How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case A specialist in accident reconstruction can maximize the value of your case through analyzing all the forces involved in the accident. They can also give you insight into your injuries, and quantify the losses that you have suffered. You'll have to provide proof of your injuries, including medical expenses and other expenses out of pocket. This documentation should be collected as soon as possible after the accident. Getting Help In the case of a car crash it is important to prioritize getting medical attention immediately. If you are able to, gather as much information from the accident scene as possible. Make use of your smartphone camera or video feature to take pictures of the vehicles that were involved, any damage, skid marks and anything else that could aid your case later on. You can ask anyone who was at the scene to provide you their contact details and a brief description of what they saw. Be sure not to share any personal information about your insurance coverage and the limits of your policy. Also, look for cameras within the area that could have captured the accident for example, red light or security cameras. Find the person who is responsible for those cameras, so that you can request copies of the footage later. Documenting your expenses is also essential. In some cases you can get compensation for money you spent on things like renting a car during the time your vehicle was being repaired, or a ride from and back to work while you recovering from an injury. You may also seek compensation for lost wages in the past and in the future if your injuries restrict or hinder your earnings in future. Keep track of all medical costs that are related to the accident. If your injuries result in a permanent impairment, it might be possible to seek damages to cover future costs for care. This could include home modifications as well as assistive equipment that allows you continue to live at the home or at work. You may also be able to claim compensation for other economic losses, such as the cost for a caregiver or replacement for household services, if your injuries prevent you from performing these chores on your own. Gathering Evidence In any accident situation, the first step is to gather as the evidence you can. The guidelines for presenting evidence in a courtroom can differ from state to state, however there are certain types of proof that will be helpful in the majority of accidents. Witness Testimony In the case of accidents, eyewitness testimony can be vital. It provides a factual account of the accident that can assist in determining the cause. Witnesses could be drawn from all kinds of sources, such as pedestrians who are in the vicinity and drivers of nearby vehicles or even friends or family members. They might also have a phone in their possession that can be used to record their statements or they might choose to simply write a report. Photographic Evidence Photos of the scene are the most evident evidence of the accident. The evidence could include scuffs on the road as well as broken glasses and damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. This could also include environmental factors such as traffic signals and construction sites that may have contributed to the accident. Police Reports The police report generated following any motor vehicle crash are vital for a car accident suit. They could contain the officer's opinion on the person who was at fault for the accident, as the traffic infractions which either driver has committed. You should request an official copy as soon as you can or at a minimum in the time that the report is still being completed. This will give you the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information. Contact Information for Witnesses It is always a good idea to gather as much information as you can from any witnesses who might have witnessed the accident. Request their names as well as contact information so that your lawyer can interview them for a statement about what they witnessed during the accident and its immediate aftermath. Medical Records If you're injured in a car accident, it's important to keep track all your medical appointments. These records will help document the injuries you've suffered and will aid your legal team in calculating the compensation you deserve for injuries. Documenting https://vimeo.com/709651564 should capture photos and videos of the scene in the event that you are able to do so without putting your health in danger. You can create realistic images of the scene using your smartphone or camera that you have attached to your vehicle. The photos should include any visible injuries and damage from the accident. It is important to keep track of any road conditions, skid marks or other details that could aid in forming a more precise picture of the incident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should seek medical assistance as soon after the accident as possible. Many injuries, including soft tissue neck and back problems, can take days or even weeks to manifest. 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. You should also keep an eye on the medical costs and treatment. Keep receipts of prescriptions, equipment, and travel expenses to and from medical appointments, as they are all eligible expenses that you could be able to recover compensation for. You should also keep your own diary or journal of your injury and its symptoms, which will help you keep track of the severity of your discomfort. It is crucial to give the police a full account of the incident. However, it is also advisable to note down the names and contact information of witnesses. The witnesses may be able give additional details that can assist the police with their investigation, and should you ever need to make an injury lawsuit or claim with an insurance company in the future. In addition to the official police report, you should ensure that you obtain an exact copy of the crash report from the at-fault party's insurance company. This report can be helpful in determining the liability of the incident and related damages, including medical bills, property damage or lost wages, as well as other compensable expenses. Negotiating with the Insurance Company If you're dealing with a major insurance company after an accident, it is best to work with an experienced lawyer. These lawyers can negotiate greater settlements as well as deal with insurance adjusters for you. Your lawyer will obtain financial records from your employer, bank accounts and investments to show how the accident has impacted your earnings. They will also request medical records from your medical professionals to help support your injury claim. You may be required to participate in an interview or take a deposition on the incident to obtain an official record. They will then go through all the evidence and consult experts when determining what your non-economic damages will be worth. After gathering all the information and analyzing the information, they'll draft a demand letter to send to the insurance company that is at fault. The letter will explain the facts of the case as well as the legal basis for why their insured is legally liable under NY law, and make a demand for compensation. Insurance companies often respond with a low-ball counteroffer. Your attorney will assist you in deciding whether you want to accept, decline or go back to discussions with the counteroffer. Negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult because what you say can affect your case. Never admit fault or promise not to sue. This could be used in court later against you. It is also important to not make any claims about your injuries or how the accident occurred, since these can be used to decrease your claim. An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can assist you with insurance company's negotiations. They can analyze the offers and offer advice on what you're entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, and also what medical treatment or other expenses you may need in the future. Insurance companies can be a challenge and will employ various strategies to convince you to accept a lower price. Be firm in your negotiations and remember that settlements must be documented. This will stop an unethical adjuster from saying something on the phone and denial later.