Obtaining Accident-Scene Evidence

8 Mar, 2012

Taking the appropriate actions to collect evidence in the event of an accident can add significant value to your legal case

Once those in the accident are safe and any other dangers around the scene are extinguished, start collecting as much evidence as possible. While evidence collection is typically the last thing on your mind in the event of an accident, but in the event you need to take your case to court, having sufficient evidence will help you receive the appropriate compensation.

Taking clear and concise photos of the accident scene is one of the most important ways of collecting evidence. In order to accurately depict the scene of the accident, be sure to take pictures from a variety of angles and perspectives. There are a number of things to take photographs of that you may not initially take note of, but could be imperative in your legal case:

  • Road Conditions
  • Car and Property Damage
  • Tire markings
  • Road Debris
  • Injuries
  • And other evidence that seems relevant
Be sure to capture evidence that focuses on specific detail. General images of the entire accident scene are useful, but having detail-focused images are crucial for evidence building.  It is better to have too many photos, rather than not enough. Be thorough in your pictures, get multiple angles, take images of the surrounding scene, note the time of day, any road hazards present, and anything else that could contribute to the accident.

 

Occasionally, you may be unable to be enter the accident scene. In the event you are unable to gather your own evidence with vehicles still present, there are a number of other ways to gather information.

  • Traffic Cameras – Determine if any cameras may have gathered evidence on the accident
  • Tire Marks – Locked brake skid marks, yaw friction marks, and other scuffs.
  • Intersection Details – Intersection drawings, signal timing charts, maintenance logs, etc.
  • Emergency Response Records – Emergency personnel maintain event records that may have relevant information.
  • Towing Records – Often include general description and comments about the accident and involved parties.
  • Police Records – An official police report and police photographs should always be obtained.

After an accident, it is very useful to write down the events that you experienced in order to assess all the details that you can remember. Track any expenses, medical visits, and other consequences of the accident/an injury. Having this information readily available will make compensation easier down the road.

With enough evidence, accidents can be reconstructed and any events can be analyzed and quantified. The dynamics of the event based on physical evidence and medical professionals can provide insight into what forces are required to cause the trauma they treated.

A car accident lawyer can help get you any resources you need, obtain additional photographs and evidence, and offer legal advice. Be sure to consult your attorney before seeking out car repairs or other actions that may impact potential evidence.

For legal representation, contact The Law Office of Fred Schwartz.