How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case A specialist in accident reconstruction can maximize the value of your case by studying all the forces that led to the crash. They can also provide information about your injuries and quantify the losses that you have suffered. You'll have to provide documentation of your damages which includes medical expenses as well as other out-of-pocket costs. The evidence you collect should be taken as soon as you can after the accident. Assistance If you're involved in a car crash and require medical attention, seeking immediate medical attention is the top priority. If you are able to, gather as much information at the scene of the accident as you are able. Make use of your smartphone camera or video camera to take photos of the vehicles involved, their damage skid marks, or anything else that could help your case later on. Inquire anyone who was present on the scene to provide you their contact details as well as a short description of what they observed. However, be careful not to divulge any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or the limits of your policy. Search for cameras that may have captured this accident, such the red light or security camera. You can request copies of the footage by calling the person that operated those cameras. Documentation of your expenses is another important step. In some instances, you can recover compensation for the amount you've spent on expenses like a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired, or an excursion to and from work when you recover from injuries. You may also seek compensation for lost wages in the past and in the near future if your injuries prevent or reduce your earnings in the future. Be sure to keep your records of all medical expenses related to the crash. If your injuries cause an indefinite disability, you may be able to claim compensation for future care costs like adjustments to your home and assistive equipment which allow you to continue living at home or working. You can also claim compensation for other financial losses, such as the cost for a caregiver or replacement for household services in the event that your injuries hinder you from doing these tasks on your own. Gathering Evidence The first step in any accident case is to gather the most evidence possible. State-by-state, the rules for presenting evidence in courtrooms can differ. However, certain types of evidence can be used in almost all accidents. Witness Testimony In the case of accidents eyewitness testimony is vital. It provides a factual account of the incident which will assist in determining fault. Witnesses could be drawn from all kinds of sources, such as pedestrians walking around and drivers of nearby vehicles as well as friends or family members. They could be carrying a smartphone that they can use to record their statement, or they may choose to provide a written account. Photographic Evidence Photographs of the scene are the most evident evidence of the accident. The evidence can include a road that has been slick as well as broken glasses and damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. It can also include environmental factors, like traffic signals or construction sites that may be a factor in the accident. Police Reports The police reports that are generated following any car crash are essential for a car accident suit. They can include the officer's opinion on who was at fault for the incident, as well as any traffic violations that were committed by the driver. It is crucial to get an official copy of the report as soon as you can, or at the very least while it's still being written so that you can have an opportunity to check the accuracy of the information. Witness Contact Information It's always best to gather as much information as you can from any witnesses that might have seen the accident. You can ask for their names and contact information so that your lawyer can ask them questions about what they witnessed during the accident and the immediate aftermath. Medical Records If you're injured in a car accident, it will be important to keep track all your medical appointments. These records will allow you to document the injuries you've sustained and will assist your legal team in calculating how much compensation you're entitled to in damages. Documenting Your Injury You should take pictures and videos of the scene if you can do so without risking your health. You can create a realistic picture of the accident scene by using your smartphone or camera attached to your vehicle. The photos should show any visible injuries or damage that resulted from the accident. It is crucial to note any skid marks, road conditions and other details that can help in creating a more precise picture of the accident. It is important to seek medical care as soon as you can after the accident even if the injuries seem to be minor at the time. Many injuries, like neck and spinal issues, can develop in a matter of days or weeks following the incident. If you see your doctor, you'll have more evidence to back your claim that the accident caused the injury and loss. In addition, you should keep track of all your medical treatment and expenses. Save receipts for prescriptions and equipment and travel costs to and from medical appointments, as these are all eligible expenses you may be able recover compensation for. Keep a journal or diary about your injury, including the symptoms you are experiencing. This will help you to record your everyday pain. Informing the police of an accurate description of what happened at the scene will be important, but it's also a good idea to record names and contact details for witnesses, too. The witnesses might be able give additional details that can assist the police in their investigation. This is especially important if you ever have to bring an injury lawsuit or claim for insurance in the future. You should also obtain a copy from the insurance company of the person at fault. This report can be helpful in determining the responsibility of the incident, as well in determining the damages that could be incurred, such a property damage or medical expenses, loss of wages and other costs that are compensable. Discussions with the Insurance Company If you're dealing with a major insurance company after an accident, it is recommended to consult an experienced attorney. These lawyers can deal with the adjusters on your behalf and often negotiate significantly higher settlement amounts. Your lawyer will obtain financial documents from your bank accounts, employer, and investments to show how the accident has affected your earnings. They will also request medical records from your doctor to justify your claim for compensation. You might be required to appear for an interview or give a deposition about the accident to obtain an official report. They will then look over all the evidence and consult with experts to determine how much your non-economic damages are worth. After gathering all the required information after assembling all the relevant information, they draft a formal letter of demand that is to be sent to the insurance company that is at fault. This document will provide details, explain the legal basis for why their insured is responsible under NY law and demand compensation. The insurance company will usually respond with a low counteroffer. Your attorney will assist in deciding whether to accept, decline or re-engage in discussions with the counteroffer. Be cautious when negotiations with the insurance company because what you say can affect your case. Never admit fault or promise not sue. This can be used in court later against you. Be careful not to make any statements about your injuries or the cause of the accident in case they are used to diminish your claim. A Long Island car accident attorney can assist you in negotiating with your insurance company. https://vimeo.com/709627465 will be able to examine the offers offered and advise you on the amount you're entitled to in terms of financial compensation and what medical treatments or costs you'll require in the future. The insurance company can be tricky to deal with and many of their tactics are intended to convince you to accept an offer that is lower than what you're entitled to. Be firm when you negotiate and keep in mind that any settlement you negotiate must be written. This will prevent an unethical adjuster from saying something on the phone and then not denying it later.