What Evidence Will The Lawyer Need To Build A Strong Car Accident Case?

Your health and well-being, as well as that of any passengers, should be your first concern after a car accident. However, if you’re able, it’s also a good time to gather evidence that you can use to strengthen your claim. 

Evidence can degrade or change over time, so the sooner you or someone you trust can collect good proof of what happened, the better you can expect your case to go. Which pieces of evidence do you need to focus on gathering? Here’s what should be at the top of your list.

The Most Important Pieces of Evidence for Your Lawyer

The following items are the most vital to your case. 

Videos and Photographs

Even the best description of a scene can be open to interpretation. Also, the insurer or the court may view your testimony with some suspicion unless you can back it up with more concrete proof. During settlement negotiations or a trial, a picture is truly worth a thousand words and can lend credence to your version of events. 

You likely have a camera on your phone ready to go, so snap as many photos and take as many videos as you reasonably can. Start by capturing images of all vehicles involved, including their positions on the road and any visible damage. Photos of license plates, as well as the make and model of each vehicle, are especially important, particularly if another driver attempts a hit-and-run.

Next, photograph nearby street signs, traffic signals and skid marks, along with any hazards or obstructions that could have contributed to the accident. Don’t forget to document weather conditions at the time.

Though it may feel embarrassing, photographs of your injuries are also important. These can show the extent of the bodily harm you experienced. 

Determine if there is any surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses. Check for photos and videos from witnesses. If you’re near an intersection, figure out if the junction has traffic cameras. Of course, if you have a dash cam in your vehicle, that is also invaluable. 

Finally, see if you can get pictures or recordings of the other parties. Be careful not to upset anyone by doing so. However, recording the condition of the other driver could help to determine if you collided with an impaired person.

Police Reports

Police reports are another important resource. However, be aware that these documents cannot technically serve as evidence in Florida courts because of the “hearsay rule.” This takes into account that an officer’s version of events may have mistakes or inconsistencies. This is useful to know because it means that you can supply evidence that contradicts the officer if the report is incorrect. 

Police reports are still useful. They contain witness statements and the investigating officer’s observations, which can be introduced as evidence. The report also gives you insight into how the officer and witnesses perceived the events, which can be helpful if they later testify.

The report can also be a source of information you may have forgotten to collect on the day of the accident, such as the time and location. You can even get details about the other parties if you weren’t able to at the scene, including their names and insurers.

To get a police report, you’ll need to request it and pay a $10 fee, plus a $2 transaction fee. It typically takes up to 10 days to receive. If you work with our firm after your crash, we can make the request for you. 

Medical Reports

It’s not enough to simply share what injuries you have. You need to show the cost of treatment. Save and organize every bill and receipt, as well as the types of scans, tests and procedures you have gone through. 

This is especially important for long-term treatments that will last long after you get your settlement. Remember that settlements and awards are final, and you can’t request more compensation later.

Witness Statements

Get the statements of any bystanders. If you can’t talk much at the scene, try to get their contact information to talk to them later or have someone you trust to do it. (Our attorneys can handle that for you, too.)

Time is of the essence, as people’s memories of events may fade over time. Be polite and respectfully ask if you can write down or record their version of what occurred. Eyewitnesses can provide an unbiased perspective that may fill in missing details or clear up any misconceptions. 

Physical Evidence

Actual items from the scene can be even more effective than pictures. You can show vehicle parts or debris that illustrates the impact of the collision. Damaged clothing is also proof of where and how you sustained injuries. 

Keep in mind that a crash might not just be due to a careless driver. If a defective part played a role, you could get compensation from the manufacturer. Having the malfunctioning item is beneficial for supporting these claims. 

Estimates of Property Value and Damage

You need to have estimates and invoices that show your property’s cost of repair or replacement. Gather receipts, maintenance records and photos that reflect the value of your car before the crash. 

For instance, the insurer or defense may argue that your car was only worth the average market value for similar vehicles in your area with standard wear and tear. When you can show receipts of improvements or upgrades that increased your car’s value, you improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. The same principle applies to any other personal items damaged in the accident.

Get Help With Your Car Accident Evidence

Trying to get all of this evidence together is a lot of work. It’s even more challenging when you consider that you may be recovering from serious injuries. 

Our team at Kogan & DiSalvo can help you ensure you don’t miss anything important. If you or a loved one has had an accident, give our team a call today.

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