Some drivers think they’ll never find themselves in a situation like this. In their minds, they’re competent drivers, and they wouldn’t be so error-prone. But, there’s so much more to it than that. You might have a crash because of the actions of someone else. You could have a crash because of a distraction. You might even have a crash because you’re having a bad day. It could happen.
And for some, it already has. In the immediate moments following a crash, it’s not always easy to know what to do. Your mind is racing, your body is aching, and you might find yourself in a state of shock. Wherever possible, it’s crucial to obtain the evidence you need.
Let’s look at why you need that evidence in the first place. It’s easier to start by putting a scenario in your mind. You’re driving down the road without a care in the world. Suddenly, someone speeds around the corner at a pace they can’t handle. They swerve and end up clipping the front of your car, sending you spinning. You get out to confront them, and they spout off about your reckless actions. Wait…this is their fault! Why are you getting the blame?!
It isn’t fair, but it happens all too regularly. In a case like this, they’re going to try and put the blame on you for their lawsuit or insurance claim. It’s up to you to gather as much evidence as you can to backup your statement. Then, you can take it to your insurers or look to companies like Harrington Law Group auto accident attorney to fight your case.
So, what you can do from an evidence perspective? Firstly, get a police officer to the scene. They can create a report including any evidence they can find while they’re there. You can take matters into your own hands by taking pictures. Make sure you write down everything at the scene so you can remember it later, too. Gather the details of the person who caused the crash — they’ll want yours as well. Also, medical bills should be documented as time goes on, perhaps through a journal or diary.
You might even find that more advanced sources of evidence are available on your part. If you’ve prepared ahead of time, a dashboard camera is a fantastic way of documenting proof. Check your camera to see if it picked up any crucial details. What about red light cameras? They might have captured the other person’s reckless driving, bolstering your case. Any 9-1-1 calls that were made directly after the crash can also be used as evidence in some cases.
If you haven’t got the necessary proof, it’s your word against theirs. This is where things get complicated, and you’ll need some excellent backing in order to come away with a victory. Both insurers and accident attorneys benefit from as much proof as possible to help you.
However, as important as evidence is, don’t lose sight of the fact that medical assistance takes precedence. Even in the case of minor injuries, you must get checked out. First and foremost, your health takes precedence. Don’t forget that.
