After a car accident, in order to best build your case for an insurance claim or injury lawsuit, it is extremely important to gather as much evidence as possible. The more documentation you have to support your claim for damages, the more likely you are to obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Even a seemingly minor car accident can be a disorienting experience. After an accident, check on the well-being of your passengers, as well as any other drivers, and call for paramedics if there are any obvious injuries.
Regardless of the severity of the accident or injuries, call the police and wait for a report to be made. Having a police report created at the time of the accident is extremely important in ascertaining which driver is legally at fault.
Take the time to gather all pertinent evidence at the scene of the accident. You should obtain the name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle plate numbers, and insurance information from all other drivers involved. Find out whether any of the drivers were driving for their employer at the time of the accident, and if so, obtain the employer’s name and contact information.
In addition, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Ask if anyone has taken photographs and if so, ask for copies of that evidence. If you have a camera — even a cell-phone camera — take photographs of the accident scene.
Pay close attention to the condition of the vehicles involved, the location of traffic signals, and any obvious skid marks or other evidence. You may also want to take notes of any statements made by the other drivers or witnesses.
An experienced personal injury attorney can ease some of the burden by engaging in fact-finding, gathering the necessary documentation, and crafting concise and thorough demands for settlement of your claim. Northland Injury Law helps victims injured in car accidents recover the compensation they need. If you have been personally injured, call 816-400-4878 for a Missouri automobile accident lawyer today.
