If you are involved in a car accident and suffer any injuries or property damage, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. The success of your claim will depend on whether you have sufficient evidence to prove that the other driver involved in the accident was at fault. The more evidence you can collect from the accident scene, the more likely you will recover the damages you are entitled to.
While your top priority should be to get immediate medical attention for your injuries, collecting as much evidence as possible immediately following the accident will help you build a strong case and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. An experienced car accident lawyer will help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim, assist you with every step of the claims process, and pursue the best possible settlement outcome.
If you are physically able to do so, it is important to gather evidence as soon as possible after the crash. The moments immediately following a car accident can be stressful and chaotic, but if you can remain calm and avoid panicking, you will be better able to focus on collecting valuable evidence from the accident scene, including the following:
- Photos from the accident: If your injuries do not prevent you from moving around safely, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, both vehicles’ license plates, skid marks and debris on the road, traffic signs and signals, road conditions, and the exact location of the accident taken from a range of angles and distances.
- Copy of the police report: After calling 911 to report the accident, police will arrive at the scene. The responding officer will take statements from all motorists involved in the accident. Often, the police report will include the officer’s opinion about whether any traffic laws were broken and which motorist was responsible for causing the accident. You can obtain a copy of the police report and send it to your insurance agent. This will be extremely valuable evidence.
- Witness statements: This is another valuable piece of evidence that can help prove that the other driver caused the accident. If there were other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists in the vicinity at the time of the accident, ask if they saw the accident happen and if they would be willing to provide a statement about what they saw and who they think caused the accident. In most cases, the most credible witnesses are those who have no personal connection to anyone involved in the accident and no financial stake in the outcome of an insurance claim or [personal injury lawsuit.
What Other Evidence Will Help My Case?
In addition to the evidence collected at the scene of the accident, there is other evidence that will help support your claim, including the following:
- Medical records and bills: If you suffered any injuries from the accident, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. Ensure you obtain copies of all medical records and expenses associated with your injuries, including hospital records, diagnostic test results, emergency room reports, surgical notes, rehabilitation records, and any other medical documentation supporting your claim.
- Proof of lost wages: If your injury prevents you from being able to return to work for an extended period of time, you will need to gather documentation that verifies your employment status and income. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, and statements from your employer about your lost wages and the benefits you are entitled to.
- Records of communications: It is highly recommended that you maintain detailed records outlining all communications concerning your case, including communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and other relevant individuals.
- Repair estimates and receipts: If your vehicle sustained significant damage, make sure that you keep copies of all repair estimates, invoices, and receipts for all repairs and replacements.
- Expert opinions: In some cases, it may be necessary to employ an accident reconstruction specialist, medical professional, or other expert who can offer insight into the details of the accident and who is liable for causing the accident. Statements from experts can provide valuable evidence for your claim.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
If the car accident was minor and there were no serious injuries, you may be able to file a claim on your own. However, if you suffered serious injuries and substantial property damage, or there are disputes over liability, it is highly recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you recover the damages you are entitled to. In addition, your lawyer will investigate the details of the case, assist you with collecting important evidence, and determine whether the other motorist engaged in negligent driving behavior at the time of the accident.
Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Help Clients Navigate Every Step of the Claims Process
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, and the other driver was at fault, it is in your best interest to contact our Cincinnati car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office as soon as possible. We will thoroughly review the details of your case, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and help you collect the evidence needed to have a successful claim. Our dedicated legal team will address your questions and concerns and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, and we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.