Being involved in a car accident sets off a chain of stressful events, including the need to gather evidence to build your case. This process can be relatively simple and straightforward in some cases, but others require more persistence, and sometimes even luck. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you should get in touch with a skilled car accident attorney right away.
An experienced car accident attorney, like those at Pacific West Injury Law, can help you every step of the way, including the evidence gathering portion. There are several types of evidence you should collect that can help your case.
Photos or Videos at the Scene of the Accident
One of the best types of evidence you can gather is visual evidence, in the form of photos or videos, at the scene of the accident. This isn’t always possible, as accidents that result in severe injuries make it impossible for you to record the scene yourself. If you can collect photos and videos, try to get the damage sustained by both or all cars at several different angles.
It’s also helpful to record photos or videos of the surrounding area, including the road, to help provide context to the accident. If you were unable to get photos at the time of the accident, you can always return and at least take pictures at the spot where it happened. Photo and video evidence may also include photos of your injuries after the accident occurred.
Police Reports
Unless somebody is injured and needs immediate medical attention, one of the first things you should do after a car accident is to call the police to get an officer to the scene. In some states, drivers are required by law to have an officer file a police report after an accident. Police reports allow a third party to look at the accident, gather their own evidence, and form an educated guess about what happened or caused the accident.
It can be nearly impossible to win a car accident case if a police report was never filed, as many judges and juries put a particular emphasis on what a police officer writes in their report. Some people may ask you not to call the police after an accident, and they may even offer you money in exchange. Do not take them up on this offer, as a police report is imperative for car accident cases, no matter their severity.
Medical Records
If you suffered from injuries, mild or severe, after the accident, be sure to collect and keep your medical records organized. Medical records can help your lawyer prove that you were injured in the car accident, the severity of your injuries, and how much money you have had to pay to get medical care after the accident. When possible, it’s helpful to include records from multiple healthcare practitioners to further prove the severity of your injuries, especially if they appear to be permanent or catastrophic.
Witness Testimony
Unless the car accident happened late at night or on a country road, chances are high that somebody else was around to witness the car accident you were involved in. Witness testimony can be another powerful way for judges and juries to piece together what exactly happened, though people can forget details after some time. This is why it’s best to gather witness testimony shortly after the accident happens.
If you notice any witnesses after the accident occurred, ask if you can have their contact information in case their testimony is needed down the line. From there, your lawyer can ask the right questions and record more information about their observations of that day and your accident.
W-2 Forms or Paystubs
Although gathering forms related to employment may not seem relevant to a car accident case, having these forms handy can help your lawyer support lost wages claims. Lost wages are a form of compensation that covers the money a car accident victim would have made if they didn’t miss work due to their injuries. Lost wages are normally calculated using the victim’s typical hourly wage multiplied by the number of hours of work they missed.
Freelancers or self-employed people may not receive W-2s or paystubs, but they can still be eligible for lost wages in most cases.
What Else Can You do to Help Your Case?
Besides gathering evidence and keeping it organized, the next best thing you can do is file a claim as soon as possible. Many states have a statute of limitations of two years, meaning that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Other states only have one year, so get familiar with your state’s law and file your claim as soon as you can.
Many people put off filing their claim because it is an inherently unpleasant task, but there are several aspects of the legal process that can delay your paperwork from getting filed. Unfortunately, many people have had their cases thrown out because their paperwork didn’t get filed in time. Getting in touch with an experienced lawyer right away can help you ensure you get your paperwork filed properly and on time.
If You Need a Lawyer to Represent You in Your Car Accident Case, Contact Pacific West Injury Law Today
Pacific West Injury Law has a team of well-respected and experienced car accident attorneys that have helped people like you earn millions of dollars in compensation. We want to help you hold the guilty party accountable so that you can receive the money you need to recover and move on with your life. For a free case review, please visit our site or contact us today, and one of our dedicated staff members will reach out to you shortly.
