What Evidence Should You Collect Immediately after a Crash?
In the aftermath of a traffic crash, it’s not unusual to be at a complete loss. While every situation is unique, your top priority should be safety. Only if you’re not seriously injured and can should you concern yourself with collecting evidence. If you can do so, however, some important forms of evidence are worth gathering, and that can bolster your claim. Turn to our experienced traffic accident attorneys at John Price Law for the help you need.
Prioritize Safety
Before you consider gathering evidence regarding the other driver’s negligence, it’s important to put your own safety and the safety of others on the road first. This means pulling your vehicle as far out of traffic as you can, calling 911, assessing your own condition, and providing any aid to anyone who has been injured that you can.
If you’ve already attended to these matters and you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, you can begin to collect relevant evidence. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that you’re likely experiencing some level of shock, which can mask a significant amount of pain and other signs of injury. If you’re offered emergency care and transportation at the scene of the accident, it’s in your best interest to accept it.
Evidence Most Likely to Play a Key Role
Every traffic crash claim follows its own course, but the kinds of evidence that often make a big difference in outcome include all the following:
- The other driver’s contact information, driver’s license number, and details regarding their car insurance
- Physical evidence, which can include how the vehicles landed in relation to each other, the transfer of paint from one vehicle to the other, and skid marks on the road
- The damage each vehicle sustains
- The police report and any tickets issued
- Eyewitness testimony that addresses how the accident happened
- Any relevant photos and videos captured by bystanders and the occupants of other vehicles that stop at the scene
- Photos of your injuries
- Documentation regarding the spot where the accident happened, which adds context and may become increasingly important as your claim progresses
Keep in Mind that Technology is on Your Side
We have reached the point that anyone who witnesses a traffic accident is far more likely to have a smartphone on them than not. Further, many people keep these video cameras in their hands most of the time, and most are ready, willing, and able to help document accidents. This is in addition to the proliferation of security cameras, dashcams, and traffic cameras throughout South Carolina and the nation. In other words, even if you can’t gather all the evidence you’d like to, there is a good chance that someone else will.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Accident Lawyers Today
Our dedicated Charleston traffic accident attorneys at John Price Law have a solid track record for successfully championing our clients’ rights, and we’d like to do the same for you. For more information about how we can help, contact us online or call 843-552-6011 today.