Getting compensated for car accident injuries relies on building and proving your car accident claim. As an accident victim, it is up to you and your attorney to support your injury claim and show the other party was liable for your damages.
There is evidence you can gather in the aftermath of a car crash to help yourself and your attorney construct a compelling case for compensation. This evidence includes physical evidence, records, and witness testimony.
The following is an overview of evidence gathering in car accident cases. For specific case information, reach out to a Denver personal injury attorney in your area.
Evidence Gathering at the Scene of a Car Accident
The first and most vital place to start gathering evidence is at the scene of your car accident. This is where physical evidence is easily available and recordable. Most accident scene evidence disappears with time and must be collected quickly.
If you are safe and able following an accident, you should:
- Take photos of the accident scene and surrounding area. Be sure to include your injuries, any skid marks, vehicle damage, and crash debris. If there are traffic cameras in the area take note of those;
- Write down the other driver’s information or take a photo of their driver’s license and insurance information;
- Write down eyewitness contact information;
- Ask the responding officer for their contact information. Find out when and where to pick up a copy of the police report;
- Locate nearby cameras that may have recorded the accident. These may be business security cameras or residential cameras. Your attorney can help you obtain this footage; and
- Find out if your vehicle has camera footage of the accident and how to access this information.
A friend or witness can help you gather evidence at the scene of your car accident if you are hurt and unable to do so. Your physical well-being and receiving medical care is always your priority after a car crash.
Seeking Medical Care and Documenting Your Medical Treatment
Get medical care at the scene of your accident or go to the emergency room for an examination as soon as you leave. It does not matter whether or not you feel hurt.
Many serious accident injuries are unable to be detected by the naked eye. These include internal organ damage, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injury.
Proving a case for injuries requires that you immediately address any accident-related conditions. You must not allow these to linger.
A delay in treatment gives the insurance company grounds to deny your claim. They can argue your injuries were minimal, or that your lack of care caused minor injuries to worsen.
Medical records are firm proof of treatment, injury type and severity, and your overall prognosis for recovery. Medical records and bills combined are excellent evidence for damages including pain and suffering.
Other Valuable Documentation
Along with medical records and billings, keep a log of all accident-related activities and expenses in your life. Try to think of every way the crash has impacted you and your family.
This may include but is not limited to:
- Hiring help around the home;
- Lost wages;
- The use of a rental car;
- Trips to and from medical appointments; and
- Psychiatric counseling.
Keep a personal journal as well. In your personal journal, write down your daily struggles. These may be physical pain, emotional and mental suffering, the inability to perform daily tasks or participate in hobbies.
Contact a Denver Car Accident Lawyer Today
Have an experienced Denver car accident attorney start gathering evidence on your behalf right away. This will increase your chances of a successful personal injury claim.
Dulin McQuinn Young has decades of experience fighting for the injured in Colorado. We have a track record of successful judgments and verdicts and are ready to put our skills to work for you!
Call or contact Dulin McQuinn Young now to schedule your no-obligation consultation and learn more about building a strong case for injury compensation!