of who was responsible for the incident, as well the traffic violations that were committed by the other driver. You should obtain the report as soon as possible, or at the very least when the report is being written. This gives you the chance to check the accuracy of the data. Contact Information for Witnesses It's a good idea gather as much information as you can from any witnesses who may have witnessed the accident. Inquire about their names and contact details so that your attorney can be able to interview them about what they saw during the accident and the immediate aftermath. Medical Records Keep track of your medical appointments if you are injured in an accident. These records will help document the injuries you've suffered and assist your legal team to calculate the amount of compensation you're entitled for the damages you've sustained. Documenting Your Injuries It is recommended to take photographs and videos of the area where the accident occurred if you can do so without placing your health in danger. You can create an accurate image of the scene using your smartphone or camera that is attached to your vehicle. The photos should show any visible injuries and damage from the accident. It is also useful to note any skid tracks, road conditions, or other elements that could help to paint a more precise image of the accident. It is important to seek medical care as soon as you can after the incident even if the injuries seem minor at the time. A lot of injuries, especially soft tissues neck and back injuries may take a few days or even weeks to manifest. The sooner you consult a doctor, the more likely you are to have more evidence to support your claim that the accident caused the injury and loss. Also, keep track of all your medical treatments and expenses. You should keep receipts of prescriptions and equipment as well as for travel expenses to and from medical appointments. These are all expenses you may be able to claim compensation for. Keep a journal or diary about your injury, mentioning the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help you record your daily pain. It is important to give the police a detailed account of the incident. However it is also beneficial to record the names and contact information of witnesses. The witnesses may be capable of providing additional information that will aid the police in their investigation, and also should you have to submit an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in the future. In addition to the official police report, you should also make sure you get an exact copy of the crash report from the at-fault party's insurance company. This report is useful for finding out the liability of the accident, as well for the potential damages that could be incurred, including property damage medical expenses, lost wages and other compensationable costs. Discussions with the Insurance Company It is always best to hire an experienced lawyer in the event of dealing with a large insurance company following an accident. These professionals can negotiate higher settlements and handle insurance adjusters on your behalf. Your lawyer will request financial documents from your employer as well as bank accounts to document the impact of your injury on your earnings. They will also request medical records from your medical professionals to back up your injury claim. They may have to speak with you in person or ask you regarding the incident for an official record. They will then review all evidence and consult with experts when determining what the non-economic damage you suffered is worth. After gathering all the required information after assembling all the relevant information, they draft a formal letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company at fault. This document will outline the facts of the case, legal reasons why their insured is responsible under NY law, and then make a demand for compensation. The insurance company is likely to respond with a low counteroffer. Your lawyer will help you in deciding whether to accept, deny, or return to discussions with the counteroffer. Negotiating with an insurance company can be a challenge because what you say may harm your case. Do not admit to the fault of the incident or promise not to sue, since it could be used against you in the future in court. Avoid making https://vimeo.com/709630795 about your injuries and the reason for the accident because they could be used to reduce your claim. An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can help you handle the insurance company's negotiations. They can evaluate the offers and provide guidance on what you're entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, as well as what medical treatment or other expenses you might require in the future. Insurance companies can be very tricky and will employ a variety of methods to convince you to accept a lower price. Be firm when you negotiate and keep in mind that any settlement you negotiate must be written. This will stop an unethical adjuster from making a claim over the phone, and then denial later.