What Kind of Evidence Should You Gather at the Scene of a Collision?
When it comes to pursuing compensation following a motor vehicle collision, the burden of proof lies on the accident victim who is seeking damages. Even if the other party admits fault, the insurance company wants to see evidence of this liability, and it is up to the third-party claimant to provide it.
In most cases, the strongest evidence will be from the scene of the crash. If you are able to get up and walk around after the collision, it is wise to start documenting the scene before responders have started clearing away the wreckage.
If you were unable to gather evidence at the scene because you required emergency medical care, it is still possible to build a strong personal injury claim; however, you may wish to enlist the help of a seasoned injury lawyer so you can focus on your health. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you will find a Lafayette accident attorney who is both compassionate with clients and aggressive with the opposing party.
We have 350 years of experience combined among our Louisiana personal injury lawyers, as well as the manpower and resources to beat any large corporation. Call (337) 284-9548 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on to learn about the kinds of evidence you should gather at the scene of a collision:
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Detailed Photographs
If you have a camera on your phone, take photographs of the scene from all angles. Make sure you capture the road conditions, weather, skid marks, and nearby traffic signs or signals, as well. You should also document any visible injuries you sustained, like bruises or lacerations.
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Contact Information
Get the names and contact information of any other motorists and passengers involved in the crash. Exchange insurance information with the other drivers, too, and write down or photograph their driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers before leaving the scene.
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Witness Information
If there were any motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, or nearby shopkeepers who witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Your accident attorney can reach out to these witnesses on your behalf and obtain their testimony to help strengthen your case.
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Police Report Number
Get the names and badge numbers of any officers who respond to the scene, and ask them for the number of the report they are going to file when they return to the station. An official police report is an essential piece of evidence in most injury claims. Although insurance adjusters will ultimately determine fault based on the evidence provided, they are going to refer to the police report and take the officers’ opinions into account when doing so.
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision that was not your fault, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for quality legal representation during every stage of the claims process. Our award-winning team of attorneys is relentless when it comes to securing the compensation our clients deserve. Call (337) 284-9548 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Lafayette.
