How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case A specialist in accident reconstruction will maximize the value of your case through analyzing all the forces that led to the crash. They can also provide insights into your injuries and quantify the loss you've sustained. You'll have to provide documentation of your damages which includes medical expenses as well as other out-of-pocket costs. It is recommended to begin collecting this information as soon as possible at the site of the accident. Get Help If you are in a car accident seeking medical attention immediately is your primary priority. If you're sufficiently well to be able to get medical attention it is crucial to collect as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Make use of your smartphone camera or video camera to capture photos of the cars involved, their damage marks, skid marks and everything else that could aid your case later on. If anyone was present at the scene to provide you their contact details as well as a brief description of what they observed. Be careful not to divulge any personal information regarding your insurance coverage and policy limits. Also, look for cameras in the vicinity that could have recorded the incident including red lights or security cameras. Try to find out who runs the cameras, so you can request copies of the footage later. It is also essential. In certain situations you may be able to recover compensation for the amount you've spent on things such as a rental car when your vehicle is being repaired, or an excursion to and from work while you recover from injuries. Additionally, you can claim compensation for future and past lost wages if injuries prevent you from working or result in lower than anticipated earnings in the near future. Keep note of all medical expenses associated with the accident. If your injuries result in an ongoing disability, it may be possible to claim damages in order to cover future medical expenses. This could include home modifications and assistive equipment that lets you to live at the home or at work. You may also be able to seek compensation for other expenses, like the cost of a caregiver or household replacement services if your injuries make it impossible to take on these duties yourself. Gathering Evidence In any case of accident the first step is to gather as much evidence as you can. The rules for presenting evidence a courtroom vary from state to state, but there are certain kinds of evidence that will be beneficial in all accidents. Witness Testimony Eyewitness testimony is essential in accident cases. It provides a factual account of the incident which will help to determine fault. Witnesses could come from all sorts of sources, such as pedestrians walking around or drivers of vehicles in the vicinity or even friends or family members. They could be carrying their smartphones, which they can use to record their statement, or they may choose to give a written report. Photographic Evidence Photos of the scene are the most evident photographic evidence. This could include skid marks on the road, broken glass and the damage to both vehicles involved in the collision. This could include environmental factors like construction sites and traffic signals that may have contributed to the accident. Police Reports The police reports generated after any type of motor vehicle crash are crucial in a suit involving a car crash. They could contain the officer's evaluation of the person who was at fault for the accident as the traffic infractions which either driver has committed. You should obtain an official copy as soon as you can or at the very least as the report is being completed. This will allow you to check the accuracy of the data. Contact Information for Witnesses It is always recommended to gather as much information as you can from any witnesses that might have witnessed the accident. Request their names and contact numbers to allow your attorney to ask them to give a statement about what they witnessed during the accident and the immediate aftermath. Medical Records Keep note of all medical appointments if you are injured in an accident. These records will record the injuries that you've sustained and will help your legal team determine the compensation that you deserve for the damage you sustained. Documenting Your Injuries You should capture photos and videos of the site of the accident in the event that you are able to do so without putting your health at risk. It doesn't matter if you're using your cellphone or a camera attached to your car, this will let you draw a precise picture of the scene. The photos should show any visible injuries and damages from the accident. It is important to keep track of any skid marks, road conditions and other details that can help paint a more accurate picture of the accident. Even if you believe the injuries are not too serious it is important to seek medical care as soon following the incident as is possible. Many injuries, especially soft tissue neck and back pain may take days or even weeks to manifest themselves. The earlier you visit a doctor, the more credible evidence you will have to prove that your injury and losses are directly related to the accident. It is also important to keep track of your medical expenses and treatment. Save receipts for prescriptions, equipment and travel costs to and from medical appointments, since they are all eligible expenses you may be able to claim compensation for. Keep a journal or diary about your injury, mentioning the symptoms that you are experiencing. This will help you record your pain and discomfort throughout the day. Giving the police an accurate account of what happened at the scene is important, but it's also a good idea to note down the names and contact numbers for witnesses as well. The witnesses may be able provide additional details to help the police in their investigation, and should you ever have to make an injury lawsuit or insurance claim in the future. You should also get a copy from the insurance company of the party who was at fault. The report can be helpful in determining the extent of liability for the accident and its related damages, including property damage, medical bills as well as lost wages and other expenses that are compensable. Negotiating with the Insurance Company If you're dealing with a major insurance company following an accident, it is recommended to consult an experienced lawyer. These lawyers can negotiate greater settlements and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Your lawyer will obtain financial documents from your employer, bank accounts and investments to demonstrate how the accident affected your earnings. https://vimeo.com/709633654 will also request medical records from your healthcare providers to help support your injury claim. You may be required to attend an interview or take a deposition about the accident to obtain an official report. Then, they will review all evidence and consult with experts to determine the value of your noneconomic damages. After acquiring all the details after obtaining all the relevant information, they will prepare a demand letter to send to the at-fault insurance firm. The letter will outline the facts, outline the legal reasoning behind why their insured is responsible under NY law and demand compensation. Insurance companies typically respond with a low-ball counteroffer. Your attorney will assist in deciding whether you want to accept, decline or go back to negotiations over the counteroffer. You should be cautious when negotiations with the insurance company since what you say could damage your case. Never admit fault or promise not sue. This could be used in court later against you. It is also essential to refrain from making statements regarding your injuries or the way the accident happened, as these could be twisted around to reduce your claim. A seasoned Long Island car accident lawyer can help you handle the insurance company negotiations. They can assess the offers and give you guidance on what you're entitled to as far as financial compensation is concerned, as well as the medical treatment or other expenses you may need in the future. Insurance companies can be a challenge and they can employ a variety of tactics to get you to accept a lower rate. Be firm when you negotiate and be aware that any settlement must be written. This will prevent an unethical insurance adjuster from making a claim over the phone, only to deny it later.