Why Collecting Evidence at a Car Accident Scene is Important
When you're in a vehicle accident, the last thing on your mind is thinking about what evidence you can acquire to assist establish your potential case. However, if you are injured as a result of the automobile accident, evidence may be the most crucial factor in proving a personal injury claim in the future.
When dealing with a vehicle accident case, there are numerous things to consider, and one of the most important is evidence. You will have a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve if you have strong evidence supporting your claim. While your accident lawyer will work tirelessly to acquire evidence and research your case, you can always play a role if you want to improve your chances of victory.
Why Evidence is so important?
In a car accident injury case, evidence is crucial for a variety of reasons. When you're on the road, it might be tough to figure out who is to fault for your injuries. You may have been on a deserted road with no one around to see you. Alternatively, both drivers may claim that the other was to blame for the collision. Even if others witnessed the incident, they may be hesitant to testify. Evidence is critical in instances like these, where it is one person's word against another's.
Since California is a "pure comparative negligence" state, you can still bring an injury claim even if you were 99 percent to blame for your own injuries. Other states have the authority to bar plaintiffs from bringing claims, even if they are 51 percent to blame for their own injuries. Evidence also plays a role in assessing each party's degree of culpability. The difference between 40% and 50% can be significant, especially when a seven-figure payout is at stake. After all, 10% of a million dollars is $100,000.
Gathering evidence at the scene
Evidence can aid substantiate your case and lead to a larger damages award when seeking compensation for personal injuries or property damage. Using your phone to capture photographs and videos of the collision scene and surrounding regions after a vehicle accident might provide significant evidence provided you aren't too injured to do so.
If at all possible, take photographs or films of the following:
· Any cars that were involved in the collision (regardless of the percentage of fault)
· Any and all property damage to your car, other cars, personal goods, and other items.
· Any potholes, skid marks, or other road problems
· The size/volume of traffic at the time of the accident o The immediate surroundings (stoplights, street signs, etc.)
· Any obvious injury to the individual (major or minor)
Take photographs and videos of the person you suspect caused the accident if you are possible. This can assist in demonstrating fault if the motorist is inebriated. Of course, don't be too obvious, since people might be offended if they're photographed or recorded without their consent. Taking video witness testimonies (both drivers and pedestrians) and making careful to take written notes might also be beneficial.
Medical records are also crucial in automobile accident personal injury cases. As a result, the first step following a vehicle accident should always be to see a doctor for a comprehensive medical evaluation. The trip to the hospital or doctor after a vehicle accident generates a record that can assist us prove that you were wounded as a consequence of the accident on that date. Both of these criteria are critical in establishing a personal injury lawsuit: the injury happened on the stated date and the accident caused the harm. Keeping all of this evidence might help you win your automobile accident case.
Contact a California Car Accident Attorney
If you're looking for a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney in California, contact the Ghozland Law Firm for assistance for your automobile accident case.
