After a car accident, it’s important to preserve any and all related evidence so that you can adequately substantiate any claims you file. If the insurance company refuses your claim, or if the other party tries wrongly to pin the fault on you, then you’ll have to provide evidence to support your case or else you’ll miss out on the opportunity to obtain a settlement.
Types of Evidence to Preserve after an Accident
The moment you are able after an accident, you’ll want to begin collecting information that might be useful as evidence. It’s wise to keep all the information safe and in one location, so store anything you collect in a file folder. This way, you’ll have it handy to provide to the insurer or your attorney.
Some of the evidence you’ll want to collect include the following.
- The accident report
- The other party’s name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information
- Witness contact information
- Photos and video of the accident scene
- Notes on the location and time of accident
- Medical records and bills
- Doctors’ prognoses and recommended treatment plan
- Paystubs (to prove lost income from injuries)
- Photos of your injury
- An injury journal
The above list is far from comprehensive. There is a lot of info that can be very instrumental in your case; much depends on the nature of your accident. To determine what types of evidence you should obtain and for help in organizing and presenting it in an effective manner, you’ll want to consult a car accident attorney directly.
When Damages are Extensive
Simple claims with few damages can be resolved fairly quickly. However, when the damages are extensive, it can take a greater effort to bring a claim because the stakes are higher. Consult a car accident attorney if your damages total over $10,000 or if you have a complicated injury because you’ll want to make sure you have all the evidence necessary to prove your claim.
Also, if your injuries are severe, you’ll want to avoid giving a statement to the insurer without first having run your case by a lawyer. Talking to your car accident attorney first is useful, and one of our five tips for dealing with a car accident adjuster, because you might inadvertently say something that indicates fault or that minimizes the seriousness of your injuries. The insurer can later use your statements against you to refute or lower the value of your claim.
Getting a Free Legal Consultation in Pennsylvania
For a free legal consultation after a car accident in Pennsylvania, contact Cordisco & Saile LLC. Call us today at 215-642-2335 to review your case with one of our caring, knowledgeable team members.
