Ask any personal injury attorney what you should do after a car accident, and you will likely be advised to contact authorities, seek medical treatment, and, of course, gather evidence. But what evidence do you need to collect at the accident scene?
Property Damage
You may be entitled to compensation for property damage, but you have to be able to prove it exists with documentation. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the crash. Not only will this help you recover compensation for your damages, but it can also help an attorney reconstruct the accident to prove liability if necessary.
Injuries
Do you have any visible injuries? Make sure they are documented by taking pictures at the scene of the accident. It would also be helpful if you took more pictures in the days following the accident to show how your injuries have healed or worsened. This can be especially important with respect to bruises and swelling, which may not become visible until hours or even days after the accident. The next step is to keep an injury diary that details how your injuries are progressing and how you feel on a daily basis. Documenting your injuries in this way may be able to help you recover compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Medical Records
If you had to seek medical attention because of the injuries you sustained in a car accident, make sure to hold on to all of your medical records. Documents such as bills, lab results, and X-rays will strengthen your personal injury claim and should be handed over to your attorney as soon as possible following the accident.
Traffic Signs and Lights
Many accidents occur when a negligent driver fails to pay attention to a traffic sign or light. For example, a driver who does not stop at a red light could collide with another vehicle that is crossing the intersection. Try to take pictures of any traffic signs or lights that could have played a role in your accident. This will help paint a picture of the scene for your attorney, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and the jury if your case ends up going to trial.
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and catch you completely off-guard. You may be in shock immediately after a collision, but try to regain your composure and gather as much evidence as possible to ensure you have a fair chance at recovering the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Georgia personal injury attorney Frank Harris as soon as possible. Frank Harris is committed to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve to cover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact his office today by calling 678-483-8655 or sending an email to info@FrankHarrisLaw.com. You can also visit us online at www.FrankHarrisLaw.com.