In a traffic accident, witness statements, pieces of evidence, and documentation are all important. As keys to resolving investigations, these factors aid in recovering physical and personal injury damages.
If you were involved in an auto accident, DMV.org advises you to take plenty of pictures to document the accident. Take photographs from different angles or perspectives. Include the interior of your car, the outer surfaces, and other elements surrounding the scene (e.g. potholes, road obstructions, faulty signs, etc.) Create a journal that details each photo after having them printed out.
“After snapping photos, take a few moments to record the events of the crash on paper. Details are important. If the case goes to court, there will be a lot of time ― usually months― between the crash and the trial, causing your memory to dim. Notes can help preserve accuracy.
Try, if you can, to record:
- The speed you were driving.
- The current road conditions (wet, dry, sun glare).
- Whether any other distractions came into play like pedestrians, adjusting the car radio or talking on a cell phone.
- Anything you overheard following the crash ― what the other driver may have said, or what witnesses shared.
Remember, no detail is too insignificant; record everything.”
Documentation becomes even more crucial in the case of accidents that result in physical injuries. Likewise, it is advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Orleans if you ever get harmed in a car crash in the city. Such a legal professional can help sort out the details of the case, obtain witness statements, and legally represent you during settlements or court hearings.
Statements made after the crash can play a large role in determining who is at fault. A driver who gets flustered and apologizes profusely can usually be relied on to reveal his/her mistakes, e.g. by not seeing your oncoming vehicle, a traffic sign, or a pothole. Bystanders may also affirm how a fast vehicle careened into the other, whether or not the other driver seemed intoxicated, etc. Lawyers can analyze these accounts to pinpoint where liability lies.
If you need to receive medical care and pay for treatment, your attorney can negotiate settlements with the involved insurers. An established New Orleans auto accident lawyer, such as someone from Lambert Zainey, can guide you on how to respond to insurance companies. Your lawyer can also determine if the settlements are enough to cover the costs of the damages incurred, as well as whether a lawsuit should be pursued.
(Source: How To Document Auto Accident Damage, DMV.org)