An automobile collision can be startling, leaving one wondering about future actions. Still, a good legal case depends on thoroughly recording your motor vehicle collision. With the assistance of an Orlando car accident lawyer, this guide will walk you through recording your accident and ensuring you have all the required documentation to bolster your claim.
What to do after a car accident?
Take Photos of Skid Marks
Though not always, the police will most likely note the length of the skid marks and quantify them in reports. Therefore, photographing any skid tracks left by involved vehicles is crucial to prove something in your favor, such as that you aimed to prevent the accident. Stated differently, your pictures can be useful proof for your accident attorney to assist in the recovery of the financial damages you are due.
Take Photos of the Street Signs and Street Conditions
Photographs demonstrating the state of the weather—such as rainy or muddy conditions—can be useful evidence of contributing elements to the car accident. To record the site of the vehicle collision, make sure you snap images of possible landmarks or street signs.
Injuries to You or Passengers of Your Vehicle
Pictures of any physical injuries you or your passengers sustained will help you strengthen your case to the insurance company or court. Give your attorney copies as well.
Damage to the Vehicle
Photograph the damage to your car using your digital camera or cell phone. Most smartphones or digital cameras provide a timestamp or date stamp that will show on the picture or be included in the file name. This will display the date and time the pictures were taken. Even in cases of no damage, you should snap pictures of the other car. As with any proof, you should forward these pictures to your attorney.
Creating a Detailed Accident Report
A thorough accident report will be created once preliminary data has been gathered.
- Write a Personal Account
Write down your own story of the accident right away. Add specifics, including the time, place, temperature, and your pre-, during-, and post-accidental actions. Remain factual and as thorough as you can.
- Obtain the Official Accident Report
Ask the Department of Public Safety to copy the official accident report. This report includes the police officer’s assessment of the accident, which is essential evidence for your case.
Additional Documentation
Apart from the immediate aftermath, further evidence will help your case.
- Medical Records
Document all medical care you receive connected to the accident thoroughly. This covers doctor visits, ER trips, physical therapy, and prescribed meds. Make sure every injury—even little ones—is recorded.
- Repair Estimates and Receipts
Get approximations for repairs on your car and save receipts for accident-related costs. Seeking damages compensation calls for this kind of financial documentation.
- Correspondence with Insurance Companies
Save any letters, emails, notes from phone conversations, and other correspondence you send to insurance companies. Should conflicts develop, these records can act as proof and assist you in monitoring the development of your claim.
Conclusion
There can be additional sources of documentation. Key evidence in your car accident case could be the other driver’s cell phone records, maintenance records, or even bar or liquor store receipts. Once your attorney does a preliminary inquiry, your attorney will be able to ascertain what further kinds of paperwork might be accessible; then, your attorney will be able to work to get this documentation using the proper legal channels.
Although you should save as much documentation as you can, it is far more crucial to hire a lawyer to examine things immediately.