5 Types Of Evidence To Win A Car Accident Case

One of the worst things that every car driver dreads to happen is being involved in a car accident. There are many causes why car accidents happen. It can be due to speeding, road conditions, distracted/reckless driving, or overtaking. In some cases, a car accident can also happen due to a combination of these factors, eventually leading to confusion for both parties involved on who’s at fault. It might be easier to blame someone, especially if it was an obvious scenario. However, that’s not the case when you want to win your car accident case and receive a fair settlement.

That’s why drivers are constantly reminded to stay alert, calm, and knowledgeable when gathering evidence. This way, if you ever get involved in one, you’ll know what information you must collect and avoid saying or mentioning things that would jeopardize your chances of winning the case. So, what types of proof must you have on hand to support your claim for damages, injuries, and losses? 

For your guide, here are five types of evidence to help you win a car accident case and prove the other opposite party’s driving negligence. 

  1. Photographs And Videos 

Perhaps one of the strongest types of evidence you can have to support your claim is the photographs and videos recorded from the accident scene. This will give everyone a clear view of the damages, losses, or injuries you’ve incurred from the accident. These pictures and videos are useful, especially if you’re still having difficulty verbally describing the accident because you’re still stressed or traumatized.  

Furthermore, accident reconstructionists are experts in interpreting images or videos. They can provide a replay of the accident and state it in the court to prove that the other party was negligent or was taking too much risk on the road. It’s also essential to hire a car accident lawyer to get the facts and investigate your photographs so they can file a lawsuit on your behalf. 

When taking photographs or videos from the accident, here are essential factors you shouldn’t miss: 

  • Injuries you’ve incurred 
  • Placement of the vehicles 
  • Your vehicle’s condition and damages 
  • The other party’s driver’s license and plate number 
  • Any road defects that caused the accident 
  • Weather or lighting conditions (when it’s nighttime) 
  • Other debris, broken glasses, and marks around the scene of the accident 

If you’ve had passengers with you during the accident, make sure to take photographs of their injuries too. 

  1. Official Police Reports 

There’s a reason why drivers involved in an accident should never flee unless the police arrive, and that’s so you can file a police report. Once the police officers arrive, they often record and note the accident based on their objective view on who’s at fault, who was drunk, the names and licenses of both drivers, and other vital information that could make or break your claim.  

While the police are recording details of the accident, make sure you also do your assignments, such as getting the name and badge number of the police officer who assisted at the accident scene. You can also ask for the report number and get a copy, especially if their report favors your side (assuming that you’re the victim and the other party is at fault). The police reports will be helpful later on when you need to prove your case.  

  1. Medical Records 

Aside from the photographs of your injuries, the medical records are also strong evidence to prove the degree of the injuries you’ve incurred. If you can’t retrieve the medical records yourself, assuming you’re still healing or still traumatized, your hired attorney can do it for you. He will obtain the medical records from the emergency room down to your physical therapy appointments. He can also collect your medical treatments and bills and study them to determine how much compensation you must receive.  

  1. Property Damage Bills Or Receipts 

After the accident, you’re most likely going to spend a significant sum of money to repair the damages to your vehicle. You can use your vehicle repair receipts and other property damage bills to prove the degree of property damages caused by the accident. Furthermore, it’s also helpful to include the car maintenance service files or car upgrade records that you’ve done shortly before the accident. This will make it easier for you to prove that the accident isn’t due to your car’s faulty engine or broken break. Plus, this could also raise the value of your vehicle. 

  1. Witnesses 

Two types of witnesses can testify for you. The first one would be the eyewitnesses. These are the people who were actually there during the accident and witnessed the accident firsthand. Since they were present during the scene, they can give helpful details about where, when, and how the accident happened. They can also confirm who’s at fault, especially if they’ve seen that the other party was drunk or texting while driving. 

The second type is the expert witnesses. Your attorney may opt to hire them depending on the status of your case. Expert witnesses may include accident reconstructionists, economic experts, doctors, and medical experts. They are specialists who can testify according to their educated opinions and help the jury understand the events and impacts of the accident. 

The Bottom Line 

Whether it’s minor or massive, a car accident can cause severe consequences to your property, finances, and most especially, your physical and emotional health. Thus, it’s only right that you get compensated fairly after everything you’ve been through. So, take note of these pieces of evidence or let your attorney retrieve them to strengthen your odds of winning your case and getting the proper settlement you deserve.

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