If you or your loved one is involved in a car accident, you should be looking for evidence to prove that another party’s fault caused your injuries.Â
It is easy to get confused about whether the evidence needed from a car accident is strong enough or not for making a claim.
The best decision the victim can make here is to hire a car accident lawyer who can collect evidence to prove the other party’s fault.Â
In this article, find out which proof you should collect to aim for a fair settlement for your claim and how a car accident attorney can help you in collecting evidence:
Understanding the Burden Of Proof
As a victim, the burden of proof is on you to prove that the other driver was acting negligently at the crash. In addition, you should show that their negligence is the reason behind the accident and your injuries.Â
This is where a car accident lawyer in Tampa can help you. First, they can help you to gather evidence to establish the legitimacy of your claim. Also, they can sort the evidence to find out which proof will be most useful that can help in getting fair compensation for your injuries.Â
While police reports might be helpful, it is not admissible if your case goes to trial. Still, you should collect the police report that can be used during negotiations.Â
Let’s look at the types of evidence you should gather to claim your injuries:
Evidence Needed from a Car Accident: Common Types Of Evidence To Prove Your Car Accident Claim
You should to prove the other driver’s negligence to try to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Unfortunately, an inexperienced person needs to learn how and which proof can play a big role in claiming compensation for injuries. Here are some of the evidence you can collect that can maximize your claim:
Picture Of The Accident Scene
Pictures are vital proof in car accident cases. If you are in good condition to take pictures immediately after the accident, use your phone to document the accident scene from various angles. Make sure you cover the following aspects:
- The vehicle condition and their damage.
- Vehicles’ placement.Â
- Lighting and weather conditions.
- Injuries you might suffer.
- Any construction or road defect might have played a role in the accident.Â
- Any property damage.
- Skid marks.Â
Police Statement
Police officers usually arrive at the accident scene immediately after the crash. Upon arrival, the officers start inspecting the collision and gather every evidence they can conclude. Their inspection contains many tiny details that can help you greatly get the compensation you deserve. Therefore, it would be advantageous if you were eager to obtain their names and identifying badges. You can also seek the police report serial number and, if feasible, a copy. Their statement may not be definitive because they did not testify to the accident, but it can help to support your claim.
WitnessÂ
If your injuries do not prevent you from speaking to other people at the accident scene, try to collect information about the pedestrians or the drivers who might have seen the crash and the events that lead to the accident. These people can be your eyewitness that can precisely describe the crash.
Personal Injuries Evidence
It doesn’t matter how minor your injuries are; you should seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or brain injury, do not show symptoms instantly, and a timely diagnosis can save your life.Â
From your initial visit to ER to your daily routine appointments, your medical records can serve as essential evidence in negotiations and court. For instance- receipts of prescriptions, diagnostic images- MRIs or x-rays, medications for your injuries, and so on.Â
Surveillance Footage
Near the accident scene, gas stations, office buildings, retail stores, or company premises might have video recording devices. You could obtain such a video to prove your case. But remember that this type of evidence can only be obtained legally, and this can be done only with the help of a car accident attorney.Â
How Can A Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Witness memories might only last for a while. Video footage is often overwritten after some time. Even if the footage obtained from the ATMs or nearby gas stations might help identify the reason behind the crash, there are some reasons why it makes sense to reach out to the lawyer instantly after the crash.Â
A car accident lawyer with enough experience handling car accident claims knows how to obtain valuable evidence to help make the insurance claim process faster and easier. Here’s how a lawyer collects evidence for you:
Obtain Essential Evidence
A car accident lawyer helps gather the evidence required to prove another party’s negligence. Even though you might have taken pictures of the accident, your attorney will likely go back to the crash scene and analyze what it looks like.
The car accident lawyer will ensure to get all the police or accident reports and speak to the investigating officers on your behalf. A reasonable attorney will do their best to gather every piece of evidence to prove the other party’s fault and help you get fair compensation.
Analyze Accident Reports
Your accident reports of what happened before, after, and during the crash are essential, and your car accident lawyer in Tampa will go through them with you. However, a crash occurs so quickly that it is hard for any party to remember precisely how the accident happened.Â
A good car accident attorney understands the need for evidence to prove what happened, how it happened, and identify the party or parties at fault. They will collect evidence critical to maximizing your compensation through discussions leading to a settlement of the claim or a verdict after a trial. The proof should be compelling enough to persuade the at-fault party’s insurance carrier or a jury panel that you are entitled to compensation.
Identify The Cause Of The Accident
A car accident attorney will research the cause of your car accident. Your attorney will:
- Examine the accident scene
- Sort through your medical bills and records.
- Compile accident or police reports
- Obtain statements from eyewitnesses.
- Look for footage of the crash on neighboring traffic cameras.
This inquiry can assist your attorney in determining who is to blame for your vehicle accident.
Estimate Future Medical Costs And Other Expenses
A car accident attorney can help you estimate all accident-related expenses, including lost wages, medical costs, etc. Without anticipating future costs, you could miss out on a compensation amount that you’re likely required to recover fully from the injuries caused due to the crash.Â
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies try to reduce compensation to the least to protect their profit margin. Therefore, the initial settlement offer by the insurance company is far more likely to be less than your actual claim is worth. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to manipulate you into accepting the offer, and in this way, they will sue your right to claim any further damages.Â
Never accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without having a car accident lawyer by your side. A lawyer knows the law and how to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to help you get fair compensation for your injuries.Â
Contact Coleman Law Group
If you or your loved one has been involved in a car accident and is seeking an experienced car accident attorney, the Coleman Law Group is your place.
We will provide you with a trusted and dedicated car accident attorney who will do everything in their power to help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our attorney has all the experience and exposure required to help you fight your car accident claim. Our compassionate attorneys are available for you wherever you are and whenever you decide you need a helping hand in getting the compensation you deserve. So call today to get a free case evaluation to see how we can help you.
