What Evidence Should You Preserve After a Serious Auto Accident?
If you have fallen victim to a serious auto accident, strong evidence can help corroborate your version of events. Over time, witnesses’ memories fade, and physical evidence deteriorates, so it is important that you get pertinent evidence as soon as possible after your crash. Fortunately, our Gettysburg car accident lawyers are here to assist you in evidence collection to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact and Insurance Information
Take down the names and contact information of the other drivers. Also, obtain their insurance information and vehicle registration, as this will make it easier to file your claim. In the chaos of the moment, our legal team recommends taking a picture of the other driver’s insurance card and vehicle registration.
Photos and Videos
Photographic evidence, such as vehicle damage from multiple angles, license plate numbers, road conditions, skid marks, and nearby landmarks, can provide crucial information. Video footage can provide further details on the speed of both vehicles upon impact, if either driver attempted to brake, and deeper insight into the wreck. If possible, take pictures of any visible injuries immediately after the crash, and of any bruising/swelling that appears over the following days.
Witness Statements
If you saw any bystanders or individuals who witnessed the crash, take down their names, phone numbers, and ask if they would be willing to provide a brief statement.
Police Report
Pennsylvania law requires you to contact the police if there are any injuries, fatalities, if the vehicle must be towed from the scene, or if you are involved in a hit-and-run. The responding officer will take down the details of the wreck, including the names of all drivers involved, the make/model/year of each vehicle, road and weather conditions, injuries, and who the officer believes is at fault. Be sure to get the officer’s name, badge number, and report number so you can request a copy of the report later on. If no officer responds to the scene, you have five days to self-report the incident to PennDOT.
Vehicle Repair Estimates
A vehicle repair estimate will detail parts, labor costs, and taxes for any proposed repair work. A claims adjuster may come in person to inspect the vehicle and evaluate the damage, although this can also be done by reviewing photos of the damage.
Medical Records
In a car accident case, medical records represent the bulk of damages. Collect and organize your medical records, including ER visits, follow-up appointments, treatment plans, prescribed medications, and medical imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds), and radiologist reports. Insurers often use gaps in treatment to argue injuries aren’t as serious, so be sure not to cancel any doctor’s visits. Also, follow your provider’s treatment plan to a tee so that the insurance company cannot argue that you contributed to your own injuries by failing to follow orders.
Pay Stubs/Income Records
Another part of personal injury damages is lost wages, which is best reflected through your income records. If you are claiming lost wages, insurance will ask you to submit pay stubs, including pre-accident and post-accident pay stubs. This will show what you earned prior to the crash. You may be asked to provide up to six months of pre-accident pay stubs to insurance to highlight your earning history. Along with this, you will include an employer verification letter confirming your job title, hourly rate or salary, and the amount of time you have missed from work due to the accident. Additionally, a claims adjuster may request W-2s, 1099s, and recent tax returns.
Pain/Symptom Journal
Physical injuries affect our emotional and mental wellness, making it important to track how they impact our daily life, sleep, and work. A pain/symptom journal can do just that by detailing mobility issues, new symptoms, and your mood for each day. Although these injuries do not impact your pocketbook, they are no less important and are reflected as non-economic damages. Many people underestimate non-economic damages, which is why our legal team is happy to assess your situation. By recovering full compensation for the extent of your injuries, you will have the financial resources you need to heal.
Speak with Our Gettysburg Car Accident Attorneys Today
A car accident can happen in a split second, causing physical, emotional, and financial damages. At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., we understand the uphill legal battle that you are currently facing. If you are ready to discuss your recovery options, help is available. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Gettysburg car accident lawyers, contact us online or by calling (717) 496-0070 today.