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During the aftermath of a car accident in Florida, it can be hard to know what to do. The steps you take immediately following a car crash are critical for gathering important evidence to support your personal injury claim. There are specific types of evidence you should gather from the accident scene and after you seek medical attention. Here are eight key types of evidence and documents to gather to strengthen your claim and protect your ability to recover compensation for your losses.
Police Reports
Immediately following your crash, call 911 so that the police will respond to the scene of your accident. The responding officers will conduct a preliminary investigation of your accident and write a report that will include the following important pieces of information:
- Names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of each involved driver
- Description of the vehicles, including makes, models, license plate numbers, and registration information
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Details of what happened
- Diagram of the accident
- Suspected injuries and the names of anyone who went to the hospital
- Officer’s determination of fault
- The officer’s name, badge number, and agency
- Information about property damage
- Names, statements, and contact information of witnesses
While police reports are generally not admissible in court, they can provide a roadmap for your attorney’s investigation. Ask the officer how to get a copy of the report, and make sure to follow through and obtain one.
Photographs
If you can, use your smartphone to photograph the accident scene. If your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask a friend to take them for you. Pictures are important because they show an impartial view of what happened. Take pictures of the damage to each vehicle, their positions, nearby intersections, traffic lights, stop signs, speed limit signs, tire skid marks, weather conditions, road conditions, and anything else that you think might be relevant. If you have apparent injuries, photograph them as well.
Witness Statements
Ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw your crash. Ask each witness to wait for the police and provide a statement. If they won’t, ask if they would be willing to let you record a statement about what they saw. The police report might also include contact information for any witnesses. Your attorney will want to contact them later to get their statements about what happened. Witnesses provide good support for accident claims since they are unbiased and neutral.
Medical Records
Once the officer releases you from the accident scene, seek medical attention immediately. If you are seriously injured, take an ambulance to the emergency department from the scene. Even if you are unsure whether you have been injured, you should still see a doctor immediately. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and failing to seek immediate medical care might prevent you from recovering compensation. Retain copies of your medical bills and receipts for any amounts paid. Ask your doctor for copies of your medical records, and make sure to follow the recommendations for any follow-up care.
Personal Log
Once the officer releases you from the accident scene, seek medical attention immediately. If you are seriously injured, take an ambulance to the emergency department from the scene. Even if you are unsure whether you have been injured, you should still see a doctor immediately. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and failing to seek immediate medical care might prevent you from recovering compensation. Retain copies of your medical bills and receipts for any amounts paid. Ask your doctor for copies of your medical records, and make sure to follow the recommendations for any follow-up care.
Wage Statements
If your injuries force you to miss work, get copies of your wage statements showing the time you had to miss work and any lost benefits.
Estimates for Vehicle Repairs
Keep all of the records for the damage caused to your vehicle, including repair estimates, rental receipts, and others. If you recently made improvements or added upgrades to your vehicle, save copies of those receipts as well to document the condition your car was in before your wreck.
Personal Items From the Crash
If your case ends up going to trial, you might be able to admit personal items from your crash to show the extent of your losses. Save the clothing you were wearing at the time of your accident in a sealed bag. Do not wash anything. Keep anything else that was damaged as potential evidence.
Contact Rush & Frisco
Following your car crash, you should consult an experienced attorney at the law firm of Rush & Frisco. Bring the evidence you have gathered to your appointment. We can review everything and help you understand your potential options. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at (352) 373-7566.
