Importance of Preserving Evidence in Car Crash Cases
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
A car crash can be a scary, expensive, and sometimes traumatic event. Especially if you or a loved one is hurt, you might have medical bills and be unable to work. Proof that the other driver or road damage caused your accident can immensely help your chances if you choose to take legal action.
There are a few things you can do to preserve evidence, win your case, and get the compensation you deserve.
No-Fault Insurance
In Michigan, the no-fault policy initially covers every car accident. Your no-fault insurance will cover you regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you believe the other driver was at fault or your accident was caused by negligence on behalf of the government, you might be able to sue for damages.
At the Accident Scene
There are a few simple steps you can take to preserve evidence in the aftermath of an accident.
- Exchange contact information: You’ll need the other driver’s insurance information, name, address, and phone number. Do this even for a small fender bender. You never know if a light bump on the head could result in a traumatic brain injury.
- Take pictures: Don’t just take pictures of your damaged vehicle. Photograph any other cars involved in the crash, road damage like potholes, skid marks, and dangerous weather conditions. If there are injuries, document them as much as possible.
- Use a dashcam: If you have a dashcam, don’t forget to remove it before towing your car. Upload the footage and save it in at least two places.
- Contact the police: In Michigan, legally, you must report a car accident involving over $1,000 in property damage or significant injury or death. A police report also serves as evidence that the accident occurred when you stated, and the police officers can act as witnesses.
In the Days Following
You can continue to collect and preserve evidence after the accident. If a pothole caused your crash, return to the scene and take measurements of the hole. Pictures are helpful, but measurements paint a clearer picture of how dangerous the pothole was.
You should also keep a detailed record of repair costs, medical appointments, medical bills, and any diagnoses you received. If any accident victims are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the crash, record their lost wages.
Work with a Lawyer
If you believe another driver caused your accident, you should consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible following the accident. Similarly to slip and fall cases, you will need to prove negligence on behalf of the other driver.
Call 866-MICH-LAW today to set up a confidential free consultation. When preparing for your consultation, bring all the evidence you have, including your photos, dashcam footage, medical bills, and vehicle repair costs.
At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. we have years of experience dealing with personal injury cases with excellent financial outcomes for the victims. Our seasoned auto accident attorneys can help you determine if you have enough evidence to go to court and what your expected settlement might be.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.