A car accident, even a minor one, leaves you rattled. If you’re like most people, the last thing on your mind is gathering the evidence you will need to get paid for your injuries. But the evidence you gather on the scene and over the next few hours, days, and even months, can make all the difference in recovering the full compensation you deserve or being left footing the bill for injuries that could affect you for the rest of your life. Serious car accident injuries can come with unimaginable lifetime costs and you may never be able to earn a living, or earn at your pre-injury level, again.
At the Scene of the Accident
You probably know to get basic information such as the name, license plate number, and insurance information, from the other driver. You may not think of getting names and contact information for all witnesses and to take photos of everything. Photos should include:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Identifying photos of vehicles involved, including license plates and any identifying features
- Skid marks, damaged guardrails, any other damages objects
- Anything that might be relevant such as stop signs or warning signs, signs that are obscured, road damage, objects obscuring visibility
Record the names and badge numbers of officers and other first responders who arrive on the scene.
After the Dust Settles
Gathering evidence doesn’t end when you leave the scene of the accident. You need to keep all of your medical records, receipts for any related expense, and you should get copies of any reports such as the police and ambulance reports. If you have receipts from throughout your day before you were in the accident, hold on to those too, they may be important depending on the circumstances in your case and what the defense may be trying to come up with to use against you.
Be sure to write down anything you can remember about the accident and the events leading up to the accident as soon as you are able, while your memory is still fresh.
If you have been injured in a Maryland car accident, please call Alison Mason Heurich, Esq. at 240-346-4883 today or email us right away to schedule your free consultation.
Alison Mason Heurich, Esq., Senior Attorney