If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident in Missouri, it’s best to present solid evidence to prove that you’re not at fault. Aside from obtaining a personal injury lawyer, you’ll need various documents to present as evidence if you want to claim compensation for damages after the accident.
Here are some documents to help you get compensation.
Police Report Or Police Records
After an accident, somebody at the scene will inform the police. The police officers will obtain the complaint and provide a preliminary opinion regarding the probable cause of the accident. Although this finding can later be changed with evidence that they may subsequently find, a police report is one way to establish who’s at fault for the accident. The police records will also help the victim for their settlement claims or when the case goes to trial.
Pictures Of The Accident
Car accident lawyers like the experts at Shea Kohl Law would advise taking as many pictures as you can of the scene, especially of the moments right after a vehicular accident. This kind of evidence is crucial in helping to determine who’s at fault.
In particular, remember to take the following types of pictures:
- Internal damages to your car
- External damages to both cars
- Lighting and weather conditions
- Signs or traffic lights in the area
- Position of the cars right after the accident
- Road conditions
- Other damages such as debris or skid marks on the road
- Your injuries, if any
Witness Statement
The testimony of a witness is an excellent car accident evidence, particularly if the witness isn’t related to you or someone you don’t know. Witnesses can give their unbiased accounts of what they saw, which can be helpful in proving your innocence.
If you sustained injuries during the accident, it might be difficult to talk to any witness. However, it would be best to obtain their contact information as soon as you can. Car accident lawyers can also help look for witnesses and obtain their testimonies. A passenger in your car during that time could also serve as a witness.
CCTV Or Video Footage
A video or closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage is probably the most valuable kind of car accident evidence you can use. This evidence can best provide an accurate representation of what really happened at that time.
Getting CCTV footage, however, may not be easy. First, it should be identified whether any footage exists at all; if you find any, you need to identify to whom it belongs. Then, you should ensure that the owner of the footage won’t delete or destroy it. Finally, you must access the footage if you’ll use it as evidence in your lawsuit.
Thankfully, most business establishments put up cameras within their properties to help monitor crimes. Thus, it’s best to check with the nearest establishments within the area if they have footage during the time of the accident. If the accident happened near an intersection, the traffic control cameras might have recorded the accident, too. Sometimes, private individuals also catch accidents using their smartphone cameras. Your lawyer could also help you look for prospective sources of footage to present as evidence for your case.
Medical Records
A medical record can be used to prove that a person looked for medical treatment after the accident. This information includes the kind of treatment that the person received. You can also use your medical records in applying for claims with the help of a car accident lawyer. Your medical records will help prove if you have underlying medical conditions that were aggravated by the accident.
Data From EDR
Almost all or 96% of new cars sold from 2013 onwards are equipped with a ‘black box‘ similar to those in airplanes. An automotive black box is technically called ‘Event Data Recorder’ or EDR. Commercial vehicles such as large trucks also come with an EDR. If you’re looking to file claims to your vehicle accident, this data will be useful.
This part of a vehicle records crucial information, including the following:
- Engine speed
- Steering angles
- Vehicle speed
- Seatbelt use
- Brake application
- Airbag deployment
If you’re involved in a collision, the EDR data from the affected vehicles will be obtained to provide information on what happened that led to the accident. For instance, the data can help prove that one of the cars was over speeding during the time of the accident.
Final Thoughts
It’s horrifying to be involved in a car accident, especially if you sustained injuries. Whether you’re planning to apply for an insurance claim or take the case to court, gathering evidence related to your car accident is essential. With the help of a car accident lawyer, you should recover compensation successfully or prove the other party at fault.
