How to Gather Evidence for Your Accident Case A specialist in accident reconstruction can enhance the value of your case by studying the force that caused the crash. They can also provide information into your injuries and the amount of damage you've suffered. You will need to provide proof of your injuries which includes medical expenses as well as other out-of-pocket expenses. This evidence should be collected within the shortest time possible following the accident. Need Help If you are in a car crash, getting immediate medical attention is the top priority. If you are able to, gather as much information at the scene of the accident as you can. Utilize the camera or video function of your phone to snap photographs of the vehicles involved. Photograph any damage, skid marks and anything else you think might be helpful. Also, inquire with anyone at the scene to provide their contact information and an account of what they observed. However, be careful not to reveal any personal information regarding your insurance coverage or the limits of your policy. Also, check for cameras within the area that could have captured the incident for example, red light or security cameras. You can then request copies of the footage by contact the person who ran the cameras. Documentation of your expenses is an additional step. In some instances you can claim compensation for the amount you've spent on expenses such as a rental car when your vehicle is being repaired or transportation to and from work while you recover from injuries. In addition, you can claim compensation for past and future lost wages if injuries prevent you from working or result in lower than expected earnings in the near future. Keep an eye on any medical expenses that are related to the collision. If your injuries result in a permanent impairment, you may be eligible to claim damages for future costs of care like adjustments to your home and assistive equipment which allow you to continue living at home or working. You can also seek compensation for additional financial losses, such as the cost of a caregiver or household replacement services if your injuries render it difficult for you to complete these tasks on your own. Gathering Evidence The first step in any case of accident is to gather as much evidence as is possible. The rules for presenting evidence in the courtroom differ from state to state however, there are certain kinds of evidence that can be useful in most accidents. Witness Testimony Eyewitness testimony is vital in the case of an accident. It provides a factual account of the incident that can aid in determining the cause. There are many witnesses, including pedestrians, drivers of cars in the vicinity as well as family members or friends. They might also have a phone with them that can be used to record their statement or they might choose to simply write a report. Photographic Evidence Photographs of the accident scene are the most evident photographic evidence. The evidence can include a road that has been slick broken glasses, or the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident. https://vimeo.com/709683999 can include environmental factors like construction sites and traffic signals which may have contributed to the crash. Police Reports The police reports that are generated following any type of motor vehicle accident are essential to a lawsuit filed against a car accident. These reports could include the officer's report on who was at fault for the accident, as and any traffic violations which either driver has committed. It is important to obtain the report as early as you can or at least while it's being written in order to give you an opportunity to review the accuracy of the information. Witness Contact Information It is a good idea to obtain as much information from witnesses who might have witnessed the incident. Ask to have their names and contact numbers so that your lawyer can ask them to give a statement regarding what they saw during the accident and the immediate aftermath. Medical Records If you're injured in an auto accident, it's essential to keep track of all medical appointments. These records will allow you to document the injuries you've sustained and will aid your legal team in calculating the amount you deserve for the damages. Documenting Your Injury If you're able do so without putting at risk your health, it's essential to take photos and videos of the crash scene. You can paint a realistic picture of the accident scene by using your smartphone or a camera attached to your vehicle. The photos should include visible injuries or damages that may have occurred as a result of the accident. It is also important to note any skid marks, road conditions or other things that could help in drawing a clearer picture of the incident. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if your injuries appear to be minor at the moment. Many injuries, such as neck and spinal issues, can develop in a matter of days or weeks following the accident. If you see a doctor, you will have more evidence to back your claim that the incident caused the injury and loss. Additionally, you should keep track of all of your medical treatments and expenses. You should keep receipts for prescriptions and equipment, and for travel expenses to and from medical appointments. These are all expenses for which you could be eligible to receive compensation for. You should also keep journals or a diary of your injury and related symptoms, which will help you record the extent of your discomfort. Giving the police an accurate description of what transpired at the scene will be important, but it is recommended to take down names and contact details for witnesses, too. Witnesses could be able to give additional details that can assist the police in their investigation, and should you ever need to file an injury lawsuit or claim for insurance in the future. You should also obtain an insurance company of the party who was at the fault. This report can be helpful in determining the extent of liability for the crash, as well for the potential damages that could be incurred such as property damage and medical expenses, as well as lost wages and other compensationable costs. Negotiating With the Insurance Company If you're dealing with a large insurance company following an accident, it's recommended to consult an experienced attorney. These lawyers can negotiate greater settlements and deal with insurance adjusters for you. Your lawyer will collect financial documents from your bank accounts, employer, and investments to show how the accident has impacted your earnings. They will also seek medical records from your medical professionals to help support your injury claim. You might be required to appear for an interview or give a deposition on the incident to obtain an official report. Then, they will go through all evidence and consult with experts to determine the value of your non-economic damages. After gathering all the required information After assembling all the necessary information, they draft a letter of demand to be sent to the insurance company that is at fault. The document will explain details, explain the legal grounds for why their insured is liable under NY law, and request compensation. The insurance company will typically respond with an offer of a small amount. Your attorney will assist in deciding whether you want to accept, decline or return to negotiations over the counteroffer. You must be careful in dealing with the insurance company since what you say could harm your case. Don't admit guilt for the accident or promise not to sue because this can be used against you later in court. Be careful not to make statements about your injuries or the cause of the accident in case they are used to decrease your claim. A Long Island car accident attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company. They can analyze the offers and give you advice on what you are entitled to in terms of financial compensation is concerned, as well as what medical treatment or other costs you might need in the near future. The insurance company can be difficult to work with and a lot of their strategies are designed to deceive you into accepting a lower offer than you're entitled to. Be firm in your negotiations and remember that settlements must be documented. This will prevent an unethical adjuster from making a claim over the phone and then deny it later.