A car accident can change your life in the matter of an instant. The actions a victim takes following the incident can define how well they recover. What steps can a victim take to help maximize their compensation to protect their recovery?
The cost of a car accident is staggering. Each year, accidents result in more than 380 million dollars alone in direct medical costs. Other costs of accidents include property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Evidence is a crucial tool in ensuring compensation; here is what you can do to collect it:
Call the police
If no one received serious injuries, you should still call the police. Officers create a police report that is an unbiased piece of evidence that provides thorough detail to the nature of the accident.
Collect driver information
Even if the other driver is cooperating with you, be sure to collect valuable information like their license plate, driver’s license, first and last name, and contact information.
Witness testimony
If anyone saw the accident happen, record their testimony, and gather their contact information. Memories can diminish over time, which makes it crucial to record their statements as soon as possible.
Record the scene
Take long and thorough videos and plenty of photos of the accident. This evidence can help you better explain your side of things, and also prove what happened.
Safety first
When you collect this information, make sure you are safe from further injury and have not sustained any life-threatening injuries. While gathering evidence is important, do not put your health at risk to do so. If you cannot safely collect some or any evidence, an experienced attorney can help you obtain the information you need.