Car Accident Case
Each year, there are approximately six million car accidents in the US. Of those accidents, three million are injured. Two million of those people suffer permanent injuries.
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered injuries, you know how impactful it can be on your life. When filing a claim against the at-fault driver, you will need all the evidence you can get to support your case.
While you might already know that most car accident cases do not go to trial, you want your attorney to have all the possible evidence to argue your case if necessary.
Wondering what types of evidence will be most effective? Read on to learn more about evidence and its role in your personal injury case.
Burden of Proof With Evidence
While you might not be at fault for your case, you have the burden of proof for your case.
It’s the reason your attorney will work hard to gather evidence in case they need to provide evidence in a trial.
As the plaintiff seeking compensation, you have the burden of proof in the case. This means you must show that the driver who was at fault for the accident was actually at fault.
Police Report
One of the most critical pieces of evidence is the police report generated from the accident scene. The police should always be called to an accident scene, even if the accident seems minor.
The police report will include important information, such as:
- Contact information for the drivers
- Contact information for the insurance companies
- Police officer’s conclusions as to who was at fault
- The other driver’s statement
- Witnesses’ contact information
- Narration of how the accident occurred
- Citations issued
- Diagrams of the collision scene
- Photographs
This information gives your attorney a starting point to further investigate the circumstances of the accident and what other evidence will be helpful.
Photos
It’s always recommended that you take detailed photos and videos if you’re in a car accident.
Photos from a variety of angles from the accident are helpful. It’s also beneficial to have both close-up photos and photos from a distance. Get photos of things like damage to the vehicles involved, traffics control lights, and even nearby road signs.
If you didn’t or weren’t able to take photos, the police officer on the scene may take pictures, especially if the accident involved serious injuries.
Data Recorder From At-Fault Vehicle
You might know that planes have black boxes that provide important information about the aircraft after an accident. Many cars also have black box-like devices.
The car’s data recorder can provide information like:
- Vehicle’s speed
- Vehicle braking
- Steering
The data recorder gives important data that can be provided by visual information from witnesses.
Witness Statements
Neutral witnesses who were not in any of the cars involved in the accident can be vital. They have an objective point of view on what happened in the accident.
A witness could choose to leave when the authorities arrive at the scene of an accident.
If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their names and contact information in the event you need to contact them after the accident.
Medical Bills
Usually, as part of a settlement amount, all medical expenses and bills from treatments are covered.
The bills document your expenses following an accident and provide valuable insight into the severity of your injuries from the accident.
Your attorney should also calculate any additional treatments you need beyond when the case is being negotiated.
Pay Stubs and Income Tax Returns
Often, as a result of injuries in a car accident, the victim is unable to work.
Showing both your work pay stubs and tax returns gives insight into your lost income.
If you have a long-term or permanent injury, these wages are important to calculate what you’ll lose if you’re out of work for a long time or even permanently.
Repair Bills
Along with medical bills and lost wages, the at-fault driver should be responsible for the repair bills you face because of the accident.
Save both estimates and receipts from repairs, including:
- Towing costs
- Car rental fees
- Other property damage repair costs
If you need any replacement items because of the accident, save those receipts too.
Insurance Policies
Your attorney will want to look at your insurance policy. It will be important to know what kind of coverage you have for uninsured, underinsured, and other insurance coverages.
Most importantly, it will be necessary to look at the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. You need to know how much liability coverage the driver carries.
Expert Witnesses
Your attorney may bring in some experts to testify about the events around the accident and prove fault and its impact. Expert witnesses are often used in these areas:
- Accident reconstruction expert
- Engineer
- Vocational therapist
- Physical therapist
It’s also common to bring in a physician as an expert who can speak to your injuries and their impact on your life.
Get Expert Help With Your Car Accident Case
When you’re injured in a car accident, one of the first things you should do after getting medical attention is to seek the help of a car accident lawyer.
A lawyer is experienced in navigating a case and gathering evidence that will best support your claim.
If you file a personal injury suit, you want an attorney who’s an expert in personal injury cases and how to prove liability.
Use the Right Car Accident Evidence to Win Your Case
A car accident where you’re injured can have a major impact on your life. Filing a car accident case can help get you the compensation you deserve.
You also need legal help to gather important evidence and negotiate with insurance companies. If you need a Cerritos attorney to help with your case, we’re ready to work with you. Contact Heritage Accident Lawyers today so we can help you following your car accident.