From a pretty young age, we learn that telling the truth is all you need to do for everything to be okay. That might be the case when you’re a child, but adulthood operates a little differently.
When you’ve been in a car accident, even one that isn’t your fault, the evidence and a reputable car accident lawyer is often what leads to a successful claim. Your word on its own is not always strong enough.
Therefore, if you have been involved in a car accident and are considering filing a claim, here are the most vital pieces of evidence that could benefit your case.
1. Scene Imagery and Videos
With over 294 million smartphone users in the United States, you can almost guarantee that one will be available to use at the scene of your accident. Put it to good use by capturing photos and footage of what has unfolded.
Take photos of your vehicle damage, the entire accident scene, and your injuries. The more pictorial evidence you have, the stronger your case may be. Just don’t forget to save these in at least two different places to reduce the risk of them being lost before you make your claim.
2. Driver Details
There can be a lot happening at once in the immediate aftermath of an accident. But if there’s one thing you don’t want to forget, it’s getting as much information from the other driver involved in the collision as possible.
Write down their name, phone number, insurance information, address, license information, and number plate. The more information you have, the easier it will be to communicate with them and contact them once you’ve decided to file a compensation claim.
3. Police Report
Having the police at the scene of an accident can be quite comforting. They can direct traffic, create a safe perimeter around the scene, and make sure everyone is okay. But what they can also do is provide you with yet another robust piece of evidence. Their report can outline what happened at the scene so that you can establish who’s at fault.
In Texas, police must be called to the scene of an accident if:
- Anyone is injured
- Damages will be $1,000 or more
- You suspect an intoxicated driver
- The driver doesn’t have insurance
- The driver tries to leave the scene
If you don’t call the police and property damage, injury, or death occurs, an accident report must be filed with the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days.
4. Medical Report
If you have been involved in a collision and emergency services are called to the scene, take advantage of the on-site medical specialists. If you are offered a ride to the hospital or medical care is recommended, accept the offer
You may feel fine, but that doesn’t mean you are. What’s more, visiting a medical clinic for help means you have a paper trail of any injuries you sustained in the car accident and how much they cost. Your chosen car accident lawyer can then accurately calculate a fair compensation figure from this information.
5. Witness Statements
Even before you contact a car accident lawyer in Dallas, Texas, it’s a good idea to talk to witnesses at the scene of the accident if you are in a position to do so. If they saw what happened, they could prove to be valuable witnesses for your case.
Write down their name, address, and phone number, in case you need to contact them at a later date.
6. Expert Witnesses
Not all accidents are clear-cut. You may know that you didn’t cause your collision, but there may not be strong evidence to prove it. In that case, having expert witnesses to explain how something can happen may be worth your while.
You don’t have to arrange these expert witnesses on your own. If your North Texas attorney believes they can strengthen your case, they can organize to bring one on board.
If You’ve Been in an Auto Accident, Contact J. Alexander Law For Help
Being in a car accident can be one of the most stressful events of your life. It can be made even more so when you have to fight for your right to compensation. Having these forms of evidence above can undoubtedly strengthen your case, but a competent car accident attorney like J. Alexander Law is the cherry on top. Reach out to us today for a free case review!